Senior officials from India and Egypt have held a round of talks and are set to meet again at a conference later this month as India sees Egypt as a gateway to North Africa for its pharmaceutical exports, and The African nation wants to leverage to strengthen Indian businesses. Its API industry and production of domestic drugs.
However, they have to overcome a challenge: India is not currently among the countries approved by the Egyptian authorities for good manufacturing practices.
Recently, officials from both countries met to discuss pharmaceutical trade, regulatory cooperation, AYUSH, and partnership for pharmaceutical education and research. India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals has sought comments from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) and the Ministry of AYUSH to take this forward.
“India is the top import partner for formulations for South Africa. Egypt aspires to be the center of supply of vaccines, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment to the domestic market as well as to other African countries. They are looking forward to attracting Indian pharma companies to see Egypt as a manufacturing base catering to African and regional markets for drugs, serums and vaccines. Egypt follows the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) model of registration, and India is not among the 22 reference countries accepted by the Egyptian authorities,” said a person familiar with the matter.
In the first meeting of the India-Egypt Joint Working Group held in March, it was decided that India would share its best practices in terms of drug trade, AYUSH, pharma research, regulatory cooperation, education and investment. “This entire collaboration is beneficial for India in terms of licensing and diversifying its global supply chain,” the official said.
Dr Sondos Mohamed Moshtohari, International Cooperation Officer- President of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), led the Egyptian team, while the Indian delegation was led by senior officials from the Department of Pharmaceuticals and its key partners.
“The relevant agenda points have been put forward by each individual. We have sought comments from our various stakeholders like CDSCO, NIPER and Ministry of AYUSH,” the official said, adding that the upcoming “Africa Health Excon” meeting on June 5-7 will play an important role in building strong bilateral ties.
India was Egypt’s fifth largest trading partner during April-September 2021. It was the largest importer of Egyptian goods and at the same time the seventh largest exporter of Egyptian goods.
“Because we follow the Atmanirbhar strategy in India, everyone wants reliable and diversified sources. Therefore, Egypt is looking at India as an important partner to boost its pharmaceutical industry.”
Questions emailed to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and the Embassy of Egypt remained unanswered till press time.