Trade Links to Drive Jordanian Development

The ongoing efforts of both the government and private industry to expand the global profile of Jordan's small but well-established drug industry have played a central role in recent sector development. The country is already a leading exporter to much of the Middle East, with generics accounting for some 90% of local spending.

In the later half of 2004, officials held talks with representatives of drug interests from countries including Romania, Algeria and Brazil. Government discussions with the Romanian and Algerian governments have been broad based, covering issues on an industry wide level. Both recent meetings have focused on developing trade relations between the countries, in particular investment opportunities. The Jordan Investments Board and the Jordan Chamber of Commerce have met with leading Romanian parliamentary figures, while the Jordanian-Algerian Committee has recently met for the sixth time in Algeria.

With regards to talks with the Brazilian government, discussion has specifically concerned healthcare matters. The Jordanian Minister of Health recently met the Brazilian ambassador to Jordan concerning co-operation between the two countries, particularly in the field of primary healthcare and the exchange of expertise in medical fields. In general, the nature of such wide-ranging discussions reflects the keenness of the Jordanian government both to attract foreign investment and expand the scope of its industries.