As part of a UN facilitated initiative, a delegation of 10 major Chinese pharmaceutical and medical supplies companies has visited Ethiopia from October 20-21, 2015, in searching for joint ventures with Ethiopian companies to manufacture drugs.

The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products and UNAIDS China has arranged the meeting between the delegation and high Ethiopian government officials, including the Arkebe Oqubay (PHD), Prime Minister’s Advisor.

Besides the meeting, the delegates have paid a visit to different industrial parks in Ethiopia. According to Xu Ming, Head of the delegation and vice President of China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products, the visit targets at determining the feasibility of setting up manufacturing plants in Ethiopia.

Chinese potential investment in Ethiopia will be actualized in three phases. As for the first phase, the companies will produce basic essential drugs, like drugs for cancer for local market. There will be a production of various products and export market in the second phase. During the final phase, there will be knowledge transfer from Chinese to Ethiopian companies to assist the local pharma industry, said Xu Ming.

There was no stipulated time as to the commencement of the investment in Ethiopia, but it will be ‘very quickly’, Catherine Sozi (MD), Director at the UNAIDS China said. The delegation, following their visit in Ethiopia, it will have an internal review meeting to pass a decision.

Source: Addis Fortune