Brussels: Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef engaged in strategic discussions with Pfizer executives, including Global President of Emerging Markets Nick Lagunowich, during his official visit to Belgium. The discussions focused on enhancing industrial cooperation and exploring opportunities to localize pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing in Saudi Arabia.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the meeting delved into areas of cooperation, expertise exchange, and the transfer of advanced technologies for vaccine and biopharmaceutical manufacturing to Saudi Arabia. The discussions also highlighted the importance of integrating into pharmaceutical supply chains and developing joint investments in high-quality projects to support the Kingdom's drug security objectives.
During his visit, Alkhorayef toured Pfizer's manufacturing facilities in Brussels, where he was briefed on the company's operations, key investments, and operational tracks in the pharmaceutical and vaccine industry. Pfizer officials emphasized their global role in vaccine and biopharmaceutical production and expressed interest in transferring similar technologies to a planned facility in Saudi Arabia.
In addition, Alkhorayef met with the president of Agfa HealthCare to discuss potential cooperation in manufacturing medical devices and advanced industrial solutions. He also visited Agfa's industrial facilities to review their development of medical device solutions, digital health data management systems, and radiology technologies, as well as their capabilities in producing specialty chemicals and green hydrogen membranes.
These engagements and site visits are part of the minister's official tour of Belgium aimed at enhancing economic partnerships, attracting high-quality investments, and transferring advanced technologies in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, aligning with the objectives of the National Industrial Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.