TEHRAN – Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarkandi announced the country’s readiness to attract foreign investment in the pharmaceutical industry.
Iran welcomes constructive cooperation in this regard by providing the necessary infrastructure and a large market, IRNA quoted Zafarkandi as saying.
The official made the remarks while speaking at a conference titled “Investing in Health: A Bridge to Regional Prosperity” held on the sidelines of the 8th Global Health Exhibition, to be held from October 27 to 30 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Saudi Arabia.
Highlighting Iran’s capabilities in the pharmaceutical industry, Foreign Minister Zafarkandi said, “Today, Iran is a major pharmaceutical manufacturer in the region and is able to meet most of its needs through domestic production, from generic drugs to biotechnology and biosimilar products.”
The official added that high production capacity, innovative leadership in cell therapy and biopharmaceuticals, specialized human resources, adherence to global quality standards and competitive prices are among the outstanding features of health products manufactured in the country.
“Our goal is to strengthen cooperation through establishing joint ventures in research, development and production, sharing complex generic and biopharmaceutical technologies, and developing resilient regional supply chains for active pharmaceutical ingredients,” he further stated.
Generic drugs are drugs that are biologically identical to branded drugs but are sold under a chemical or generic name, Zafarkandi said.
The Health Minister emphasized the importance of fostering relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, saying, “Let us leverage the scientific capabilities, financial resources and prospects of both countries to become a regional power in the field of health and build a healthier future for our people.”
global health exhibition
A delegation of senior executives from the pharmaceutical and medical device industry, led by Mr. Zafarkandi, is participating in the 8th Global Health Exhibition.
The 2025 exhibition will be held under the theme of “Investing in Health” and will include over 2,000 regional and global brands, pavilions from 20 countries, and 500 global speakers, according to Mehr News.
The event, which is one of the most prominent medical events in the region, will be an excellent opportunity for the Ministry of Health to promote science and technology relations with regional countries and international organizations, hold meetings with counterparts and explain Iran’s achievements in the medical and medical devices, medical technology and medical fields, as well as explore avenues for joint investments and sharing of expertise.
The exhibition will showcase the next generation of healthcare innovation, digital transformation, medical technology, investment opportunities and clinical excellence, bringing together global leaders across the public and private sectors to foster dialogue and action on the future of care.
This focuses on digital health services and remote care, artificial intelligence in healthcare, emerging infectious disease control strategies, and securing the region’s pharmaceutical and medical device supply chains.
Digital Health Forum, Leaders Summit, Investor Venture Forum are some of the events held alongside the exhibition.
MT/MG