RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is seeking to localize the veterinary vaccine and drug industry as one of the key priorities of the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program according to the program’s general supervisor of the biotechnology initiative, who spoke to Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper.
Mishal Al-Shathi explained during the Future of Veterinary Biotechnology conference that animal vaccines impact food security, given that 75 percent of animal diseases can be transmitted to humans; therefore, localizing the industry has become essential.
The general supervisor of the biotechnology initiative indicated that several agreements were signed on the sidelines of the conference with a number of pharmaceutical companies specializing in the veterinary field, to empower, develop, and localize their operations.
He added that the program, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, has also launched opportunities to localize the production of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines.
The conference also witnessed the launch of the Veterinary Biotech Park project, the first global city specializing in veterinary biotechnology.
Developed in the Dhurma Governorate of the Riyadh region; it will serve as a national hub for all regions of the Kingdom and a platform extending its services to the Gulf countries, the Middle East, Africa, and ultimately, global markets.
The Biotech Park project includes a laboratory, a research center, and an integrated industrial complex. It will attract leading international companies specializing in the development and localization of vaccines and veterinary products, in addition to regional headquarters for global companies. This will form an integrated system linking research and development with biotechnology manufacturing.
The project aims to transform research outputs into commercially viable products through advanced infrastructure, transferring and localizing modern technologies.
This will contribute to raising the efficiency of the health and livestock system, improving productivity, reducing economic losses, and supporting supply chains through high-quality national products and advanced diagnostic solutions that enhance preparedness and rapid response.
The launch of this project aligns with the Kingdom’s strategy to strengthen vital sectors, build an innovation- and knowledge-based economy, support health and food security, and increase self-sufficiency.
This is being done in conjunction with attracting high-quality investments and localizing advanced bio-industries, thereby enhancing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for bio-industries, in accordance with the goals of Vision 2030.
The project is directly linked to the strategies of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture aimed at developing the livestock sector and enhancing veterinary health security. It contributes to improving the efficiency of the animal health system, supporting the sector’s sustainability, and increasing self-sufficiency.
