KAZAKH INVEST at "Investments in the future: contract production of innovative drugs" Press Conference
On September 26 this year, Astana hosted a "Investments in the future: Contract production of innovative drugs" press conference, which included Ewa Polano, Swedish Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Beth McKendrick, Director of Trade and Investment at the British Embassy in Kazakhstan, Maria Shipuleva, AstraZeneca Director in Kazakhstan, and Dinara Issabekova, Industry Executive of the Task Force Department at JSC "NC "KAZAKH INVEST."
At the event, representatives of AstraZeneca confirmed plans for investments in contract production in Kazakhstan in the amount of 7 billion tenge in the coming years and also presented interim results on the implementation of an investment project to organize contract production at a local site.
As part of the previously concluded long-term agreement, AstraZeneca intends to establish contract production of several innovative drugs in Kazakhstan through technology transfer, ensuring full compliance with the requirements of good manufacturing practice (GMP). The company has already conducted an audit of the production site and purchased the necessary equipment. According to AstraZeneca's plans, the first drugs will be delivered to the Kazakhstani market in 2025.
In turn, D. Issabekova confirmed the Republic of Kazakhstan's desire to take a firm position in the international arena as a reliable partner for the world leaders of the pharmaceutical society, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in cooperation with KAZAKH INVEST, actively contributes to the implementation of major international projects, including those of big Pharmaceutical companies.
"International practice shows that pharmaceutical giants are beginning to enter new markets through contract manufacturing, most often starting with the secondary packaging of products. This is a proven path to long-term cooperation and the gradual development of deeper production capacities. For our part, I would like to note that we not only support the implementation of projects but also actively help solve problematic issues that companies face at the stage of implementing their projects. Our cooperation with BigPharma is aimed at ensuring long-term partnership and successful development of their activities in Kazakhstan," D. Issabekova stressed.
The Project Manager noted the productive results of the Government's long-term work. Thus, the world's largest pharmaceutical companies are starting to work in the Kazakhstan market not only as suppliers, but also as manufacturers, opening up new horizons for innovation, localization of high-tech production and job creation.
