AstraZeneca says some manufacturing steps moved to Saudi Arabia 3 years ago

AstraZeneca vaccine

Sameh ElFangary, Head of GCC region at AstraZeneca, said that the global COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer kicked off a plan three years ago to move some manufacturing steps to Saudi Arabia, along with investing in the related local infrastructure.

In an interview with Al-Arabiya TV, ElFangary said that the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) will boost production cycle, as the company plans to reach 75% of its total products that fulfil the needs of citizens by 2025.

AstraZeneca has ambitious plans for the Kingdom, which include establishing a platform for scientific research and clinical trials in Riyadh, specialized in bio-technology and exploring new innovative treatments.

The company is currently focused on local content, following which Saudi Arabia will become a distribution hub for the entire region, ElFangary added.

According to data compiled by Argaam, AstraZeneca recently signed an MoU the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs (MNG-HA).