Saudi Arabia's Mining and Pharmaceutical cooperation with Jordan is set to progress following a visit by Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef.
During his trip to Jordan, which began on May 21, Alkhorayef met with the chairman of the Arab Mining Co., Mohammed Ahmed Al-Shehhi.
The statement from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources revealed that Saudi Arabia exported SR7.6 billion ($2 billion) worth of goods to Jordan in 2023, with imports totaling SR7.5 billion.
Saudi Arabia's exports consisted mainly of food products, petrochemicals and polymers, construction materials, while imports included commodities and medical drugs.
Saudi Arabia has invested $3.4 billion in
vaccines and biologics to ensure the consistent availability of pharmaceutical products and establish itself as a drug supply hub.
During a recent visit, Saudi and Jordanian officials discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the mining sector and develop mineral resources in both countries.
The text describes a meeting between a minister and officials from Jordanian mining companies, including Jordan Phosphate Mines Co. and Arab Potash Co. The minister discussed potential collaboration opportunities in extracting and producing phosphorus compounds and specialized fertilizers between Jordan and Saudi Arabia, due to Saudi Arabia's significant reserves.
The parties also reviewed the progress of a memorandum of understanding between Arab Potash Co. and the Saudi Arabian Mining Co. to enhance cooperation in this sector.
During a trip to Amman, Alkhorayef, the chairman of the Saudi Arabian General Chemicals Industries Company, met with Tareq Darwazeh, the chairman of the Jordanian Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers.
They discussed ways to increase cooperation in pharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing between their countries, utilizing each other's advanced expertise and capabilities.
Alkhorayef also visited several Jordanian pharmaceutical factories and companies, where he held meetings with senior officials to explore opportunities for collaboration, exchange experiences in localizing the pharmaceutical industry, and attract investments in this sector.
The Saudi Arabian Minister of Investment toured MS Pharma's sterile injectables factory in Jordan and Hikma Pharmaceuticals, including their facilities in Al-Bayader and virtually in Portugal and the US.
He met with Jordanian investors and businesspeople at the Saudi embassy to discuss cooperation in trade and investments, particularly in the mining and industry sectors.
The visits highlight Saudi Arabia's dedication to attracting quality investments in pharmaceuticals and healthcare while facilitating exports to international markets.
The minister is also scheduled to meet with Jordan's Prime Minister and other ministers during his visit.
The Saudi minister is scheduled to meet with the Minister of Investment, Khuloud Al-Saqqaf, as well as investors and heads of private sector companies, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).