Saudi Industry Minister Discusses Localization of Medical Device Manufacturing with Global Firms in Belgium

13/02/2026 06:41 AST

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef held talks in Brussels on Thursday with Pfizer Global President of Emerging Markets Nick Lagunowich and a number of the company's leaders to discuss ways to boost industrial cooperation and explore opportunities to localize pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing in Saudi Arabia.

The meeting addressed areas of cooperation, the exchange of expertise, and the transfer of advanced technologies for the manufacturing of vaccines and biopharmaceuticals to the Kingdom, as well as boosting integration into pharmaceutical supply chains and developing joint investments in high-quality projects that support the Kingdom's drug security objectives.

Alkhorayef toured Pfizer's manufacturing units in Brussels, where he was briefed on the company's operations, key investments, and operational tracks in the pharmaceutical and vaccine industry. Factory officials highlighted its pivotal role in producing vaccines and biopharmaceuticals globally and stressed their interest in transferring similar technologies to the planned factory in the Kingdom.

Alkhorayef also met with the president of Agfa HealthCare to discuss opportunities for cooperation in the manufacturing of medical devices and advanced industrial solutions.

He toured the company's industrial facilities, reviewing its efforts to develop medical device solutions, digital health data management systems, and the latest radiology technologies, as well as its capabilities in producing specialty chemicals and green hydrogen membranes.

These meetings and field visits are part of the Alkhorayef's official visit to Belgium and aim to bolster economic partnerships, attract high-quality investments, and transfer advanced technologies in the pharmaceutical and medical industries in line with the objectives of the National Industrial Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.

Saudi Gazette