USAID supports Jordanian Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers to hold USP 4th annual meeting in Jordan

The Forum, under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Health, was attended by Dr Moh'd Rawashdeh, Director, Jordan Food and Drug Association. The interactive forum attended by over 100 professionals, will discuss new directions and standards that affect the pharmaceutical industry and provided participants with an opportunity to understand USP work.

The Forum is envisaged to improve and enhance performance of pharmaceutical products and drugs substance both for export and in country of use, relative to requirements of regulated markets (Europe and US) and those of the less regulated ones. International pharmaceutical standard-setting topics of interest engaged industry scientists in attendance and enabled the sector to obtain information on a range of topics. Seven international speakers along with three Jordanian scientists participated in the discussions of the Forum.

The USAID Jordan's Economic Development Program works to improve the competitiveness of the Pharmaceutical sector as one of the potential drivers of economic growth in Jordan, due to its being the second largest contributor to Jordan's economy. This export-driven industry employs more than 8,000 persons, and exports around 70 - 80% of its production which protects the country's balance of payment.

Ms Hanan Sboul, General Secretary to JAPM, said:

"JAPM has been successful for the fourth year running to attract the USP meetings and holding them in Jordan. This year we optimized our efforts to enable a science-based dialogue on core compendia topics—documentary standards to take place and contribute towards an improved pharmaceutical testing and quality of the Pharmaceutical Industry in Jordan."

In line with its mission to develop Jordanian pharmaceutical industry into world class competitive standards, JAPM a non- profit association has a member base of almost all pharmaceutical companies in Jordan. Established in 1996 as a dedicated sector-specific association, the JAPM is the representative body of the unanimity of manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and medical appliances which is one of the key sectors of the Jordanian economy that provides the market with quality, safe and effective pharmaceuticals at affordable prices for millions of people worldwide.

The USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (Sabeq) is a five year broad economic development initiative implemented by Bearing Point, Inc. and includes a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms. By both supporting improvements in the business environment and providing assistance to expand innovation and productivity in Jordanian businesses, Sabeq supports the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.