The Industry and Commerce Ministry has affirmed that the Industrial Sector Strategy (2022-2026) includes pharmaceutical manufacturing among its key target industries.
It pointed out that Bahrain currently hosts two pharmaceutical factories within the Bahrain International Investment Park in Salman Industrial City.
In response to a parliamentary proposal to establish a specialised industrial zone for pharmaceutical production, the ministry stated that it is working to enhance the infrastructure of industrial areas to meet the requirements of investors across all sectors, including pharmaceuticals.
It highlighted that, in co-ordination with other relevant entities, it is implementing a series of infrastructure projects in these areas – notably the development of infrastructure in the east of Salman Industrial City, which covers the second phase of the Bahrain International Investment Park and the United States Trade Zone.
The projects also include upgrading wastewater facilities in Salman Industrial City, improving sewage networks in the Al Mazra and Allahsi industrial areas, and maintaining roads in several industrial zones.
The ministry emphasised its co-operation with all authorities concerned to showcase Bahrain’s advanced capabilities and readiness to attract both local and international industrial investment. It reaffirmed its support for the pharmaceutical sector and its commitment to providing adequate land for related projects as demand grows, ensuring the sector’s sustainability, competitiveness, and continued attractiveness to investors – whether within ministry-supervised industrial zones or in other designated locations
Meanwhile, the Economic Development Board (EDB) underlined the pivotal role of the pharmaceutical industry in strengthening national drug security. The EDB noted that the sector contributes to stimulating related industries such as chemicals, packaging and logistics; boosting exports; attracting local and foreign investments; and helping develop workforce skills in research and development – thereby driving innovation and technological advancement.
The EDB added that, in collaboration with partners from both the public and private sectors, it is conducting studies on investment opportunities and incentives in the pharmaceutical sector. It further stressed the importance of providing affordable industrial land, allocated by the Industry and Commerce Ministry based on investor requirements, and offering companies multiple options for their investments instead of restricting them to a single location.
The Bahrain Pharmacists Society described the establishment of a dedicated pharmaceutical industrial zone as a promising initiative that would enhance local drug production, create new employment opportunities for Bahraini pharmacists, and open new markets for pharmaceutical exports.
&uuid=(email))