Jordan’s 151 pharmaceutical establishments expand global reach to 80 countries

Dr. Fadi Al-Atrash, representative of the Curative Industries and Medical Supplies Sector at the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI), stated that the Kingdom has now positioned itself among the world’s most advanced countries in pharmaceutical and medical supplies manufacturing, with its products expanding from the local market to international platforms.

Dr. Atrash emphasized that the sector enjoys strong support and attention from His Majesty King Abdullah II, which has provided it with the necessary foundation for development, modernization, and investment attraction. As a result, Jordanian products have gained global recognition for their high quality and competitiveness.

He noted that the sector comprises 151 industrial establishments with a registered capital of JD 385 million, employing around 10,000 people directly and indirectly. Jordanians make up 95 percent of the workforce, and women represent 35 percent of all employees. The industry exports to around 80 countries worldwide.

Atrash explained that the sector has seen significant progress over recent years, offering high-quality products that are well accepted both locally and internationally, thanks to innovation and the ongoing efforts of industrial institutions.

The sector includes a wide range of products such as medical and therapeutic materials, pharmaceuticals, veterinary products, dental supplies, therapeutic preparations, medical disinfectants, laboratory reagents, medical devices, nutritional supplements, and vitamins.

He also highlighted the sector’s interconnected relationship with various medical institutions in the Kingdom, including hospitals, laboratories, medical analysis centers, specialized centers, and pharmacies.

According to Atrash, the sector contributes about 4 percent to the national GDP and accounts for 11 percent of the total output of the manufacturing sector, with 51 percent of its production classified as value-added.

He pointed out that Jordanian pharmaceutical products have received quality certifications and export approvals, and their expansion into global markets has positively influenced the growth of related industries such as packaging, engineering, energy services, and information technology.

Atrash added that the sector has achieved remarkable progress in terms of production, exports, and technological advancement. Over the past 25 years, the sector’s total annual output has grown to approximately JD 1.62 billion.

The industry is composed of three main sub-sectors: human pharmaceuticals, veterinary pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies. Human pharmaceuticals represent 85 percent of the sector’s total activity.

He also noted that the sector’s exports have doubled over the past ten years, reaching JD 612 million last year, a 15 percent increase compared to 2023. Key export markets include Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Algeria, and the United States.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Dr. Atrash emphasized that there are real opportunities for export growth, especially in light of the Economic Modernization Vision (EMV), which outlines key pillars for supporting the sector and boosting its contribution to the national economy.

He noted that Jordan has wide export opportunities across various industries, with the therapeutic and medical supplies sector topping the list, offering an estimated USD 515 million in potential export value to global markets.

Dr. Atrash also praised the role of the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) in supporting and developing the pharmaceutical industry through the implementation of modern systems and regulations that have helped elevate the sector’s standards.