Bahrain eyes specialized pharma zone to boost local production

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain could soon host a specialized pharmaceutical manufacturing zone if Parliament backs a proposal scheduled for debate on Tuesday. The motion, supported by the Finance Committee, aims to boost large-scale medicines production through a package of incentives and advantages.

The proposal was tabled by Ahmed Al Salloom, Basema Mubarak, Mamdouh Al Saleh, Khalid Buanaq, and Mohammed Al Maarifi. “Achieving pharmaceutical security has become a basic pillar of policy. Raising local manufacturing capacity helps countries respond faster to epidemics or global supply shortages,” said Al Salloom.

According to the supporting memorandum, the zone is intended to increase self-sufficiency, reduce the risk of shortages, attract investment and research, train national cadres, expand exports, and create direct and indirect jobs.

The Economic Development Board (EDB) said pharmaceuticals can boost related sectors— chemicals, packaging, and transport—while increasing exports and attracting local and foreign investment. Working with public and private partners, the EDB offers incentives such as lowcost industrial land, allocated via the Ministry of Industry and Commerce based on company needs, and prefers giving firms multiple siting options rather than restricting investment to a single area.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce noted that its Industrial Sector Strategy 2022–2026, part of the Economic Recovery Plan, already targets pharmaceuticals. Two drug plants operate in the Bahrain International Investment Park at Salman Industrial City, and infrastructure upgrades across other estates aim to meet growing demand. The ministry supports allocating space for related projects as interest rises. Health authorities—including the Supreme Council of Health, Ministry of Health, and NHRA— emphasized that establishing industrial and investment zones falls under other competent authorities.

The Bahrain Pharmacists Society welcomed the plan, highlighting benefits such as stronger domestic output, new roles for Bahraini pharmacists, export opportunities, and increased healthcare investment. It noted rising regional demand, ageing populations, growth in biologics, and opportunities in competitively priced generics. The society recommended a full cost study covering capital, operating, and research costs, and added that local production could cut import bills, improve the trade balance, and, with proper training, quality standards, and environmental practices, yield broader benefits.

It also stressed the NHRA’s role in facilitating partnerships and technology transfer.