RIYADH: In a significant development for achieving Vision 2030, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, has launched the National Biotechnology Strategy, to enhance the Kingdom’s position as a leader in the area, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
According to the SPA, the strategy is a key enabler that will boost national health resilience and promote growth in the fast-growing biotechnology sector.
A document in this regard was released that outlines the vision for what is possible with the power of biotechnology and the steps that will be taken to harness its true potential.
Unleashing Saudi Arabia's Potential, HRH the Crown Prince Launches National Biotechnology Strategy to Establish the Kingdom as a Global Biotech Hub.https://t.co/mkP9TI20ZV#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/OygUI0ax9D
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) January 25, 2024
The National Biotechnology Strategy helps to address challenges and seize opportunities in a rapidly growing sector, offering a roadmap for becoming a global leader in biotechnology by the year 2040. The strategy enhances the health and overall well-being of the citizens of Saudi Arabia. It helped to stimulating economic growth, attracting investments and creating skilled job opportunities.
The SPA maintained that the National Biotechnology Strategy will build on Saudi Arabia’s existing strength to advance its capabilities across four strategic plays: vaccines, bio-manufacturing and localization, genomics, and plant optimization.
Saudi Arabia committed to developing innovative vaccine technologies
The Kingdom knows the importance of vaccines and is committed to developing innovative vaccine technologies. The strategy also focuses to enhance Saudi Arabi’s self-sufficiency and ensure timely access to vaccines for its nationals.
Biomanufacturing and Localization play a key role in driving the strategy forward, as the Kingdom aims to establish itself as the primary biotechnology hub in the MENA region.
Developing advanced biopharma manufacturing abilities and setting up a cutting-edge local end-to-end bio-manufacturing platform are crucial measures.
The strategy focuses on enhancing the health and well-being of #Saudi citizens, stimulating economic growth, creating skilled job opportunities, and attracting investments to foster new industries, all while promoting a sustainable environment and contributing to #Vision_2030.
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) January 25, 2024
The National Biotechnology Strategy also contributes to enhancing food security and sustainable agricultural productivity through plant optimization. It also aims to reduce reliance on food imports and enhance domestic production, ensuring a more sustainable and self-sufficient food supply.
The evolution of biotechnology ecosystem in Saudi Arabia will be enabled by a set of measures that systematically address barriers across talent, regulation, funding, and infrastructure.
The strategy marks a major milestone for Saudi Arabia in becoming a major player in the regional and global biotechnology sector. It would help to contribute 3% of non-oil real GDP by 2040. Saudi Arabia under the strategy will also establish a leading biotechnology hub that drives economic growth, innovation and job creation.
