Between Turkey and the Gulf countries to improve cooperation in the field of pharmaceuticals "Turkey - GCC Pharmaceutical Cooperation Meeting" was held.

For improving cooperation in the field of pharmaceuticals between Turkey and the GCC Countries, the third “Turkey - GCC Pharmaceutical Cooperation Meetings” was held on 30 January 2014 in Istanbul with the participation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Turkey (İEİS), Turkey Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

More than 20 official authorities from GCC and GCC member countries, as well as official company representatives were attended to the meeting of which the opening speeches were done by TİTCK President Dr. Saim Kerman and GCC Health Department Director Mohsin M. Aldossari. Needs to be done for improving cooperation between Turkey and the GCC countries, simplification and shortening of pharmaceuticals registration process were evaluated at the meeting which is considered as continuation of meetings held in Istanbul and Riyadh.

Turkey provides about 1,3% of imports of these countries which import 6.3 billion dollars valued pharmaceuticals.  Establishment of cooperation between the GCC and Turkey is expected to rise export rates to the GCC countries.

IEIS continues its operations for making Turkey one of the world’s major manufacturers and exporters of pharmaceuticals. The export-import ratio of the pharmaceuticals  is 18% today and it is aimed to rise it to the level 80% by targeting to reach the European Union, the Balkans, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Gulf countries and the Middle East and Africa markets.

The GCC countries consist of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Oman, ensuring coordination and integration among member countries; economic, commercial, financial, health, education, customs, communication and culture activities in the field in order to avoid similar legislation continues to practice.