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The USAID-funded Competitive Armenian Private Sector (CAPS) Project and the Medicine Producers and Importers Union jointly with the Armenian Ministry of Health, Ministry of Economy and Scientific Center of Drug and Medical Technology Expertise will host the “Armenian Pharmaceutical Competitiveness - Third International Conference” on November 16 at the Armenia Marriott Hotel.

The event will present achievements of Armenia’s pharmaceutical industry since the first conference in 2008, discuss the process of introducing international standards and enhancing training courses, as well as lay the foundation for cooperation among industry stakeholders and attract foreign partners.

While the former conference focused on the impact of the global financial crisis on the industry, the event this year will highlight the process of introducing EU standards and the required legislative framework, as well as export possibilities for local products to CIS markets and the need for industry reforms among other vital issues related to local pharmaceutical production. Participation is anticipated to include local and international specialists and representatives of Medicine Regulatory Agencies from various countries.

USAID/CAPS Chief of Party Artak Ghazaryan, attaches great importance to the adoption of international standards. “Armenian medicine producers have already started the process of introducing GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards - an imperative in today’s global market. However, there is a pressing need for the establishment of a corresponding legislative framework to reach adequate levels of competitiveness. It is impossible to offer medicines to the European market and, starting from 2014, even CIS countries, without these standards being in place. Hence, GMP certification is the permit to enter the global market for our local pharmaceutical producers,” he said, stressing that the standards are also important domestically to ensure consumers’ awareness that local products comply with international manufacturing practices - from quality standards to factory conditions and documentation.

The conference will host the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Healthcare of the National Assembly Ara Babloyan, Minister of Health Harutyun Kushkyan, Minister of Economy Nerses Yeritsyan, USAID/Armenia Mission Director Jatinder Cheema, other officials and over 150 representatives of pharmaceutical producers, relevant state and international organizations, educational institutions, NGOs and business associations.