French Healthcare Association in Saudi Arabia to strengthen business cooperations in the health sector  

In its continuous efforts to strengthen strategic bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia in the health sector, French Healthcare Association and MEDEF International have teamed up to organise a 2 days business mission in Saudi Arabia, focused around the Kingdom’s priorities, ambitions and strategies for the upcoming years regarding the privatization of the health system, and the involvement opportunities for French companies in their ambitious health development projects.

This Saudi-French Business Council was led by Laurent GERMAIN, Chairman of the France-Saudi Arabia Business Council at MEDEF International & CEO at Egis, Jean-Patrick LAJONCHERE, French Export Unifier for Health at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Johanna LERFEL, Executive Director at French Healthcare Association, with the presence of Olivier BECHT, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, with the participation of the heads of the Saudi-French Business Council, and representatives of the private sector and companies from both countries.

This event aimed to develop economic cooperation, promote exchanges between French and Saudi companies and establish new partnerships between our two countries in health, a priority sector of the Franco-Saudi strategic partnership launched in 2020.

The representatives from both counties discussed medical cooperation and available investment opportunities in the healthcare sector. France has a recognized expertise for innovation and excellence across several specialties, especially in digital health and telemedicine, health financing, medical imaging and biology services, oncology, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, aging, mental health, genetics and rare diseases, according to Olivier BECHT, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness.

The business mission in Saudi Arabia allowed over 30 French companies participating to introduce their solutions and technologies, giving insights into French expertise and innovations in healthcare. 

The Saudi Ministry of Investment provided an overview of the health sector in the Kingdom, priorities, cooperation opportunities, and the regulatory framework for French companies.

National Privatization Center & PPP (NCP) and its team in charge of the health sector presented its main objectives in the health field and the ways of achieving them.

The Saudi Health Council discussed the ambitions and strategies for the coming years regarding the privatization of the health system, e-health as well as the localization of vaccine and medicine production, and the relevance of French expertise on these topics. The National Guard Health Affairs also stressed the relevance of French partners and ambitions.

NUPCO, the National Unified Procurement Company, addressed the project of a major procurement regarding pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and supplies and the possibilities of involvement for the French companies active in the field.

During the last collective meeting, the Royal Commission for AlUla introduced upcoming projects in the health fiedl and how French compagnies can work with the RCU.

A roundtable was also held with the aim to discuss of promising investment opportunities, advancing investment relations between the two countries. Both sides underlined the importance of the Saudi-French economic and investment relations, and the support they enjoy from the leadership in the two countries.

“The main goal of my visit is to strengthen our economic and commercial partnerships, (as well as cooperation) in the health sector. I am delighted that a strong delegation of companies from the sector, led by the French Healthcare Association, is accompanying me on this visit,” said Olivier BECHT.
“Our companies recognize the economic attractiveness of the Kingdom, and I am sure that in 2023 many of them will take the leap and settle there,” he added.