Dr. Allan Pamba, GlaxoSmithKline’s Vice-President, Pharmaceuticals, East Africa and Government Affairs, Africa, said on Thursday that GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) considered Ethiopia as one of the strategic countries in Africa for its growth and investment plans.
He disclosed that GSK had completed its investment plans to set up a pharmaceuticals factory in Ethiopia and partner with Addis Ababa University in the areas of pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and healthcare delivery.
Meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Yinager Dessie, Dr Pamba said that Ethiopia’s economic momentum had encouraged GSK to set up a pharmaceuticals factory in the country.
He emphasized that GSK was keen to position Ethiopia as a pharmaceutical supply hub for East Africa. Dr Yinager Dessie, who welcomed GSK’s commitment to set up a pharmaceuticals factory, noted that GSK’s interest in pharmaceutical production complemented Ethiopia’s priority interest in developing the manufacturing sector.
Dr Yinager said Ethiopia was keen to help GSK better the health and well-being of the people of the country. The two sides agreed to set up a joint technical team to discuss any problems and possible solutions in order to translate GSK’s investment plans into reality.