Prof. Ahmed El-Kased, President of Menoufia University, received Dr. Alfat Ghorab, Chairperson of the Arab Company for Pharmaceutical Industries and Medical Supplies (ACDIMA), in the presence of Prof. Sobhy Sharaf, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Nasser Abdel-Bary, Vice President for Education and Students Affairs; and Prof. Haitham Meimoun, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy. The meeting came within the framework of Menoufia University’s commitment to strengthening its role as a center of expertise and linking scientific research with industry. Discussions focused on establishing a strategic partnership and outlining the terms of a cooperation agreement between Menoufia University and ACDIMA to support the pharmaceutical industry and serve sustainable development goals.

Prof. El-Kased emphasized that Menoufia University plays a pivotal role in supporting applied scientific research by directing its academic and scientific capabilities toward addressing real challenges facing various industrial sectors, and by strengthening partnerships with productive institutions in a manner that contributes to sustainable development.

He explained that the University is keen to link scientific research to labor market needs, encourage innovation, facilitate technology transfer and localization, and support research projects that provide practical, applicable solutions, in line with Egypt Vision 2030 in the fields of economic development and human capital building.

Prof. El-Kased also highlighted the significant progress currently witnessed in Egypt’s pharmaceutical and medical supplies sector, with a focus on enhancing local production and reducing reliance on imports, particularly in light of the strong interest and continuous support of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for this vital sector. He noted that this support includes developing the pharmaceutical industry’s infrastructure and stimulating research and innovation, thereby strengthening the regional and international standing of Egyptian pharmaceuticals and advancing sustainable development objectives.

For her part, Dr. Alfat Ghorab reviewed the establishment and history of ACDIMA, noting that the company was founded in the 1970s as one of the leading Arab entities in the pharmaceutical industry, with the aim of supporting and localizing drug manufacturing and enhancing Arab cooperation in this vital field. She highlighted the significant development witnessed by the company and its subsidiaries, and their role in providing safe and effective medicines in accordance with the highest international quality standards.

She affirmed that since its establishment, ACDIMA has experienced substantial growth in investments and affiliated companies, becoming an umbrella for a number of pharmaceutical and medical supplies companies. The group plays an active role in providing high-quality medicines, supporting scientific research and innovation, and building human capacities.

Dr. Ghorab stressed that ACDIMA is keen on cooperating with universities and scientific research centers as essential partners in developing the pharmaceutical industry and preparing qualified cadres capable of keeping pace with scientific and technological advancements in this field.

The two sides discussed avenues of cooperation in pharmaceutical industries, including training students from relevant faculties such as Pharmacy, Science, and Engineering at ACDIMA-affiliated companies and factories. This cooperation aims to enhance students’ practical skills, bridge the gap between academic study and industry requirements, and strengthen the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application.

The meeting also addressed ways to reduce dependence on imports, support the localization of pharmaceutical manufacturing, and improve the competitiveness of local products, thereby enhancing the reputation of Egyptian medicine and supporting the national economy.

Both parties further agreed to organize a field visit to ACDIMA Group, involving a delegation from the Faculty of Pharmacy, faculty members, and teaching assistants, to review production lines and operational mechanisms within the group’s companies and factories. This step aims to strengthen university–industry collaboration, enable academic staff to contribute to solving real industrial challenges, and encourage the innovation of new and effective pharmaceutical formulations.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on continued coordination between both sides to finalize the terms of the cooperation agreement, in preparation for its official signing in the near future, in a manner that serves mutual interests and enhances integration between the University and the industrial sector.