UNDER THE HIGH PATRONAGE of THE ALGERIAN MINISTER OF HEALTH, POPULATION AND HOSPITAL REFORM ANNOUNCEMENT OF PARTNERSHIP FOR THE CREATION OF "ASTRAZENECA AL DJAZAIR"

( Please note the PRESS RELEASE HAs been translated from French to English)

UNDER THE HIGH PATRONAGE of THE ALGERIAN MINISTER OF HEALTH, POPULATION AND HOSPITAL REFORM ANNOUNCEMENT OF PARTNERSHIP FOR THE CREATION OF "ASTRAZENECA AL DJAZAIR" 

Algiers, June 2, 2015. Under the patronage of the Algerian Minister of Health, Population and Hospital Reform Mr. Abdelmalek Boudiaf, a partnership has been concluded between AstraZeneca, a global innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company that operates in over 100 countries which innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide, and the two Algerian companies "AHT Health SARL of SALHI group" represented by Mr. Karim Achour, CEO and " Hasnaoui Finance SARL Group " represented by Mrs. Feriel Hasnaoui, Vice President.

This partnership consists on the creation of a joint venture "AstraZeneca Al Djazair" under the Algerian law to build a new production unit in Algeria. This commitment, which will generate investments and skilled jobs, is part of the Algerian government strategy to modernize and develop the pharmaceutical sector of the country. The new facility would formulate for the Algerian healthcare community AstraZeneca medicines from multiple therapy areas: Cardiovascular Diseases, Gastroenterology, Oncology, and Diabetes.

The health policy in Algeria allows fair access to care and treatment to all the Algerian population, which is a singularity in Middle East and Africa, Algeria is the only country across this region to have an universal healthcare access programme that covers nearly all population. This is important for not only doctors but especially for patients. The economical stability, the open dialogue, the partnering opportunities allowed  AstraZeneca to provide better local infrastructures by investing and implementing in Algeria the regional office for AstraZeneca North West Africa.

"It is in that context that we will accelerate the implementation of our local production and technology transfer in Algeria, as well as participating in the creation of skilled jobs for Algerian workers. 

AstraZeneca set grounds in Algeria in 2007 with a small team and today has almost 180 employees.

2015 sees the creation of the "AstraZeneca Al Djazair entity" within the 51/49 Algerian law, which long term aim will be the construction of an industrial project that meets international standards with a significant portfolio of innovative medicines".  Said Habib Bennaceur, AstraZeneca North West Africa President.

With the importance of investment reaching US $ 125 million and creating around 104 direct jobs and 231 indirect jobs, AstraZeneca local production will bring a real transfer of technology and know-how in Algeria.

This partnership demonstrates that AstraZeneca has in Algeria a long-term commitment and vision, to participate in improving the health of Algerian patients and the availability of high quality and innovative medicines.

Ends