Secretary General of the Union of Arab Chambers, Dr. Khaled Hanafi, confirmed during the activities of the First Arab-Hellenic Health Conference, which was held in Athens - Greece during the period 22-23 May, in the presence of a massive official presence from the Arab and Greek sides, who were led by the guest of honor, Minister of Health of the Greek Republic, Adonis Giorgiadis. In addition to Arab and Greek investors in the field of health care, that the value of Greek exports of medical products to Arab countries in 2022 amounted to approximately 200 million euros, while the value of Arab exports of medical products to Greece in 2022 increased by 15% from 2021.
The Secretary-General explained that Greek companies have invested in healthcare projects in some Arab countries, such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia. While some Arab countries have pumped investments into the Greek healthcare sector, especially in the field of medical tourism. In addition, many agreements were signed between Arab and Greek universities to exchange students, professors and scientific research programs. Joint conferences and workshops are also regularly held on topics related to public health.
He noted that Greece provided humanitarian aid to Arab countries in emergency situations, such as natural disasters and wars. This aid included medicines, medical equipment, and specialized medical teams.
He said that in light of this reality, this conference represents an important milestone in strengthening close relations between the Arab world and Greece in a vital sector: health care. In this field, the Arab-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce has consistently demonstrated that our region has a rich history of cooperation, especially in the field of striving for scientific progress. For centuries, the Arab world and Greece have been pioneers in the field of medicine and pharmacy, contributing significantly to the development of global health and making invaluable contributions to medicine and pharmaceutical industries, which have shaped the features of these two fields to this day.
He considered that today, as we face unprecedented challenges, including the repercussions of epidemics and ongoing global tensions that have affected our economies and health systems, it has become extremely important to renew our commitment to cooperation and joint growth. This represents a unique opportunity for the Arab world and Greece because we have the necessary resources: skilled minds, natural resources, and strategic geographic proximity. By joining forces, we can advance our cooperation in all aspects of healthcare, from drug development and cutting-edge research to hospital modernization and knowledge exchange. This conference represents an ideal platform to explore these possibilities, discuss ways to enhance our cooperation in the pharmaceutical industry, enhance research partnerships, and ensure good practices effective in hospital procurement. In addition to exchanging experiences, transferring knowledge, and celebrating successful stories that pave the way for a brighter future in the field of Arab-Greek health care.
Dr. Khaled Hanafi stressed that the Federation of Arab Chambers of Commerce firmly believes in the enormous potential of this partnership and we are confident that the discussions that will take place during this conference will be both useful and constructive. I encourage everyone to actively participate, share their experiences, and build new relationships in order to make this the beginning of a new era of cooperation in the healthcare sector, an era that builds on our common history and opens the way to a better health future for both the Arab world and Greece.
Source (Union of Arab Chambers)
