The necessity of expanding the use of marine products in the pharmaceutical industry – Algerian Dialogue

Participants in the analysis of the potential of marine biotechnology in Algeria confirmed that the studies carried out by specialists in this field are very advanced, as they noted the growing interest in the pharmaceutical and semi-pharmaceutical industry, noting that Algeria is a large market awaiting investment in this field, given the length of the Algerian coast, which Exceeding 1600 km

The participants confirmed during the forum organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Pharmaceutical Production within the framework of the Blue Economy Program in Algeria, which was hosted by the Legacy Hotel in Hydra, yesterday, that this sector, which has witnessed great interest from the owners of emerging enterprises, through products, especially those related to cosmetics and supplements. Food, and foods for pregnant women, but they remain just attempts that have not yet progressed, because major industrial institutions need marine products in a great way, and they came back to say that despite this, such industries can That they will witness development in the future in light of the political will and accompaniment of the relevant ministries, in addition to the great interest of young people investing in marine fishing and aquaculture.

Today in Algiers, the Blue Economy, Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme, funded by the European Union in Algeria for the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, presented diagnostic results on the potential for developing marine biotechnology in Algeria. The diagnosis provides an integrated analysis of the potential of this emerging sector in Algeria, including practical recommendations aimed at responding to the specific needs to support scientific research and support innovative companies in this field.

The diagnosis focused on the theoretical framework for defining marine biotechnologies, and the value chain associated with them, while analyzing the reality of “blue biotechnology” in Algeria. It also reviewed the international experience and relevant standards, and developed a detailed map of the main players in the sector in Algeria, in addition to adopting a SWOT analysis (to identify strengths, weaknesses, and available opportunities), with a special focus on algae production and valorization of fishing waste.

With the aim of developing marine biotechnology in Algeria, this meeting, according to its organizers, shed light on the promising opportunities for valuing marine biological resources in the sectors of cosmetics, food industries, and pharmaceutical products. It also identified the main players in this promising sector, including universities, research centers, business incubators, financial institutions, and biotechnology companies, outlining the roles of each of them in promoting this field.

The recommendations presented also include improving the legal and regulatory framework for the sector, enhancing cooperation between scientific research and the economic sector, supporting technology transfer, in addition to developing the skills and capabilities of actors, and supporting innovative companies.

Overview of the Blue Economy, Fishing and Aquaculture programme

The Blue Economy, Fishing and Aquaculture programme, funded by the European Union in Algeria, aims to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of coastal communities and strategic sectors, while supporting job creation in the areas of the blue economy, by focusing mainly on supporting the fishing and aquaculture sectors. .

The program allows these sectors to fully integrate their activities into a vision for the sustainable development of the maritime and coastal capital of Algeria, thus contributing to meeting the needs of diversifying the Algerian economy, while preserving the marine environment and ensuring sustainable management of fish stocks. Regional actors, including public services, private sector actors and civil society, are also closely involved in these efforts. Positive initiatives are also being implemented aimed at enhancing women’s participation in the sector and/or facilitating their access to professions related to the blue economy. The program pays special attention to the fishing and aquaculture sector, as it is a major sector available throughout the country’s coastal strip, and is capable of uniting the efforts of various actors in the field of the blue economy to achieve a common goal, which is to enhance economic opportunities for coastal communities, and the rational use of resources while preserving the environment. . The various consultation and governance mechanisms that will be developed under the program at the national and regional levels reflect this comprehensive approach, bringing together different sectors and multiple actors.

The Ministry in charge of Fisheries is the main beneficiary of the programme, along with other partner ministries, such as the Ministry of the Interior, Local Authorities and Territorial Development, the Ministry of the Environment and Quality of Life, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Vocational Training and Education, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as well as the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and Emerging Enterprises. Micro-enterprises, which are considered indirect beneficiaries of the program.

The program also directs its activities to benefit professionals in the marine fishing and fishing products sectors, professional organizations, civil society associations and women’s groups. It also targets regional actors from the public and private sectors, in addition to students and researchers, who are considered among the most targeted groups within the framework of this program.