Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Program for the Development of the Livestock and Fisheries Sector, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, the Program signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French company CEVA Santé Animale. The agreement aims to localize the vaccine industry, transfer technology and technical expertise, and expand the commercial industrial production of veterinary vaccines across all regions of the Kingdom.

Strategic Commercial and Technical Cooperation

According to the MoU, both parties will work towards achieving high efficiency in Mass Production Scale-Up and establishing a clear path for sustainable commercial operation. This initiative is designed to meet the needs of the local and national markets while enhancing the biosecurity and food security framework in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

Advanced Technologies and R&D

The memorandum includes the development and updating of mRNA vaccine technologies, alongside joint research and development for a Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) vaccine for camels. This involves the design, evaluation, and development of specialized vaccines to combat the virus. Furthermore, the cooperation covers the development of rabies vaccines and related solutions, supporting national efforts to control the disease through vaccine provision, capacity building, and the implementation of integrated prevention strategies.

Economic Impact and Investment

The collaboration aims to address the needs of the Saudi poultry vaccine market, currently valued at approximately SAR 750 million. CEVA is expected to cover about 30% of this market, with an initial investment of nearly SAR 250 million in its first phase. With ongoing government support and rising production levels, the market is projected to grow by over 10% annually, reaching approximately SAR 1.25 billion by 2030.

Biotech Park: A Global Hub

The joining of the world’s leading poultry vaccine manufacturer to the Biotech Park underscores the vital role of the National Program in developing new industries within the livestock and fisheries sector. This partnership facilitates the building of international alliances with global companies, research centers, and universities to support advanced biotechnology industries, attract qualitative investments, and establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for life sciences.

CEVA is the first international partner to join the Biotech Park located in Dharma Governorate. This park is the world's first specialized and integrated veterinary biotechnology city, serving as a reference center for the Middle East, Africa, and global markets.

Localization and Quality Standards

The MoU focuses on localizing the veterinary vaccine industry to ensure compatibility with disease strains prevalent in the Kingdom. This includes the transfer of technology and technical expertise from CEVA, as well as the implementation of specialized training programs to ensure manufacturing facilities comply with international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.