Jeddah, January 14, 2025 – In a significant meeting aimed at fostering collaboration between the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the private sector, Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, the CEO of the SFDA, met with key officials and representatives from various sectors, including food, drug, medical devices, and medical products, in the Western Region. The meeting, held on Monday at the headquarters of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), also saw the participation of JCCI Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mohammed Yousuf Naghi.
The primary focus of the gathering was to explore opportunities for enhancing joint cooperation, enabling investment, and addressing the challenges and prospects within the SFDA's scope of operations. This platform allowed private sector stakeholders to present their observations, challenges, and ideas, creating a constructive dialogue aimed at refining SFDA services and improving the overall quality of products in the market. The discussions also underscored the importance of building stronger, more effective partnerships between the SFDA and the private sector to achieve mutual objectives.
Dr. Aljadhey opened the discussion by stressing the critical importance of improving product quality within the Saudi market to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers. He reaffirmed the SFDA’s dedication to supporting investment within the regulatory framework, leveraging its resources and expertise while upholding stringent laws designed to safeguard public health. "Our mission is to ensure that every product entering the market meets the highest safety standards," said Dr. Aljadhey, emphasizing the importance of adhering to quality regulations to protect public health.
A key point raised during the meeting was the role of the private sector in driving self-regulation. Dr. Aljadhey urged private sector companies to take proactive measures in ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of their products, in alignment with SFDA regulations. He emphasized that such self-regulation would contribute significantly to the broader governmental efforts to elevate safety standards and consumer trust in the products available in the marketplace.
In his remarks, Dr. Aljadhey also highlighted the invaluable role the private sector plays in achieving the overarching goal of public safety. He reiterated that strict adherence to quality standards and SFDA regulations is not just a legal requirement but a shared responsibility to ensure the public's well-being. Collaboration and joint initiatives, he pointed out, are key to successfully advancing national objectives related to food and drug safety, as well as in enhancing the regulatory environment to meet global standards.
Private sector representatives expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the SFDA and voiced their support for the initiative. They emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between government and industry to address challenges and seize opportunities for growth and development. Several inquiries and suggestions were raised during the meeting, touching on various aspects of regulatory processes, compliance, and market dynamics. Dr. Aljadhey and SFDA officials addressed each concern thoroughly, providing insights from their areas of expertise and ensuring that all feedback was taken into account to refine policies and procedures.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with all parties acknowledging the importance of sustained collaboration in achieving shared goals. As the SFDA continues to work closely with the private sector, it is clear that these engagements are critical to improving the overall landscape of food and drug safety in Saudi Arabia, ensuring a safer, more sustainable market for both consumers and industry stakeholders alike.
This initiative marks another step forward in the SFDA’s efforts to enhance the regulatory environment, drive investment, and uphold the highest standards of public health protection, paving the way for a stronger, more efficient partnership between the public and private sectors.
