Jakarta (Indonesia Window) - Indonesian pharmaceutical state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are collaborating with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) company in the technology sector on the mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesian SOEs Minister Erick Thohir stated at a virtual press conference from the UAE on Saturday (Aug 22).

He explained that the two state-owned companies, Kimia Farma and Indofarma, had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a United Arab Emirates company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Group42 (G42) Health Care Al Holding Rsc Ltd.

The MoU highlights the application of laser-based COVID-19 detection tools in Indonesia, an agreement on the capacity and development of vaccine production, pharmaceuticals, and extensive cooperation in the field of health services, including research and vaccine distribution.

In addition to the health sector, Erick said the Indonesian government has also made cooperation in the food and energy sectors which are prioritized in face of changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the MoU with Group G42, Kimia Farma will focus on developing vaccine, including that for the COVID-19 and other pharmaceutical products, health services, research and clinical tests, as well as marketing and distribution of the vaccine.

Meanwhile, Indofarma will collaborate with G42 in procuring test kits with laser technology to help trace people infected with the COVID-19.

According to him, the Indonesian pharmaceutical industry is not only able to meet the national needs, but also to be a good partner in strengthening the vaccine production for foreign markets.

The cooperation between the two countries would last in a long term, Erick pointed out.

G42 along with Kimia Farma and Indofarma will conduct joint researches, transfer technology, and explore joint markets for vaccine products for the Middle East and African regions.

Reporting by Indonesia Window