South Korean Embassy Hosts Korean-Lebanese Forum on Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics

Under the patronage of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Lebanon successfully hosted the Korean-Lebanese Forum on Pharmaceuticals and Korean Cosmetics.

The forum was organized in partnership with the Korean Trade-Investment Promotion Agency and supported by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of the Republic of Korea alongside the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. It brought together government officials, industry associations, pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare institutions, distributors, and representatives from the cosmetics sector of both countries.

This event took place at a critical moment in bilateral relations, following the recent decision by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health to recognize the Republic of Korea as a reference country for pharmaceuticals. This important development reflects Lebanon's confidence in Korea's internationally recognized regulatory standards, scientific excellence, and commitment to ensuring the highest levels of quality, safety, and efficacy in pharmaceutical products.

In his opening remarks, His Excellency Mr. Gyu-suk Jeon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Lebanon, welcomed the participants and highlighted the growing momentum in Korean-Lebanese cooperation across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and Korean cosmetics.

The ambassador stated, "Based on the Korean SHINE initiative for the Middle East, which promotes cooperation through the principles of Stability, Harmony, Innovation, Network, and Education, we will continue to strengthen partnerships centered on innovation and human welfare that contribute to the well-being and prosperity of our peoples."

The forum also included congratulatory speeches from His Excellency Dr. Rakan Nasser Al-Din, Lebanese Minister of Public Health, represented by Dr. Colette Raidi, Head of the Pharmacy Department at the Ministry of Public Health, and from Her Excellency Dr. Yoo Kyung Oh, Minister of Food and Drug Safety of the Republic of Korea.

Minister Rakan Nasser Al-Din remarked, "Today's forum highlights promising opportunities in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, particularly in innovation, manufacturing, and market expansion. We encourage stakeholders in both countries to explore practical cooperation opportunities and long-term partnerships."

Minister Yoo Kyung Oh expressed, "I extend my sincere thanks to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health for adopting the Republic of Korea as a reference country for pharmaceuticals. I hope this important decision will serve as a catalyst to expand practical partnerships between the Korean and Lebanese pharmaceutical industries, enhance regulatory cooperation, and facilitate market access between our countries."

The forum featured presentations by senior officials and experts from both nations. Dr. Colette Raidi, Director of the Pharmacy Department at the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, reviewed the background and benefits of Lebanon's recent decision to adopt the Republic of Korea as a pharmaceutical reference country. Ms. Hee Ran Jang, Director of Regulatory Secretariat and International Cooperation at the Korean Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Biopharmaceuticals, provided an overview of Korea's pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors and the latest trends in global market expansion.

The event gathered 15 Korean companies and 20 Lebanese companies representing pharmaceuticals, healthcare, medical devices, biotechnology, and cosmetics sectors, providing a platform for direct communication and building commercial partnerships. The forum included a series of presentations and discussions focusing on regulatory cooperation, pharmaceutical market access possibilities, and opportunities for collaboration between the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries of Korea and Lebanon.

During the forum, Korean companies showcased their latest products and technologies in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, medical aesthetics, and Korean cosmetics. Lebanese companies shared insights about local market conditions, registration procedures, distribution channels, and consumer trends.

A networking session enabled direct interaction between Korean and Lebanese companies, facilitating discussions on distribution opportunities, technological partnerships, product registration, market entry strategies, and prospects for future commercial cooperation. Participants expressed strong interest in expanding bilateral cooperation and strengthening trade relations in healthcare and cosmetics sectors.

Following Lebanon's recent decision to adopt the Republic of Korea as a pharmaceutical reference country, the Korean Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that facilitate regulatory cooperation, enhance commercial partnerships, and promote innovation-driven growth. The embassy will continue working closely with relevant public and private sector entities in both countries to advance mutually beneficial cooperation in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biotechnology, and Korean cosmetics.