• Home
• /
• Business

Novartis sustains double-digit growth

DUBAI - Novartis, one of the leaders in pharmaceuticals and consumer health, sustained double-digit growth in sales and operating income last year. The company yesterday announced this year the development of local talent and partnerships would form the core of its growth strategy in the region. Novartis, has been involved in discussions with Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) and participates in the Mohammed bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development in the UAE.

Novartis, based in Switzerland, hosted a major meeting of over 320 Middle East and African associates at a meeting in Dubai, where the company laid out a roadmap for development in the region over the coming year. In the year, 2002 the Group's businesses achieved sales of $20.9 billion and a net income of $4.7 billion.

Stewart Fairbairn, general manager, Novartis, said: "Partnership and the development of local talent have made a strong contribution to our growth and development as a company, and ensure that we make a positive impact upon the communities where we operate."

The healthcare leader has built its presence in the region through an innovation-focused strategy and strong relationships with local partners. One of the company's stated goals for 2004 is to extend support for programmes that develop national talent across the Middle East.

"Working in cooperation with programs like the Mohammed bin Rashid Programme contributes to our success because it ensures that Novartis works with the best people in a deep pool of potential talent in the region. For the Middle East to thrive as a healthcare hub, it needs to nurture and develop the next generation of potential leaders, and we're delighted to support initiatives that contribute to this process," concluded Fairbairn.