France / Certain G7 nations must lift export ban on COVID vaccine ingredients for India: Macron

Paris: France President Emmanuel Macron on Friday urged 'certain' G7 nations to lift the export ban on raw materials necessary to produce COVID-19 vaccines to India. Before suggesting that it will help in the production of vaccines for the poorest countries, Macron hoped an agreement will be reached among nations at G7 Summit in this regard.

During an address ahead of the G7 Summit, the French president highlighted the export bans by several G7 member countries which have blocked production in other countries and sometimes blocked production in middle-income countries which is essential for the production of vaccines for the poorest countries.

"I will take just one example, India."

"India, in particular Serum Institute of India (SII), has been blocked by export restrictions on ingredients needed to produce vaccines from certain G7 economies. Restrictions must be lifted so India can produce more for itself and quickly supply Africans in particular, who are dependent on its production," he stressed.

Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France has decided to put on the table with South Africa for this G7 Summit a proposal that allows them to work on time-and space-limited exemption of this intellectual property.

"We defend fair remuneration of innovation and the respect of intellectual property," he added.

Before expressing optimism regarding an agreement in this regard at the G7 Summit, the France president iterated that it is an initial proposal from India and South Africa that we have worked on, that we still want to work on with the WHO, the WTO and all our partners.

"In this context, and to complete my response on this subject, we are also defending in the short term the idea that the donation of vaccines by States should be complemented by a donation of vaccines by pharmaceutical laboratories," said Macron concluding his speech.

It should be noted that the US, a G7 member nation, had imposed an export ban of critical raw materials needed to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines mainly due to an Act that forces American companies to prioritise domestic consumption.

The US had ramped up the production of COVID-19 vaccines mostly by Pfizer and Moderna to meet the goal of vaccinating its entire population by July 4.

The suppliers of its raw materials, which is in high demand globally and sought after by major Indian manufacturers, are being forced to provide it only for domestic manufacturers in the US.