PRESIDENT TUDJMAN OPENS NEW PHARMACEUTICAL PLANT NEAR ZAGREB

( Editorial: --> 8135 ) SAVSKI MAROF, Sept 4 (Hina) - The opening of a new plant for the production of azitromicine is testimony that Pliva is continuing its successful business both in Croatian economy and on an international level, Croatian President Franjo Tudjman said on Friday. Tudjman was speaking at the opening of pharmaceutical giant Pliva's new plant in Savski Marof near Zagreb. With an annual production of 200 tonnes, the new plant for azitromicine, a wide-range anti-biotic, will cover the global need for the drug. About US$84 million were invested in the new plant, making this investment the biggest since Croatia achieved independence. Works on the plant began in 1995, largely financed by Pliva, with US$63 million, and in part by loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Zagrebacka bank. "What Pliva has achieved is testimpony to the abilities of the Croatian people, but also to the vitality of Croatian economy which, despite all it suffered in the Serbian aggression, found the strength to continue its development, and make Pliva achieve results which rank among the highest in the world pharmaceutical industry", said President Tudjman. Speaking about cooperation with the world, Tudjman emphasised it should be based on achievement and equality. According to the head of Pliva's management, Zeljko Covic, the azitromicine plant is one of the most state-of-the-art of its kind in the world and one of the founding stones for Pliva's progress in the next century. Production could soon reach 100 million dollars, Covic said, adding Pliva was the only company in this part of Europe with its own brand medicine. Azitromicine was patented in 1980. A licensing agreement with Pfizer, one of the most eminent pharmaceutical companies in the world, was signed in 1986. Production of azitromicine began in 1988. Pliva has been distributing it under tha name Sumamed, while in western Europe, the United States and China Pfizer has been selling it under the name Zithromax. Announcing two new Pliva investments, a plant for finished medicine in Zagreb and a research institute, Covic said they would provide new jobs for young experts. Pliva's international cooperation and the success of business abroad was discussed by EBRD director and member of Pliva's Supervisory Committee Lindsay M. Forbes and the vice-president of the American Pfizer Group Hugh O'Connor. They expressed satisfaction with cooperation to date, saying they were willing to provide further support for the realisation of Pliva's plans. Today's opening of the new plant was also attended by members of the Croatian government, headed by Premier Zlatko Matesa, Tudjman's chief-of-staff Hrvoje Sarinic, numerous businessmen and public figures, as well as members of the diplomatic corps. (hina) ha jn/mbr 041743 MET sep 98