INDONESIAN OFFICIALS VISIT KOPRIVNICA'S 'BELUPO'

KOPRIVNICA, June 23 (Hina) - A delegation of the Indonesian Health Ministry led by Minister Sujudi, on Monday toured the pharmaceutical firm 'Belupo' in the northern Croatian town of Koprivinica. Minister Sujudi was accompanied by his assistant, Wasisto, and directors of two Indonesian pharmaceutical firms. The assistant to the director-general of 'Belupo', Vlado Maric, informed guests of the basic business characteristics of the second biggest Croatian drugs company. According to Maric, last year's turnover of the firm was about 500 million kuna, and most of it referred to generic medicines that interested the Indonesian market. By the end of 1999, a new medicines factory of 'Belupo' will begin operating and the firm has plans to increase the turnover to more than 700 million kuna by the time. Minister Sujudi informed hosts of the needs of his country that raised public health standards in recent years. The death rate of new born babies has decreased, whereas life expectancy has been prolonged from 46 to 63 years. Medicines are available to a growing number of inhabitants and antibiotics are demanded much. Minister Sujudi added that 'Belupo' has a place on the Indonesian market. Construction of a plant in Indonesia was offered to the Croatian firm, as a possible form of cooperation. (hina) jn mš 231947 MET jun 97