The Romanian government wants to set up a national pharmaceutical company, whose 'strong nucleus' to be the Iasi-based drug producer Antibiotice, Prime Minister Emil Boc on Thursday announced, during a visit to Iasi, Agerpres reported.

The company will be declared of a national strategic interest, which requires a greater support from the state, as well as recognition on the national and international market. 'The government is planning to set up a national pharmaceutical company, with Antibiotice Iasi to be its nucleus. The company would be first set up through Government Resolution, by merging Unifarm with the Central Storage Office for Special Situations, following later stocks held by the Ministry of Health (i.e. 53 percent, that is how much it holds right now in Antibiotice Iasi), to be taken over, and Antibiotice to become the strong force of this national company,' said Premier Emil Boc . 

In this context, he pointed out that Romania will only benefit a few more years from European funds, after which it will be put up 'face to face with European competition', with only 'the best to resist.' 'From this perspective, I see in Antiobiotice Iasi a competitive factor on the European market, to become one of the most important drug manufacturers,' added Emil Boc.