GSK BIOLOGICAL BELGIUM INVESTS RS. 700 MILLION FOR OPERATION EXPANSION

Islamabad, March 16, 2007

Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) Biological, Belgium is investing Rs.700 million for expanding the existing four plants manufacturing base in Pakistan. Mr. Stefan Vranckx of GSK Belgium while leading a 12 member delegation stated this during a meeting with Mr. Zahid Hamid Federal Minister for Privatisation & Investment here today.

Mr. Stefan said that their group intended to invest in the field of vaccine production in Pakistan on Private Partnership basis stating that Pakistan has quite big market for the product. Our group was also studying the potential of investing in dairy, gem and jewelry, he added.

Mr. Zahid Hamid briefed the delegation regarding the privatisation and investment policies and informed that there were numerous opportunities in Pharmaceutical sector in Pakistan. All sectors of economy were open for investment with 100 % foreign equity and repatriation of profit etc without any permission, he said.

The Minister assured all assistance and support to Belgian investors and  presented improving macro economic indicators and the increasing FDI flow.

GSK is one of the world's leading vaccine manufacturers. They are discovering new vaccines and developing more cost & convenient combination products to convenient combination products to prevent infections that cause serious medical problems worldwide now, they are looking for investment  avenues in Pakistan. GSK are the largest exporters of pharmaceuticals from Pakistan. Glaxo has created 4000 jobs.