"Bionika Pharmaceuticals" company launched Wednesday in Skopje its new line of pharmaceutical products. Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and the Managing Director of Germany's Merck Group, Markus Rauer marked the start of the new line of products.

Addressing the launching, PM Gruevski said the section for production of pharmaceutical products was an investment worth six million euros.

"I am pleased that this investment has a second stage and in it additional four million euros will be invested, thus completing the entire investment cycle of 10 million euros, which is a great challenge for every firm in the pharmaceutical industry," Gruevski stated.

He stressed that this business venture came as a result of the dynamic development process of two private companies from Macedonia and Serbia - "Varus" and "Novos".

For the government, the PM said, each investor - both domestic and foreign - is important.

He added that the government with its policies and measures in connection to the economy would remain a strong partner and supporter of businesses and the private sector.

"Bionika Pharmaceuticals" founder Zlata Novovic said the start of the production line was a fulfilment of company's goal proving that in Macedonia quality pharmaceutical products could be made in partnership with renowned foreign companies.

Merck Managing Director Rauer said that "Varus" had become Merck's most wanted partner in Macedonia in the production of pharmaceutical products, drugs, chemicals and equipment.

High quality pharmaceutical products will be manufactured in the new section consisting of a production line, control laboratory, microbiological laboratory and a storehouse and they will be promoted on markets at home and abroad.

"Bionika Pharmaceuticals" is a company formed in 2010 as a joint investment of "Varus" from Skopje and the Belgrade-based "Novos" in line with the strategic plans for companies' development and expansion on foreign markets. The two companies have been present on markets in Southeastern Europe for 20 years.