Chinese, Indian firms to control population

Wednesday, 24 December 2003, 20:30 IST
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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In yet another example of growing cooperation between India and China, state-run firms from both countries are joining hands to promote family planning in the world's most populous nations. Beijing-based Zizhu Pharma and Hindustan Latex Ltd (HLL) will promote various family planning products in the two countries. Top officials of the companies inked the agreement in New Delhi on December 18. India is expected to gain immensely from a new contraceptive made by Zizhu that is available either as an injection or an implant. And China can look forward to Preventol, the emergency contraceptive pill that is the latest product from the HLL stables. Preventol is meant for use within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. Among other HLL products that will be available in China are male contraceptives, oral contraception pills and once-a-week oral pills. HLL chairman G. Rajmohan said India would definitely benefit from the agreement as China was a world leader in contraceptives. "Technology transfer from China would be beneficial for us. Apart from marketing of products of both countries, we plan to undertake joint programmes in research and trials of new products," Rajmohan told IANS. HLL recorded its highest ever turnover and profits during 2002-03. Turnover grew from 1.2 billion in 2001-02 to 1.5 billion, while profits went up from 154 million to 203 million. Its total production of contraceptives crossed 786 million pieces during 2002-03. HLL's products have been approved by regulatory agencies like the US Food and Drug Administration, LNE of France and CEM Mark of Europe.
Source: IANS