Harbin Pharmaceutical Group Holding Co Ltd is set to increase exports of semi-finished penicillin, antibiotics, the latest healthcare products and some new traditional Chinese medicine in the upcoming two years, aiming at establishing itself as an international brand.

Group chairman Liu Cunzhou also put forward the company's goal in 2005, which aims at a total output value of 14 billion yuan (US$1.7 billion) with a revenue of 13 billion yuan (US$1.6 billion).

"I hope that our company can be listed among the top 50 pharmacists in the world in two years' time," Liu said.

To achieve that goal, the company will put more emphasis on the development of its most competitive products.

At the same time, it will strengthen co-operation with transnational pharmaceutical giants, he added.

As the leading chemist in Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Pharmaceutical Group consists of one listed company and 13 subsidiaries, boasting total assets of 7.4 billion yuan (US$895 million).

It has now launched seven series of products with more than 1,000 types, including western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, medical materials, vaccine and healthcare products onto the market.

Its primary products - raw medical material for cephalosporin injection and powder injection - boast the largest output in Asia.

And the output and sales of its amoxicillin capsules and Shuanghuanglian powder injection both rank top in China.

Since Liu took over in 1997, the company has carried out a number of reforms under the new leadership.

These started with technological innovation. Great efforts and large sum of money were devoted to upgrading equipment and products.

The company has attached great importance to the renovation of its subsidiary factories and technological centre in accordance to the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.

And the product structure is being consistently modified to meet the needs of the global market.

The company authorities also put increasing stress on marketing.

On the one hand, it has organized a powerful marketing staff, accounting for 10 per cent of its total employees.

On the other hand, the group has committed itself to expanding sales channels to get a greater market share.

Now it has established an expansive network of 130 sales outlets in 30 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions throughout China.

Some of its products have even been shipped to Europe, Africa and North America.

According to the former State Economic and Trade Commission, the total output value and revenue company earned in 2000 and 2001 all took the first place in China's pharmaceutical industry.