Islamabad
A fine example of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Argentina is the joint venture signed between Laboratorios Bagó of Argentine and Ferozsons Laboratories Ltd to create B-F Biosciences Ltd. The venture has been successfully operational for a number of years as both companies established a state of the art laboratory in Lahore, producing medicines of biotechnology to treat cancer and hepatitis, a disease that is widespread in Pakistan.
This collaborative initiative was taken by the Ambassador of Argentina, Rodolfo Martin-Saravia, and Ferozesons President Osman Khalid Waheed.
Among the many farewells hosted for the ambassador, who is leaving in a few days time, was the one hosted by Osman Khalid Waheed -- a lunch at the Japanese restaurant in Marriott. It was attended by the envoys of South Korea and Nepal; the two-member team of Fortune magazine visiting Pakistan these days and a few other guests including some members of the host’s family.
In his speech Osman said Rodolfo was like an older brother in the physical sense but a younger one as far as energy and action go, since he was ‘younger at heart.’
He recalled how they had met when the ambassador had only been here a short while and the circumstances that led them to work together to establish B-F Biosciences Ltd. “It’s been a good journey with some glitches but in the end we were successful and I am proud that we managed to achieve our goal,” he said.
“Rodolfo deserves credit for pursuing the matter and encouraging me when progress was slow.” He also spoke of other collaborations between the two of them, including the sponsorship of the book on Pakistan’s mountain areas titled ‘Pakistan’s Golden Thrones,’ compiled by Argentinean photographer/mountain climber Tommy Heinrich.
In his response the guest of honour thanked Osman for hosting the lunch as well as being ready to help, whenever needed, in organizing events. Speaking about the collaboration in the medical field, he said the quality of the medicine produced in the B-F Biosciences laboratories is of top international standards and the prices of the products are much cheaper than the imported products of the same formula.
“This company has managed to tackle the huge demand of medicine needed to cure hepatitis C. It also intends to export to various countries of the region such as Vietnam, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and the Philippines,” he said. “But above all, this project is a vote of confidence in Pakistan by the Argentinean company.” After mentioning that ‘Pakistan’s Golden Thrones’ has been bought and sent to all Pakistani missions abroad, he concluded by saying a few complimentary words about Osman’s family and thanking everyone for attending the affair.