Pinar del Rio, June 4 (RHC)-- A new pill-packing plant will open in the western Cuban province of Pinar del Rio, which has been considered of great importance for Cuban economy since it will help replace costly imports and increase the production of pharmaceuticals, previously hindered by the lack of containers and packs.

First Cuban Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel talked with reporters about the significance of the new facility, which will have as its major client the biotechnological and pharmaceutical industry, in charge of producing 70 percent of all medications included on the Cuban health agenda to meet local demand.

The new plant, operating with German, Chinese and Norwegian technology, will produce 183 million pill packs in the second half of 2016 after its first production line enters in operations.

Once the project is concluded in December this year, the plant will join another two similar facilities in the country.

The pill packs plant in Pinar del Rio will also contribute to the standardization of medication packs on the island and will also export part of its production according to international standards.