UK Companies well Placed to Play a Leading Role in China
Last week, 17 UK companies travelled to China to exhibit on the ABHI UK Pavilion at CMEF - China International Medicinal Equipment Fair. The companies, which ranged from small start-ups to large SMEs, exhibited their pioneering range of health technologies in a bid to forge stronger relationships with the Asia-Pacific region. CMEF is a strong platform for companies to explore leads and gauge interest in their products.
The show was originally launched in 1979 and it is now held twice annually in both spring and autumn. Over the last 38 years there has been continuous innovation and self-improvement and today, it is the largest fair of medical equipment in the Asia-Pacific region. Each year it attracts over 60,000 visitors and over 2000 exhibitors from 21 countries.
As well as exhibiting at the show, our UK exhibitors also took part in a UK reception which attracted Chinese investors and distributors from the region keen to partner with UK companies. Speaking at the event was Kevin Holland, Minister-Counsellor and Director for Life Sciences at the British Embassy in Beijing, who highlighted the vast opportunities within this market and how UK companies were ideally suited to the rapidly developing Chinese market, which demands the best quality goods and services.
Overall, this is an exciting time for closer collaborations and partnerships between UK and Chinese companies and organisations. The latest 13th China five-year plan places a priority on innovation and healthcare reform, and both the public and private sectors in China are looking to develop stronger ties with international companies that can bring the highest level of technology to market. With their remarkable record in pioneering new treatments and technology in healthcare and life sciences, UK companies are certainly very well placed to play a leading role in China, in turn, supporting that process of change and reform.
CMEF is just one of the medical exhibitions within the ABHI’s export calendar. To find out more about forthcoming events email exhibitions@abhi.org.uk
