Record number of UK medtech firms head to China

The largest delegation of UK healthcare companies to date took part in this year’s China Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF).

The companies, which ranged from small start-ups to large SMEs, exhibited a range of medical technologies on the UK Pavilion, in a bid to forge stronger relationships with the Asia-Pacific region.

Showcasing under the ‘Innovation is Great’ campaign, the exhibiting British companies represented the breadth of the country’s medical equipment and technology sector.

Held in Shanghai, CMEF is China’s leading healthcare trade show and is now the largest medical equipment exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region, attracting over 60,000 visitors.

“CMEF is world-renowned as the premier Asian trade event for medical devices and as such, it is no surprise that the UK's presence here continues to grow each year,” said Kevin Holland, minister-counsellor and director for life sciences at the British Embassy in Beijing.

“Our stand is an introduction to the very best of British medtech as a sample of the 3500 medtech companies active in the UK. Our companies are ideally suited to the rapidly developing Chinese market which demands the best quality goods and services.”

Organised by the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI), the pavilion was also supported by the UK Department for International Trade, the China Britain Business Council and the UK Life Sciences Organisation.

Paul Benton, international director of the ABHI added: “This is an exciting time for closer collaborations and partnerships between UK and Chinese companies and organisations.”

“The latest 13th China 5-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 Scarlett O'Sullivan or visit www.abhi.org.uk.