Ventures Dialogue

Invitation to participate in the Hong Kong International Medical Devices and Supplies Fair, November 4 – 6, 2009

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organized by the Hong Kong Medical & Healthcare Device Industries Association, the Hong Kong International Medical Devices and Supplies Fair will bring distributors, manufacturers and buyers of a wide variety of medical devices and supplies from around the world, under one roof at the same time, to discuss business co-operation, exchange intelligence and to capitalize on the timely opportunities created by the surging worldwide health expenditure including the recently-announced 850-billion yuan medical care reform package in China.

According to the World Health Organization, worldwide expenditure on health now exceeds US$4.1 trillion a year and has been increasing as a percentage of GDP among all major economies. This phenomenon has been further strengthened by outbreaks of bird flu, SARS and, most recently, H1N1 influenza.

Hong Kong has long been a leading international sourcing and trading hub as a result of its central geographical location. The new fair will be the focal point for manufacturers and distributors of medical devices and supplies, together with end-users from around the world, to reach out to their target markets.

Through the fair, manufacturers can line up with buyers from both mature and emerging markets. Many device manufacturers will come to source products from medical component manufacturers. They can also identify reputable distributors to gain a foothold in the lucrative Asia market, in particular the China market, given its strong domestic consumption and purchasing power.

Major exhibit categories include Accident and Emergency Equipment; Building Technology and Hospital Furniture; Chinese Medical Devices; Communication, Systems and Information Technology; Dental Equipment and Supplies; Diagnostics; Electromedical Equipment/Medical Technology, to name only a few.

The fair also contributes to the ongoing medical device regulatory discussion by supporting the 14th Asian Harmonization Working Party (AHWP) meeting during the fair. The AHWP meeting aims to forge a common direction for the harmonization of medical device regulation in Asia. Over 400 government officials and business executives from its 16 member economies are expected to attend.

Technology commercialization is a major theme of the fair. Savvy pioneers and innovators in medical technology from educational and research institutes, including the Centre for Innovation and Technology, t he Chinese University of Hong Kong, one of the sponsors, will display their latest developments. They aim to transform their bold innovations or breakthrough ideas into commercial products by liaising with business entities.

To facilitate Canadian trade visitors’ preparations to attend this event, a Canadian trade delegation is being co-organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) and Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). Special services for members of this mission will include pre-registration to the trade fair, business matching service and partial hotel accommodation sponsorship. Registration to join the mission is complimentary. Interested companies please contact Jill Chien of the HKTDC Toronto Office at email: jill.chien@hktdc.org or Tel: (416) 366-3594.

In addition, to further promote what Canada has to offer, the Consulate General of Canada and the Alberta Government will stage their information stands at this trade fair. Canadian manufacturers and exporters of medical devices and supplies are welcome to leverage this promotional opportunity by showcasing their product catalogues at these stands. This special offer is complimentary but interested parties have to be responsible for the shipment arrangements and expenses of their catalogues to Hong Kong.

For participation details:

 For Canadian companies, please contact Winnie Chung, Trade Commissioner Assistant, Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong at email: winnie.chung@international.gc.ca or Tel: (852) 2867-7366

 For Alberta companies, please contact Constance Leung, Trade and Investment Officer, North Asia, International Relations, International & Intergovernmental Relations, Government of Alberta at email: constance.leung@gov.ab.ca or
Tel: (403) 297-5782

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