HONG KONG : The seventh HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical Devices and Supplies Fair (Medical Fair) will kick off next Tuesday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The three-day fair (3-5 May) will bring together more than 250 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions to showcase their latest medical equipment, technology and related services, providing a one-stop business platform for the healthcare industry. The fair is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association (HKMHDIA).

Imports and exports of medical devices steady

HKTDC Assistant Executive Director, Sophia Chong, said Hong Kong’s trade of medical devices and supplies remained steady in 2015. Exports stood at HK$11.8 billion last year and reached HK$1.9 billion in the first two months of this year, a 6.8 per cent year-on-year increase. HKMHDIA’s Vice-Chairman, Otto To, added that global demand for medical devices and supplies continues to rise. “According to the World Health Organization, annual global health expenditure has exceeded US$6.5 trillion. Health expenditure as a share of GDP continues to grow in all major economies, including the Chinese mainland. This indicates immense market opportunities.”

Returning pavilions this year include the Shenzhen Association of Medical Devices (SAMD) Pavilion and the Hong Kong Medical & Healthcare Device Industries Association Pavilion; with the latter comprising more than 40 companies. Companies from Sweden, Vietnam and Pakistan are making their debut at the Medical Fair, with Pakistan staging a pavilion for the first time.

Last year’s fair drew a total of more than 10,000 buyers. The HKTDC is organising buying missions to the fair, and expects to welcome 37 international buying missions comprising over 1,300 buyers this year.

Latest household medical products, hospital equipment on display

This year’s Medical Fair will feature 15 zones, showcasing a wide variety of healthcare products and services. Amid growing demand for household medical items and services, the Household Medical Products Zone will feature a selection of innovative solutions such as a locally developed mobile electrocardiograph, and a stair-climber that can be applied to most wheelchair models and used on any type of stairs. In response to the keen demand for medical and surgical devices, the Hospital Equipment Zone will showcase an array of electro-medical equipment, including ultrasound and imaging equipment and surgical instruments.

The Tech Exchange Zone will offer matching opportunities for potential investors and research institutions with a view to commercialising the prototypes. A number of higher education institutions will also display their latest innovations. For the “silver” market, the Rehabilitation and Elderly Care Zone will showcase products and services tailored to elderly care and rehabilitation. The Physiotherapy Zone will display the latest physiotherapy equipment, instruments and related services and products, including rollers, braces, exercise paraphernalia and more.

Seminars to gather industry intelligence

To help industry professionals garner market intelligence and expand their business networks, a series of seminars will be held during the Medical Fair. Experts will discuss topics ranging from the latest industry developments to international regulation for medical devices. The Hong Kong Health Care Federation and Hong Kong Doctors Union will also co-organise two thematic workshops for healthcare practitioners.

One of the region’s largest healthcare conferences, the Hospital Authority Convention, will be held alongside the Medical Fair on 3 and 4 May, creating synergy with the fair. Last year’s convention was attended by more than 5,000 healthcare professionals. Also held concurrently with the Medical Fair is the Asia Biotech Invest Conference, which will take place on 5 and 6 May. The conference provides biotech companies in the Asia-Pacific region with a platform for cooperation and information exchange.