China is one of the world’s biggest markets for life sciences. Its overall Medical Technology market alone is estimated to be worth US $17bn, with annual growth forecast at 20% through to 2018. The UK has an opportunity to contribute significantly to this growth.

UKTI will be organising a mission in August to enable UK companies to investigate and pursue opportunities in China.

This mission is open to UK Life Sciences companies interested, but new to China, as well as those with existing experience of the China market.

Day 1 – 4: Beijing Hospeq 2016 Exhibition (18 – 21 August)

Beijing Hospeq is a large and influential medical equipment exhibition in
China, supported by the Chinese government. It is organised by the International Health Exchange Cooperation Centre (IHECC) of the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC). The IHECC is responsible for national centralised procurement of large medical equipment.

In addition to IHECC, over 20,000 Chinese buyers will attend Hospeq from business and healthcare organisations. Participants will have the opportunity to meet distributors and buyers, scope opportunities and understand the competition, meet with experienced UK companies and develop an understanding of the challenges of the Chinese market.

China Food Drug Administration (CFDA) Workshop – (20 August)
Companies are invited to attend a workshop run by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) – the national regulatory authority – for a detailed briefing on Chinese registration and regulatory requirements.

UKTI support at Hospeq

UKTI will provide a free UK Pavilion for up to eight UK companies to exhibit. The main themes of the stand will be, but are not restricted to, Orthopaedics, ICU and ER equipment, and Imaging (chosen for their relevance to the audience). The aim of the UK Pavilion is to showcase UK excellence in Life Sciences and as such the selected companies will constitute the best presentation of UK expertise. If oversubscribed, companies who are not selected will be invited to join the mission, but will be required to pay the cost of a stand on the edge of the UK Pavilion.

Companies will also have free access to exhibit in the Innovation Zone. The Innovation Zone will focus on cutting-edge medical technology products, medical robot, 3D printing and virtual reality. The Innovation Zone will provide the ideal platform for cutting edge companies seeking investment or partnering opportunities.

Day 5 – 6: Medical Devices Commercial Dialogue in Shandong Province (22 – 23 August)

Shandong Province has a population of 97 million (larger than the UK) and is one of the wealthiest of the 17 provinces of China. The UK has been invited by the provincial government to showcase UK companies in a dialogue that will include opportunities to present products; match with partnering companies, distributors and buyers; and meet with local government to understand the complexities of entering the Chinese market and discover the type of support that is available.

The Shandong trip will also provide an opportunity to present to a UK company managing public hospitals in China. This company is seeking to upgrade and upskill using a UK supply chain. Companies will meet hospital management representatives to promote their products.

Day 7: Beijing Closing Workshop (24 August)

Costs

Companies will need to budget for return flights; internal train transfers; accommodation; and most meals. Participants should allow £100 per night to cover hotels, which will be block booked in advance. Translation services will be provided for the Shandong leg of the mission, however companies are advised to make their own arrangements for Hospeq, including having their materials translated. The UKTI China office can advise on local translators and printing companies.

To register, please contact John Lownds 020 7215 8086 before Monday 13th June

There may also be Welsh Government trade support available. Please contact Ceri Edwards for more information.