1. Editor's Comment:
Following on from the recent inward delegation from Pakistan, and ahead of ABHI's forthcoming participation at Medical Fair Thailand, this e-newsletter focuses on Asia, specifically South East Asia, India, Pakistan and Japan.
Asia - the world's largest and most populous continent:
Japan has the largest economy in Asia and the second largest in the world. In terms of purchasing power parity, however, the People's Republic of China has Asia's largest economy, and the second largest in the world after the USA. A Sector Report has been received from the Commercial Officer in Osaka, Japan together with reports from counterparts in other Asian markets (See Section 3 below).

Also in this issue, there is an article covering the activities of Integrated Technologies Ltd (ITL) in China. Tom Cole of ITL, who participated in ABHI's China/Hong Kong 2005 trade mission, has compiled an article aptly entitled 'Integrating China and the UK'.
Following on from the mission, ITL opened a factory in China to supplement its UK manufacturing capability, allowing it to take on more orders, cut costs and keep ahead of the competition. ITL, Tom writes, now sees its China operations as an integral part of the service it offers its clients.
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UKTI Asian Trade Mission:
UKTI is leading another healthcare mission to Asia in September. The mission will visit Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. (See Section 7 below). The Mission will link up with ABHI, when it visits the UK pavilion at the Medical Fair Thailand. (See Section 6 below).
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Finally, at the end of section 3, you will see that I have compiled an e-mail address book. In this issue, the e-address book contains e-mail addresses of UKTI Commercial Officers based in Asia, specifically South East Asia, India, Pakistan and Japan.
Another themed e-newsletter will be issued next month, when the focus, including the e-address book, will be on the Middle East.
Theresa.
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2. International Business / Industry News and Notifications:
Medical Devices in China: A Growing Market and New Regulations Fuel Healthy Competition
Looking to address shortfalls in its current health care system, the Chinese government is implementing large-scale health care reforms. In April, the State Council announced an allocation of 850 billion RMB (US$123 billion) as part of its New Medical Reform Plan to improve health care through 2011. The plan promises to cover 90% of China’s population under a universal health care system by 2010 as well as to significantly improve care facilities and expand health related infrastructure. More
(Source: KWC: Medical Devices in China: A Growing Market and New Regulations Fuel Healthy Competition, July 23, 2009)
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Expansion Creates New and Bigger Trade Fairs
Hong Kong's reputation as a leading international trade fair hub has been further enhanced with the official opening last week of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Atrium Link Expansion. The 20th edition of the Hong Kong Book Fair was the first public fair to take advantage of the expanded space. More (Source: Hong Kong Trader; 29 July 2009)
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Japan sees rays of hope for economy:
Tokyo: The sun seems to be slowly rising again for Japan's economy after its darkest recession in decades as pump-priming measures by world governments breathe new life into its factories and ports. More
(Source: Channelnewsasia.com - 10/08/09)
Philips, IIR in strategic tie-up:
Philips Electronics Middle East and Africa, a health and well-being company and IIR Middle East, a top exhibition and training provider, will collaborate in several different areas, including sponsorship of major events organised by IIR.
The announcement of the alliance came at the 2009 Hospital Build Middle East Exhibition and Congress, which was held from June 14 to 16 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. More
(Source: Arab Health On-Line/ Sunday, June 21, 2009)
Archived + More
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3. News from FCO; Market Updates from Commercial Officers:
ABHI has requested Commercial Officers from Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Korea and Japan to provide up-to-reports of activities and opportunities within their respective markets.
UKTI Commercial Officers are based in overseas commercial posts. ABHI liaises with, and seeks guidance from, the Commercial Officers specifically responsible for healthcare. The information provided especially in terms of local market knowledge is found to be highly relevant and invaluable.
HONG KONG: New
Hong Kong remains a very good market for healthcare goods and services. The key points are:
- Public healthcare services are being developed strategically, principally to meet the needs of a growing and ageing population.
- The HKSAR Government is looking to spread the financial burden through suggestions for innovative PPP/PFI projects both in capital expenditure and facilities management.
- Although very competitive, the market has no access barriers and a public sector tendering system which is open, fair and objective. More
THAILAND: New
In 2004, Thailand embarked on a five-year strategic plan, spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), to establish Thailand as “Centre of Excellent Health of Asia” or “Medical Hub of Asia”. The plan focused on three key areas: medical services, healthcare services and Thai herbal products. The three leading products under the “healthcare services” category are health spas, traditional Thai massage, and long-stay healthcare products and services. More |

Commercial Officer for Thailand
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SINGAPORE: New
Since Singapore’s independence in 1965, its concerted and farsighted efforts in economic development have resulted in almost uninterrupted growth of nearly 8% per annum for over three decades. More
Biomedical Sciences, comprising pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical technology, has grown to be the third largest manufacturing cluster after electronics and chemicals, following investment of nearly $3 billion since 2000. It now accounts for over 20% of the sector’s value add, contributing 6% to the GDP.
Malaysia: New
Healthcare has been regarded as one of the more resilient sectors that can weather financial down cycles. Consumers will tighten their belts on most things, but not on health.
Industry observers have commented that during the 1997 financial crisis, private hospitals saw about 20% contraction in the number of patients. However, mindful that things have changed and people are better educated, have more health insurance and deeper pockets...... More |

Commercial Officer for Malaysia
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PAKISTAN:
Healthcare is an important sector in Pakistan. Attempts have been made to improve the health conditions of the people through availability of trained personnel, adequate supply of medicines and establishment of health services. Yet ... More
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INDIA:
The key areas of opportunity within the Indian Healthcare are:
Medical Infrastructure, Telemedicine, Medical Equipment, Training & Education More...
KOREA:
As Korea has one of the most rapidly ageing populations in the world, this sector is of immense national importance. Bases of development of new technologies and technology convergence amongst Bio Technology, Information Technology and NanoTechnology, will lead to high value industries. More
JAPAN:
Japan is the world third largest market for medical devices after the US and EU. More ...

A table of e-mail addresses for UKTI Commercial Officers in Asia
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4. This Issue's Feature: Integrating China and the UK
Integrated Technologies Ltd (ITL) was established in the UK 35 years ago and has since built a reputation as the market leader in the design and manufacture of medical diagnostic and analytical instruments.
In the face of booming business, the company has recently opened a factory in China to supplement its UK manufacturing capability, allowing it to take on more orders, cut costs and keep ahead of the competition.
Over the past 35 years, ITL has designed and manufactured hundreds of medical diagnostic and analytical instruments. The company’s core business is contract design and manufacturing. A client brings a concept that it wants ITL to prepare for market and ITL deals with all stages of the process. This can involve design, building a prototype, obtaining any necessary regulatory approvals, and finally manufacturing the actual product, or any part of that process. More
The writer:
Mr Tom Cole
Integrated Technologies Ltd
Viking House
Ellingham Way
Ashford
Kent TN23 6NF
Tel: 01233 638383
E-mail: thc@itl.co.uk; www.itl.co.uk
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5. International Business Opportunities:
Are you a UK healthcare company looking to expand your product range, or one seeking distribution overseas?
ABHI maintains an on-going listing of business opportunities in the healthcare sphere world-wide.
New Business Opportunities in this issue includes opportunities from Israel. You will note that some opportunities have direct contact details whereas for others it is preferable to go via the ABHI. If registering interest via the Association, contact information will be supplied to UK companies upon receipt of reference numbers.
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Announcement

Reflecting the continued expansion of their business and bucking the trend in these recession hit times, Harrow-based specialist pharmaceutical and medical supplies distributor Durbin PLC has recently expanded its warehouse capacity from 12,000sq feet to over 20,000sq ft.
Their new facility close to Heathrow Airport is fitted out to the highest standards including a state-of-the-art evaporative cooling system which ensures that stock is maintained at optimum temperatures and in peak condition at all times.
Durbin currently handle storage and distribution for a variety of third parties and is looking to expand this side of their business. They can also handle the invoicing of goods and collection of payment. Any companies interested in these services should contact the Managing Director Leslie Morgan on 020 8869 6523; e-mail l.morgan@durbin.co.uk
www.durbin.co.uk
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Announcement

BDA (China) Limited are conducting a research project on the Chinese medical devices industry, focusing on China’s leading medical devices company Mindray. Are there are companies/distributors who is currently working, or has worked with Mindray in the past.
Please respond to:
Matt Huttner
BDA (China) Limited
Beijing 100020, China
Tel: +8610 8529 6164 x 342
Fax: +8610 8529 6163
Opportunity Through Insight
www.bdaconnect.com
Consulting - Investment Advisory - Research (Beijing - New Delhi)
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6. ABHI Exhibitions and International Events:
ABHI Pavilions at Overseas Exhibitions:
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Medical Fair, Thailand (formerly known as HOSPIMedica Asia), 16 - 18 September 2009:
ABHI is, once again, the proud organiser of the UK pavilion at Thailand's leading healthcare show. This year the event will be held in the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. The 2008 exhibition was a great success for many of the exhibitors in the UK pavilion. HOSPIMedica Asia.
WHO WILL BE EXHIBITING ON THE ABHI PAVILION AT THE MEDICAL FAIR, Bangkok
Also see Healthcare Trade Mission to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand in Section 7 below:
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Medica, Dusseldorf, 18-21 November 2009:
The ABHI is ready to continue with the success of last year's Medica, and will, therefore, be taking an increased amount of space in 2009 Medica.
WHO WILL BE EXHIBITING ON THE ABHI PAVILION AT MEDICA '09
Medica Sponsorship Opportunities:
Medica remains the world’s largest exhibition for the medical technology industry attracting the top buyers, distributors, companies and government representatives from around the globe. It provides exhibitors with the opportunity to both develop and maintain business relationships in one location over 4 days that otherwise could take numerous business
trips. Over 137,000 visitors are expected.
Sponsorship Opportunities listed.
Arab Health, Dubai, 25 -28 January 2010:
Arab Health is the largest and most prestigious healthcare event in the Middle East. Over 2,500 exhibitors attend from over 65 countries, and over 50,000 visitors descend on Dubai for the four-day exhibition. More
WHO WILL BE EXHIBITING ON THE ABHI PAVILION AT ARAB HEALTH 10
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Arab Health, Dubai, 25 -28 January 2010:
Dubai (Arab Health) Article
The writer, Nicole Andlaw, is the Sales & Marketing Executive of Pressplan Travel.
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If you wish to exhibit at Medica '09 or Arab Health '10, please log onto ABHI Exhibitions, clicking onto Medica and Arab Health, respectively
For all exhibition enquiries e-mail: exhibitions@abhi.org.uk
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ABHI UK Market Conference
24 November 2009
Venue: Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London SW7
Register + to view the Programme:
https://www.abhi-events.org.uk/ukmarketconference
This year’s ABHI UK market conference will provide an essential up-to-the-minute guide to new information, ideas and strategies and enable delegates to take advantage of the latest opportunities in the UK healthcare environment.
In 2009 the signals from the NHS towards the medical technology sector changed radically. In July Government stated that “UK life sciences have everything going for them: world-class facilities, talented scientists and entrepreneurial flair. By championing innovation, the NHS can support the life sciences industry in developing ways to improve people’s health.” Yet there are frequent reminders of cuts to come in the NHS budget over the next few years. “The NHS faces the biggest squeeze on its funding since it was founded in 1948, despite pledges by Labour and the Conservatives to spare health from spending cuts in the next parliament,” [King’s Fund/IFS, July 2009].
How will this affect your business? What are the opportunities? And what does 2010 hold? More
Registration and Sponsorship:
Space at the conference will be limited, with delegate rates starting at just £195. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To enquire about either please email conferences@abhi.org.uk or call +44 (0) 20 7960 4360.
ABHI's Export Club Update:
Forthcoming ABHI's Export Clubs:
17 September 2009, Focus on Israel:
Chairman: Tony Brown, The Nexus Group
The Israeli medical device market is the largest in the Middle East and is valued at an estimated US$885 million in 2008. Imports represent much of the market, which is dominated by ‘high-end’ products such as electromedical and X-ray equipment. Will include a live video link with the British Embassy, Tel Aviv.
Register to attend this event
Please note that this meeting will also include an up-date on the recent scoping mission to Russia undertaken by UKTI/Gambica and Industry. An Industry up-date on the mission will be provided by David Woods of Eschmann Equipment.
All write-ups extracted from Espicom Business Intelligence. www.espicom.com
ABHI’s full Events Listing 2009
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7. UK Government Updates:
Healthcare Trade Mission to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand:
10 - 18 September 2009
UK Trade and Investment is leading a healthcare mission to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand to help UK companies address the wide ranging opportunities in these markets. The mission will visit each country for two days, starting in Singapore (10-11 September), moving onto Malaysia (14-15 September) and ending in Thailand (16-18 September) to coincide with Medical Fair Thailand in Bangkok, previously known as HOSPIMedica.
 
Each market will offer a general briefing for the companies, as well as an opportunity to present their products and services to an invited audience, followed by a networking reception. Companies will also have free time to pursue their own appointments.
Companies new to these markets could arrange for tailored market research to prepare for their visit. Please contact the UK Trade & Investment officers in each of the markets for further information and assistance:
Singapore: Valsa.Panicker@fco.gov.uk
Malaysia: Angie.Yen@fco.gov.uk
Thailand: Nipapat.Hamilton@fco.gov.uk
Deadline for Application: 10 August 2009.
Opportunity to meet with senior-level delegation from Brazil;
The Foreign & Commonwealth office, Wednesday 23 September 2009:
The rescheduled visit of the Brazilian Minister for Health, Dr Jose Gomes Temporao is due to take place in September. During this visit, there will be an opportunity for healthcare companies either presently, or potentially interested in, doing business in Brazil to meet the delegation. This meeting will take place on Wednesday 23 September in the Map Room at the Foreign & Commonwealth office,
Please e-mail rob.walcott@ukti.gsi.gov.uk to register your interest in meeting with the delegation.
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8. Other Associated International Activities:

Patron: HRH The Duke of York KG KCVO
| 13-17 Sep: Trade Mission to Azerbaijan |
28 Oct: MEA/Mansion House Luncheon |
| 24 Sep: Yemen Business Briefing |
29 Oct-6 Nov: Trade Mission to Syria & Jordan |
| 27 Sep-1 Oct: Trade Mission to Iraqi Kurdistan |
31 Oct-5 Nov: Trade Mission to Iraq (Baghdad & Basra) |
| 30 Sep: VIP Lunch with Mr Christian Turner, MENA Deputy Director, FCO |
13-23 Nov: Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia |
| 8 Oct: Opportunity Arabia 6 |
5-10 Dec: Education Sector Mission to Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Ras Al Khaimah |
| 8-12 Oct: Trade Mission to Sudan |
22-26 Jan 2010: Trade Mission to Algeria |
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| For more information on above events: contact Rakesh on 020 7839 2137, rakesh@the-mea.co.uk |
| Join the MEA (click here to know how) |
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Advert
Management Forum listings

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15-16 Sep 2009
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EU REIMBURSEMENT FOR MEDICAL DEVICES
London, Ref: N9-8309
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22-23 Sep 2009
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DRUG / DEVICE AND DEVICE / DRUG COMBINATIONS
Practical Guidance on Borderline Issues and Combination Products, London, Ref: N9-8209
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28 Sep-2 Oct 2009
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THE MEDICAL DEVICE AUTUMN SCHOOL: From Concept to Market
5 Day Residential Course
Boston, USA, Ref: N9-8009
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26-27 Oct 2009
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MICROBIOLOGY FOR PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL DEVICE INDUSTRIES
London, Ref: M10-6009
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26 Oct 2009
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THE MEDICAL DEVICE DIRECTIVE, QUALITY SYSTEMS AND CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT (INCLUDING AUDITING)
London, Ref: N10-8309
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27 Oct 2009
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TECHNICAL FILE DOCUMENTATION AND REVIEW
London, Ref: N10-8409
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28 Oct 2009
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RISK MANAGEMENT : A CORE PROCESS
London, Ref: N10-8509
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29 Oct 2009
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AUDITING ACTIVE MEDICAL DEVICES : WHAT’S NEW?
London, Ref: N10-8609
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30 Oct 2009
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STERILE MEDICAL DEVICES
London, Ref: N10-8709
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11 Nov 2009
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Pre-Conference Seminar QbD IN INHALATION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
London, Ref: N11-8109
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12-13 Nov 2009
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INHALED DRUG DELIVERY (IDD)
London, Ref: N11-8009
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08 Dec 2009
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ADVERSE EVENT MONITORING DURING CLINICAL EVALUATIONS
London, Ref: N12- 8009
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10-11 Dec 2009
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US FDA QUALITY REQUIREMENTS & CAPA FOR MEDICAL DEVICES
London, Ref: N12-8109
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18-19 Jan 2010
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FDA APPROVAL PROCESS FOR MEDICAL DEVICES
London, Ref: N1-8010
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Advert
EFFECTIVELY SELLING MEDICAL DEVICES IN SOUTH EAST ASIA
If you are involved with selling or marketing medical devices, equipment and supplies – be that wound dressings or an MRI scanner – then this new August 2009 business planning guide is for you!
In these challenging economic times we must all work harder to get sales and that means identifying new opportunities and knowing how to exploit them. The medical device and equipment markets of SE Asia are import dependent and fast growing. However, knowing how to market and sell products in these diverse operating environments is essential and there are a number of regulatory, commercial and cultural variations which planners need to take into account when making business plans.
THIS NEW, PRACTICAL BUSINESS PLANNING REPORT WILL TELL YOU…
- What regulations you must meet to sell medical devices in Thailand
- What sales and distribution routes you should consider in Vietnam
- What is important to buyers of medical equipment in Indonesia
- The import value of markets in the region by equipment type
- Contact and profiles of leading distributors of medical devices and equipment in each market
Effectively Selling Medical Devices in SE Asia will be of value to everyone involved in business planning, marketing and sales. The new 250+ page information-packed guide is essential for those new to the industry or region and also provides a useful aide memoire for the more experienced campaigner.
KEY MARKETS COVERED
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Singapore
- Vietnam
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY, VISIT: http://www.espicom.com/essea
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Advert

The Tokyo Industry Exhibition’s primary goal is to expand sales channels and increase business talks by establishing a suitable environment to conduct business. Small and medium-scale enterprises that wish to publicise their new products, efficiently exchange business cards to capture new clients, obtain hints for developing new products, and find partners from different business categories, are strongly encouraged to make use of this event as an opportunity to expand their businesses.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, one of the event organisers, is running a support programme for companies interested in establishing business operations in Tokyo or in doing business with Tokyo-based companies. They will provide free of charge:
- A booth and an interpreter at the show
- Creation of publicity material in Japanese for the company
- A consultant who will set up meetings at the exhibition with appropriate companies.
JETRO London will be handling applications from UK companies for the support programme, so please contact ldn_invest@jetro.go.jp for an application form. The deadline for applications is Friday 21 August.
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