Multinational companies confident in China's healthcare supply chains
At exhibitions, exhibitors usually showcase their latest or advanced technologies and equipment. However, at the 2nd China International Supply Chain Stimulation Exhibition /CISCE/, companies demonstrated their supply chain networks and the results of cooperation in this field.
CISCE is the world's first state-level supply chain exhibition. The event, which concluded Nov. 30, brought together industry leaders and experts from around the world, fostering global collaboration in manufacturing and supply chain.
GE HealthCare, along with more than 10 of its suppliers, exhibited advanced medical equipment, including MRI scanners and molecular imaging systems, as well as key components.
“Cooperating with GE HealthCare allows us to have opportunities to learn advanced technologies and industry practices,” said Han Shuang, project manager of Microfits /Beijing/ Technology, which manufactures CT components such as collimators.
GE HealthCare has seven factories across China. Zhang Yihao, president and CEO of GE HealthCare China, said a stable supply of medical equipment is essential to save lives, and China's supply chain contributes to global healthcare solutions.
“By promoting mutual growth, we can ensure a stable and efficient supply chain that connects China to the world and the future,” said Zhang Yihao, recognizing China's advantages in high-skilled talent, manufacturing and innovation.
This year, China has launched a series of policies and measures to expand openness in sectors such as elderly care and healthcare.
For example, the Chinese government unveiled a plan to allow hospitals to be established in some of the country's major cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, as well as the island province of Hainan, entirely with foreign investment, which will help expand the openness of China's medical sector. China has also made efforts to speed up the approval process of new types of drugs already introduced overseas.
At the expo, Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk introduced Wegovy, a weight loss drug containing semaglutide as a key ingredient.
It has attracted widespread public attention as the fight against obesity is one of the most pressing issues. After entering the Chinese market in November this year, the drug has become available on many e-commerce platforms and in hospitals on prescription.
“We are excited to participate in the exhibition and find new suppliers in the healthcare and life sciences industry. We will continue to work with our partners and better serve Chinese patients,” said Zhou Xiaping, senior vice president and president of Novo Nordisk's China region.
The pharmaceutical giant has worked with Chinese companies to build a state-of-the-art warehouse center in Shanghai to improve the reliability of the drug supply chain. The company has also launched obesity education courses through its online patient care platform.
The healthcare industry is characterized by wide coverage, long production chain, side effects and strong agglomeration, among other features. It is among the nascent industries of strategic importance with great growth potential.
According to a report released by the China Consumer Society in August, the revenue of China's healthcare industry will reach 9 trillion yuan/about $1.25 trillion this year. US$1.25 TRILLION/. The industry, which covers medical and health products, food, medical and health devices, and health management and counseling, is projected to exceed 17 trillion yuan by 2025 and 29 trillion yuan by 2030.
The Healthy Life exhibition zone at CISCE not only attracted global giants in medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, but also companies such as Starbucks, Procter & Gamble and Panasonic. These companies showcased their technologies and products in the fields of healthy food, health products and healthy aging.
Focusing on the “silver” economy, Panasonic demonstrated a smart electric bed with a back pressure-reducing system designed to help seniors lie down and get out of bed more easily. The company also unveiled a shower stall, handrails and seat equipped with watering cans to ensure the elderly are comfortable and safe while showering.
These products for the elderly are already being used in Panasonic's Yada neighborhood in Yixing City, East China's Jiangsu Province. This neighborhood is Panasonic's largest smart neighborhood for the elderly in China and the company's first neighborhood overseas.
Tetsuro Homma, executive vice president of Panasonic Holdings Corporation and group chief executive officer for China and Northeast Asia, said Panasonic will continue to integrate its expertise in senior care services and China's unique environment to expand the silver economy market.
He also noted that China has advantages in a stable, reliable and flexible supply chain, and that more than 6,000 Chinese suppliers provide Panasonic with raw materials, parts and finished products.
To contribute to the global pursuit of health and well-being, Chinese and international companies are forging closer partnerships to strengthen production and supply chains.
“Hand in hand with Chinese partners, we hope to make efforts to ensure the stability and development of global manufacturing and supply chains,” summarized Tetsuro Homma.