[Federal Register: March 25, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 58)]
[Notices]
[Page 15725-15726]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25mr08-30]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Mission Statement
AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Notice
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Mission Statement
Medical Equipment Trade Mission to the Philippines, Thailand, and
Malaysia, August 4-12, 2008
Mission Description: The United States Department of Commerce,
International Trade Administration, U.S. Commercial Service is
organizing a Medical Equipment Trade Mission to the Philippines,
Thailand, and Malaysia
[[Page 15726]]
from August 4 to 12, 2008. The mission provides an opportunity for U.S.
firms to tap into lucrative, fast growing markets for U.S. medical
equipment. The medical equipment sector in these countries is growing
at an average 13 percent rate, and the United States remains a major
source of medical equipment, with an average 28 percent market share.
At each stop, the mission will include country briefings; individual
business meetings with prospective agents, distributors, partners, and
end-users; site visits; and networking functions with private companies
and local government officials.
Commercial Setting--Philippines: The Philippines medical industry
is almost totally dependent on imports, and medical tourism to the
Philippines continues to grow, offering many opportunities for U.S.
sellers of medical equipment and instruments. Several hospitals are
improving facilities and adapting new technologies to address demand
from foreigners and returning residents. The United States claims an
estimated 25 percent of the Philippines' $177 million import market for
medical equipment, making it second only to China as the top supplier.
U.S.-trained Filipino doctors prefer the high technology of American
equipment, which justifies their higher costs. Best prospects include
electromedical equipment, ultrasonic scanning machines, X-ray and
radiation equipment, dialysis instruments and apparatus, and medical
and surgical instruments.
Thailand: The market for medical devices in Thailand grew by an
estimated 15 percent in 2007. About 75 percent of medical devices in
Thailand are imported, and the U.S. share is about 29 percent. Market
growth in the next few years (2008 to 2010) will continue to derive
mainly from the need to upgrade health care facilities and replace
medical devices. Hospitals are promoting high-end equipment and
specializations to attract more patients. Hospital equipment is
imported and distributed by independent agents and/or distributors who
also handle marketing, customs clearance, and product registration/
import authorization. Best prospects include heart valves and
artificial blood vessels, disposable diagnostic test kits, quick
diagnostic testing devices, respiratory devices and oxygen therapy,
rehabilitation equipment and accessories, orthopedic and implant
devices and accessories, minimum invasive surgical devices, and
neurosurgical and other surgical devices.
Malaysia: The $1.4 billion Malaysian medical devices market is
projected to grow at a rate of 10 percent in 2008. Ninety percent of
medical devices are imported, and the U.S. import market share is 22
percent. An increasing patient population and focus on health care cost
containment and preventative therapies influence demand for medical
devices for cardiovascular, orthopedic, respiratory, ophthalmic,
neurological, disposable, and infection control applications. The
increasing senior population and modern lifestyle diseases are expected
to boost demand for more affordable quality drugs and equipment. Plans
for constructing new and replacement hospitals are under way. Promotion
of health tourism is robust and includes developing health services in
areas where Malaysia offers a comparative advantage, such as spas and
cosmetic services. The Ministry of Tourism has unveiled a health
tourism portal, and the government's ninth Malaysia Plan, for 2006-
2010, includes proposals for four significant new health care programs.
Best prospects include electromedical equipment, orthopedic appliances,
and diagnostic and therapeutic radiation devices.
Mission Goals: The mission will showcase U.S. medical equipment and
technology to improve health care delivery in each country. The
objective of the mission is to facilitate market entry and/or increase
sales for U.S. suppliers of medical devices, as well as provide
firsthand market information and access to potential business partners.
Mission Scenario: The Commercial Service in Manila, Bangkok, and
Kuala Lumpur will provide country briefings; customized, pre-arranged
appointments with prospective partners, distributors, and end-users;
meetings with appropriate host government agencies; and networking
events with local officials and company representatives. The focus of
the mission will be to match U.S. companies with pre-screened agents,
distributors, buyers, and representatives in these markets.
Criteria for Participation
Relevance of a company's business to mission goals.
Potential for business in the selected markets for the
company.
Company must supply adequate information on its products/
services, and on its market objectives, in order to facilitate
appropriate matching with potential business partners.
Company's product or service must be either produced in
the United States, or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm
and have at least 51 percent U.S. content of the value of the finished
product or service.
Timeliness of a company's signed application and
participation agreement, including a participation fee of $3,500. This
fee does not include travel, lodging, and most meals.
Recruitment will be conducted on a first come-first served basis and
will close July 11, 2008. Applications received after July 11 will be
considered only if space and scheduling permit.
Contact: Jennifer Loffredo, Global Health Care Technologies Team
Leader. E-mail: Jennifer.Loffredo@mail.doc.gov. Telephone: 248-975-
9600.
Nancy Hesser,
Manager, Commercial Service Trade Missions, U.S. Commercial Service,
International Trade Administration.
[FR Doc. E8-5933 Filed 3-24-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-25-P