CIIE: Advancing global healthcare innovation and global medical collaboration

The CIIE is a demonstration of China’s solidified commitment to opening the Chinese market to the world and promoting international cooperation.

China is set to become a key driver in supporting the Asia-Pacific region's economic growth, propelled by a thriving services sector, digital innovation, and industrial chain strengths. As one of the world's largest economies, its rising consumption opens vast import and consumer market potential. The country places great emphasis on importing a wide range of products and services, offering sustained market liberalisation for global businesses to access the Chinese market. 

The China International Import Expo (CIIE), the largest import-themed national-level expo, is dedicated to inviting global enterprises to embrace China’s massive market and offering unparalleled opportunities for global trade collaboration. 

Strong focus on healthcare and medical innovation

The global healthcare landscape is undergoing significant transformations, with rising healthcare needs, an ageing population, and increasing investment in medical innovation driving a surge in the needs of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare-related services. By 2028, the global healthcare services market is projected to expand by $6.26t, fuelling the commercialisation of breakthroughs across oncology and precision medicine. The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a focal point of transformation in the global healthcare market. It is expected to be the fastest-growing region in healthcare spending, accounting for more than 20% of global spending by 2030.

In this dynamic context, the CIIE consistently attracted not only the world's top 15 pharmaceutical companies and the 10 largest medical equipment makers to showcase their collective presence, but also renowned doctors and hospitals who participate annually. As a pivotal platform for accelerating medical innovation and market access, the CIIE features a targeted Medical Equipment and Healthcare Products Exhibition Area, which centres on the theme of “Healthy China, Better Life.” This Exhibition Area dedicates to promoting the Healthy China initiative and highlighting the latest developments and topics in healthcare, showcasing a range of offerings such as medical instruments, pharmaceuticals, nutritional and health foods, as well as health and elderly care. During the CIIE, Chinese regulatory and healthcare authorities—including the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), National Health Commission, and National Healthcare Security Administration—will conduct on-site investigations, engage with exhibitors, and provide enterprises opportunities for direct dialogue with policymakers.

Many exhibitors in healthcare and medical fields view the CIIE as an accelerator that drives their rapid growth in China’s market and helps expand cross-sector partnerships—a dynamic best embodied by the "CIIE Miracle Babies," a term coined by exhibitors for groundbreaking pharmaceuticals and medical devices that turn from exhibits into commodities. For instance, Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s INVEGA HAFYERA® was smoothly included in China's National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) by the NMPA following its debut at the CIIE, significantly enhancing accessibility and affordability for patients requiring this innovative therapy, whilst MONARCH® and TECVAYLI® leverage their CIIE exposure to fast-track NMPA approval and market entry. Amgen's TAVNEOS® also made its debut at the 7th CIIE, which is Amgen’s first medication approved in the rare disease field within the Chinese market. Benefitting from the spillover effect of the CIIE, this exhibit will quickly turn into a commodity this year, bringing transformative care to patients in need. AstraZeneca's KOSELUGO® was showcased at the 6th CIIE, breaking the long-standing absence of available treatments for NF1-PN. In China, KOSELUGO® achieved a remarkable triple leap of regulatory approval, market launch, and inclusion in the NRDL in just nine months. 

Fostering cross-border collaborations

China has significantly broadened its market access by eliminating all restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector. Additionally, it has implemented zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines to all least developed countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. As one of the most important international exchange and cooperation platforms, the CIIE exemplifies China’s commitment to openness, advancing high-standard opening-up and expanding global partnerships through its global promotional events.

Enrolling in the 8th CIIE will present unprecedented development opportunities for Asian healthcare and medical enterprises to access China’s rapidly expanding healthcare market by connecting with industry leaders, policymakers, and potential partners. To engage in the global conversation on trade and innovation at the 8th CIIE, please visit https://www.ciie.org/zbh/en/.