Hong Kong opens new pathways for healthcare market access

Government support, GBA access, and regulatory reforms attract global firms.

Hong Kong is positioning itself as a rising global hub for healthcare innovation, supported by regulatory reforms, cross-border access, and strong government backing, according to Dr. Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

“We now have a new primary registration system in Hong Kong,” Dr. Lau said during the  Asia Summit on Global Health. “This is a recognition that Hong Kong wants to do more in healthcare innovation, and we, the government, have been very supportive and willing to listen to what the industry has expressed in terms of concerns.”

Dr. Lau emphasised that recent roundtables hosted by HKTDC have allowed industry stakeholders to give feedback directly to policymakers. “We will have a system where the Hong Kong system will match that of the FDA or the MPA in mainland China in terms of our efficiency and quality,” he said.

Hong Kong’s healthcare sector is also benefiting from its strong legal framework, innovation ecosystem, and unique connection to the Greater Bay Area (GBA). “Currently, we already have a policy where there is a medical and device connection to more than 100 products accessible in Hong Kong,” Dr. Lau explained. “Medical products are already able to enter into the mainland through this medical and device connection of the Greater Bay Area.”

With government focus shifting towards commercialisation, Dr. Lau sees new opportunities ahead. “We are hoping that all these solutions can be made available to the rest of the world, including emerging markets, so that we promote health equity,” he said.