So many healthcare events, it's spooky!

View as a webpage

Health Care and Life Sciences

Global Healthcare News and Opportunities

October 2018

The U.S. Commercial Service has a network of international trade experts in over 75 U.S. cities and 75 countries to help U.S. companies sell their products and services in global markets. Visit our website to find a healthcare market specialist near you.

Market Spotlight: Kuwait

This month's "Spotlight" focuses on healthcare opportunities in Kuwait and includes a market overview and an upcoming trade event related to the Middle East.

Market Overview

Spotlight Events in the Middle East

Kuwait Flag

Major upgrades to Kuwait’s healthcare infrastructure and facilities are underway as the Ministry of Health works to increase the development of healthcare in Kuwait.  Although the population is young, the disease burden is a growing concern with many suffering from high rates of obesity, diabetes, and cancer.

Kuwait’s public healthcare sector accounts for more than 80% of the healthcare spending in the country. Currently, Kuwait’s Ministry of Health is the owner, operator, regulator, and financer of the majority of healthcare services rendered, pharmaceuticals purchased, and medical equipment acquired in the country.  The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Public Works announced a $4.42 billion initiative to replace or expand nine hospitals over the next ten years.  According to the Ministry of Health, the private sector will be instrumental in the overall development of the medical sector with the private healthcare market expected to see 15-20% growth.

Such investment in the healthcare sector creates opportunities for U.S. healthcare exporters to provide a broad range of healthcare products and services including medical equipment, hospital supplies, products, and services; and specialized applications such as: medical and dental lab equipment, pharmaceutical products and specialized systems, laser-treatment, nanotechnology and molecular medicine, surgical instruments, and diagnostic or laboratory equipment in the fields of orthopedics, trauma care, ophthalmology, cardiology, oncology, radiology and healthcare information. 

Check out the information on the two upcoming opportunities to introduce U.S. companies to the Kuwaiti and Middle Eastern markets in our Spotlight Event section below.  

For more information about opportunities for U.S. healthcare technologies in Kuwait and 75+ other markets, view our 2018 Healthcare Technologies Resource Guide, and contact your local U.S. Commercial Service Healthcare Sector Specialist for assistance. 


Arab Health | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | January 28-31, 2019

AH2019

Trade Show

Current healthcare expenditure among the GCC countries is projected to reach $104.6 billion in 2022.  As the world leader in health and medical innovation, the United States of America plays a unique, multifaceted role in helping the U.A.E. realize its vision and plans in this sector.  The Arab Health 2019 show is a venue to showcase your products and services to industry players in the region and beyond.  The 2018 event drew 85,000 visitors and nearly 6,000 conference delegates to meet 4,176 exhibitors from 66 countries, including 39 national pavilions.  The U.S. Commercial Service will be offering market counseling and business matchmaking programs to U.S. companies exhibiting at the show.  For more information about these programs, please contact our U.S. Commercial Service contacts Cindy Ma and Mona Musa listed below.

  • When: January 28-31, 2019
  • Where: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

For more information contact: Cindy.Ma@trade.gov or Mona.Musa@trade.gov.


Healthcare Technology & Health Services Trade Mission | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar | April 6 - 11, 2019

TM

Trade Mission

The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA), will lead a Healthcare Technology & Health Services Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar from April 6 - 11, 2019.  This trade mission will introduce U.S. firms to the rapidly expanding healthcare sectors in these three countries and assist U.S. companies in pursuing opportunities in this sector.  These three countries share many similarities, including growing populations and increasing rates of chronic disease.  Each government has committed significant resources to modernize their respective healthcare systems, and U.S. companies are well suited to help implement the next generation of healthcare delivery solutions needed in these markets.

  • When: April 6 - 11, 2019
  • Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait City, Kuwait, and Doha, Qatar
  • Registration: Rolling until filled beginning November 15, 2018 through February 15, 2019. To register, please click here.  
  • Cost: $3,800 for small to medium-sized enterprises, $4,900 for large companies, $750 for one additional company/association representative.

For more information, please visit the trade mission webpage or contact Sonia.Hatfield@trade.gov or Jeff.Hamilton@trade.gov.

Signature Event

Understanding Brazil’s Biodiversity Law | Your Computer | October 29, 2018

Webinar

Webinar

Companies in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, supplement, food and beverage, and other relevant industries that source unique ingredients from Brazil should be aware of how Brazil’s new Biodiversity Law may affect their business in terms of fees for access and benefit sharing (ABS). This webinar will feature a presentation by Mr. Rafael de Sá Marques, President of the Genetic Heritage Management Council at Brazil’s Ministry of Environment. Other Brazilian government staff and Brazilian companies with experience in the topic may also join the presentation. Companies will have a chance to ask questions about the law and the conditions under which it may apply to their sourcing and use of biological resources from Brazil. The presenters will also introduce the new SISgen database, in which companies using Brazil’s genetic resources will be required to register. The presentation and discussion will be in English with ample time for questions.

  • WhenOctober 29, 2018
  • Time1:30 p.m. (EDT) / 2:30 p.m. (Brasilia)
  • WhereWebinar
  • CostFree

To register, please click here.

Upcoming Events and Trade Missions

The following events, organized by geographic region, are supported by the U.S. Commercial Service. Search our complete list of trade events here.

United States

Greater New York Dental Meeting | New York, NY | November 25-28, 2018

GNYDM 2018

Trade Show

Through the U.S. Commercial Service's network of offices in U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide, the U.S. Commercial Service will be recruiting pre-screened foreign buyer delegations from foreign markets to connect U.S. companies with international buyers. 

Industry specialists from select foreign markets will be available to discuss your market potential, regulatory requirements, sales channels, and more.

In addition to industry specialists, you also have the option to meet with a representative from the Export-Import Bank of the United States to discuss export finance solutions for your business.

International trade specialists from the U.S. Department of Commerce will be at the International Business Center onsite at the show to provide export counseling, matchmaking services, market analysis and more! 

  • When:  November 25-28, 2018
  • Where: New York, NY
  • Cost: Free
  • Who: GNYDM exhibitors only

For more information, contact: Crystal.Mills@trade.gov or Selina.Milligan@trade.gov.


Europe

Bio Europe 2018 | Copenhagen, Denmark | November 5-7, 2018

Bio Europe

Trade Show

Bio Europe 2018 is Europe’s leading biotechnology conference. The U.S. Department of Commerce offers export counseling services to U.S. exhibitors and delegates participating in the partnering program. To set up a meeting with our representative at Bio Europe, please utilize the Bio Europe partneringONE platform (we are listed under: U.S. Department of Commerce), or email: Sabine.Winkels@trade.gov

  • Where: Copenhagen, Bella Center
  • When: November 5-7, 2018

For more information, please contact Sabine.Winkels@trade.gov.


Medica | Dusseldorf, Germany | November 12-15, 2018

Medica

Trade Show - Corporate Executive Office (CEO) Program

Just a couple of weeks to go and one last table slot available! The CEO program is perfectly suited to provide your company with a customized experience at the world’s largest medical fair and provide the essentials to help you accomplish your goals onsite. Additionally, the space is supported by the U.S. Commercial Service and has all the amenities of a full-fledged office right on the show floor. 

The Medica CEO Program includes a multi-lingual personal assistant/interpreter assigned to each participating company; a meeting table/private room; a receptionist; office services (computer, printer, copier, etc.); and an on-site refreshment area.  Additionally CEO Participants receive entry into the Medica Exhibitor catalogue, year round promotion, and participation in our healthcare team programs including B2B matchmaking, meetings with market specialists and more.

"The CEO program has definitely been helpful in expanding our international presence. Through our meetings last year at Medica, we have booked over $250,000 in sales." – Dr. Geoffrey Alms, Executive V.P. Sales & Corporate Affairs, Medical Predictive Science Corporation 

For more informationclick here 

  • Cost: $6,200 for table
  • Application deadline: First come first served (One spot remaining)

For more information, please contact Anette.Salama@trade.gov or David.Edmiston@trade.gov.

Medica Showtime and B2B Registration is Live!

From November 12-15, U.S. Commercial Specialists will be on hand supporting Showtime and B2B matchmaking.  Registration is complimentary, and meetings are being arranged on an online platform.

  • When: November 12-15
  • Where: Medica Trade Show – Dusseldorf, Germany
  • Registration Deadline: Rolling until filled
  • Cost: Free of charge   

For further questions and assistance with registration please contact David.Edmiston@trade.gov or Koreen.Grube@trade.gov


UK Healthcare Opportunities | Your Computer | November 28, 2018

Webinar

Webinar

The UK is the 3rd largest economy in Europe and the 5th largest in the world. Its publicly funded health system, the National Health Service (NHS), serves 65 million people and is a world leader in primary care EHR systems and IT infrastructure. The UK’s medical device market is import-led and worth $8 billion, and it’s likely that BREXIT in March 2019 will increase the demand for non-EU imports. What are the opportunities and trends in the UK market? What are the potential changes to the regulatory environment and supply chain post-BREXIT? Join us to hear the following featured speakers discuss this important topic:

- Rob Berry, Head of Innovation & Research, Kent Surrey    Sussex Academic Health Science Network

- Michael Branagan-Harris, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Device Access UK Limited

- Richard Phillips, Director of Healthcare Policy, Association of British HealthTech Industries

- Tracey Watson, Director of Innovation and Partnerships, NHS Digital 

For more information contact Sonia.Hatfield@trade.gov (512- 516-9874) or Cheryl.Withers@trade.gov (+44 20 7891 3471).


Indo-Pacific

Cosmoprof Asia 2018 | Hong Kong, China | November 14-16, 2018

Cosmoprof Asia

Trade Show

Cosmoprof Asia 2018 is the largest and most prestigious international beauty trade exhibition in the region. As a U.S. Department of Commerce Certified Trade Show, we offer export counseling services to both U.S. exhibitors and international buyers.

To register for U.S. Department of Commerce export counseling services contact: SweeKeng.Cheong@trade.gov or Tony.Michalski@trade.gov.


Medical Japan | Osaka, Japan | February 20 – 22, 2019

Medical Japan

Trade Show and Webinar

In partnership with Reed Exhibitions, the U.S. Commercial Service is supporting the Medical Japan show in 2019. Medical Japan is Japan’s first trade show which covers all the products, services, and technologies for healthcare, clinical testing, diagnostics and medicine – and, therefore, presents a unique opportunity for U.S. exporters to showcase their advanced medical technologies to this highly sophisticated market.  The Japanese market for medical equipment is one of the few sectors where the United States has consistently enjoyed a sizeable trade surplus with Japan. Each year approximately $5 billion worth of U.S. made medical devices and supplies are sold in this market, which has a total annual value of approximately $20 billion.

Prepare to attend or exhibit at Medical Japan 2019 by joining the U.S. Commercial Service and Reed Exhibitions for a webinar designed to help you understand the medical devices market in Japan, with a focus on regulatory considerations and the reimbursement environment.

Date: November 2018 (date/time to be announced soon)

Cost: $25

For more information contact: Monica.Toporkiewicz@trade.gov


Tradewinds Indo-Pacific Forum and Mission 2019| New Delhi, India | May 6-13, 2019

Trade Winds

Trade Mission and Business Forum

The Indo-Pacific region is one of the fastest growth areas in the world and offers great opportunities for U.S. firms. Join the U.S. Commercial Service and meet individually with U.S. Economic Diplomats and key industry contacts to gain first-hand market insight and solidify your Indo-Pacific business strategy during the Trade Winds Forum and Mission in New Delhi, India. 

Customize an optional business matchmaking schedule, based on input from our Commercial Specialists throughout the region, and grow your international sales through meetings with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors and joint-venture partners in the following Indian cities on May 8-10: New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata

  • Where: New Delhi, India
  • Dates: May 6-13, 2019

For more information, click here.

Questions? Email TradeWinds@trade.gov or call Leslie Drake at 304-347-5123 or Leandro Solórzano at 954-356-6647.


    China Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF) | Shanghai, China | May 14-17, 2019

    CMEF

    Trade Show - Corporate Executive Office (CEO) Program

    The Corporate Executive Office (CEO) Program is a trade show program designed to offer small and medium sized companies a method of exhibiting at a trade show.  It’s an alternative to the traditional trade show booth and offers a unique, cost-effective way for U.S. companies to participate.  The program provides not only an incubator-type platform for companies to experience the show and participate at a lower cost than the usual trade show booth, but also an onsite assistant to help with meetings, marketing, and basic interpretation.  The CEO is a specific area on the trade show floor (located within the USA Pavilion) that is subdivided into meeting space (with tables and chairs, one set per each U.S. company), business center (internet access, small desk, etc.) and small lounge/seating area.

    What is Included:

    - Semi-private meeting space in CEO pavilion (within the USA Pavilion).  

    - Space will include table, 4-chairs, and complimentary internet access.

    - Shared office center with receptionist and hospitality service.

    - Pre-show promotion across China.

    - Onsite assistant to help navigate CMEF experience.

    - Travel/Logistics guidance.

    • DateMay 14-17, 2019
    • LocationShanghai, China
    • Cost: $4,650
    • Registration Deadline: Rolling until filled. 

      Contact Susan.Sadocha@trade.gov at (516) 427-9117 or Cindy.Ma@trade.gov, (408) 535-2744 for more information and registration form.


      International Trade Leads 

      Our international healthcare experts located in more than 75 countries are scouring their markets to identify international firms that are actively looking to purchase U.S. medical devices and equipment. These 'qualified sales leads' are presented below. Contact your local specialist for more information.

      Barbados:  Seeking funders interested in developing a hospital that is compliant with international standards in Barbados.

      Bahrain:  Invited leading construction companies to submit their bids for building the King Abdullah Medical City.

      Colombia:  Injectable amino acids for the manufacture of total apprehensive nutrition.

      Romania - American biocidal disinfectants and veterinary hygiene products against African Swine Fever virus.

      Resources for Exporters

      Resources on How to Export and Find New Markets


      Additional Resources for Exporters