Overview

	2006	2007	2008 (estimated)	2009 (estimated)
Total Market Size	136	153	168	146
Total Local Production	22	15	16	10
Total Exports	1,036	1,128	1,240	1,116
Total Imports	1,150	1,266	1,392	1,252
Imports from the U.S.	352	377	435	369

All figures are in US$ millions.  The above statistics are unofficial estimates, extracted from Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department and other sources.

Hong Kong’s 7 million population enjoys a comprehensive range of medical and health services delivered by the public and private sectors.  On the public side, the Hospital Authority (HA) manages 44 hospitals, 50 Specialist Outpatient Centers, and ongoing capital works.  HA is the biggest end-user of goods and services in Hong Kong’s healthcare sector, purchasing approximately 92% of Hong Kong’s medical equipment.  Hong Kong’s 12 private hospitals and private out-patient clinics purchase the remaining 8%.  Hong Kong produces almost no medical equipment and relies almost entirely on imports.  Total medical equipment imports in 2007 were US$1.26 billion, total exports were US$1.13 billion (mainly to China), which leaves an estimated domestic market size of US$153 million. 

Macau has a population of 557,400, of which 7.1% is over 65 and above.  Macau’s health care system includes specialized and primary health care provided by the Conde S. Januario Hospital Center, six health centers, two health stations and two private hospitals.  One of the best ways for American SME suppliers to sell medical products in Macau market is through Hong Kong-based agents or distributors. Many of Hong Kong’s medical agents/distributors have established networks and excellent relationships with the medical industry in Macau.       

Best Products/Services

Medical equipment/devices for diagnosing and treating malignant neoplasms, heart disease, cerebro-vascular diseases, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and septicaemia.  Other important areas include equipment for diabetes mellitus, respiratory disease, cancer treatment, blood and virus analyzers and x-ray equipment, as well any equipment with leading-edge technology.

Opportunities

Hong Kong’s aging population has seen a shift in disease patterns toward chronic ailments, strokes, diabetes and coronary heart disease.  This has led to increased demand for high technology services catering to the acute phase of strokes and heart attacks.  There is also a growing need for rehabilitation services and equipment. 

Given the recent economic downturn, Hong Kong medical industry experts have predicted a 13% decrease in demand for medical equipment in 2009. However, Chief Executive Donald Tsang addressed the long-term need for healthcare reform on October 15, 2008, noting that the Hong Kong government will continue its active program to re-develop and expand its existing hospitals, and build several new ones.  These include: a Children’s Specialist Hospital, North Lantau Hospital, Tin Shui Wai Hospital, Caritas Medical Center Phase II, Prince of Wales Hospital, Tsueng Kwan O Hospital, Yan Chai Hospital, and the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital (a private hospital).  These proposed hospital projects will present opportunities for U.S. suppliers of hospital services, technologies and advanced medical equipment.  

Resources

Trade Shows:

CMEF, Shenzhen
April 18-21, 2009
Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center
Shenzhen, CHINA
www.cmef.com.cn

Medical & Health Care Fair
August, 2009.
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center
www.hktdc.com

Associations:

Mrs. Yvonne Leung, Chief Executive
Hong Kong Medical Association
Duke of Windsor Social Service Building
5^th Fl., 15 Hennessy Road
Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2527-8285
Fax: (852) 2865-0943
www.hkma.org

Hong Kong Private Hospitals Association
www.privatehospitals.org.hk

Hong Kong Hospital Authority
www.ha.org.hk

Macau Health Bureau
www.ssm.gov.mo

For more information about this industry sector, please contact U.S. Commercial Service:

Rose Mak, Commercial Specialist
Email: rose.mak@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov
Tel: (852) 2521-7173; Fax: (852) 2845-9800