China, Pakistan Sign $250 Million MoUs to Boost Medical Equipment Sector

In a significant step toward strengthening bilateral trade, Chinese and Pakistani companies signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth $250 million in the medical equipment and surgical instrument sector at a business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking conference in Beijing.

The agreements were facilitated by the Silk Road Assistance Industrial Internet Platform, which supports cross-border trade. Pakistan’s Sawuat, a well-known dental and surgical instrument manufacturer, and China’s UPH Biopharma, a leading pharmaceutical company, were among the key participants. The MoUs aim to promote joint ventures and encourage Chinese investment in Pakistan’s medical industry.

Sunny Yang, Chief Technology Officer of Silk Road Assistance Industrial Internet Platform, highlighted Pakistan’s competitive advantages, including a vast market, attractive tax policies, and compliance with European standards.

“Pakistan has a strong reputation in manufacturing medical instruments, but there is room for technological enhancement in areas like imaging and documentation. With China’s expertise, Pakistan can expand its global presence and build its own medical brands,” he said.

Pakistan’s Sialkot region is among the top five medical manufacturing hubs in the world, exporting over 80% of its production. The country’s low production costs and strategic geographic location linking Central Asia and the Middle East make it an ideal destination for international investment in medical technology.

Zhou Hui, Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products, emphasized Pakistan’s abundant raw materials and skilled labor force, which can drive growth in the medical sector. However, he also advised Pakistani businesses to align with China’s medical regulations for smoother market access.

In addition, Dr. Muhammad Shahbaz, President of the China-Pakistan Medical Association, announced plans to establish a China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital in Islamabad and a joint medical technology park. His association also signed an agreement with a Hangzhou-based technology firm to facilitate medical equipment trade, joint ventures, and technology transfer.

The conference was organized by the Pakistani Embassy in China and brought together over 120 companies from both nations. It marked the completion of a seven-part B2B event series launched after the Pakistani Prime Minister’s visit to China in June 2024.

Looking ahead, another seven roadshows are scheduled to begin next month, covering 14 priority sectors, including medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and industrial collaboration. These initiatives are expected to further boost trade and investment between Pakistan and China, solidifying their partnership in the global medical equipment industry.