[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 58 (Tuesday, March 25, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15725-15726]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-5933]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Mission Statement

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice

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Mission Statement

Medical Equipment Trade Mission to the Philippines, Thailand, and 
Malaysia, August 4-12, 2008

    Mission Description: The United States Department of Commerce, 
International Trade Administration, U.S. Commercial Service is 
organizing a Medical Equipment Trade Mission to the Philippines, 
Thailand, and Malaysia

[[Page 15726]]

from August 4 to 12, 2008. The mission provides an opportunity for U.S. 
firms to tap into lucrative, fast growing markets for U.S. medical 
equipment. The medical equipment sector in these countries is growing 
at an average 13 percent rate, and the United States remains a major 
source of medical equipment, with an average 28 percent market share. 
At each stop, the mission will include country briefings; individual 
business meetings with prospective agents, distributors, partners, and 
end-users; site visits; and networking functions with private companies 
and local government officials.
    Commercial Setting--Philippines: The Philippines medical industry 
is almost totally dependent on imports, and medical tourism to the 
Philippines continues to grow, offering many opportunities for U.S. 
sellers of medical equipment and instruments. Several hospitals are 
improving facilities and adapting new technologies to address demand 
from foreigners and returning residents. The United States claims an 
estimated 25 percent of the Philippines' $177 million import market for 
medical equipment, making it second only to China as the top supplier. 
U.S.-trained Filipino doctors prefer the high technology of American 
equipment, which justifies their higher costs. Best prospects include 
electromedical equipment, ultrasonic scanning machines, X-ray and 
radiation equipment, dialysis instruments and apparatus, and medical 
and surgical instruments.
    Thailand: The market for medical devices in Thailand grew by an 
estimated 15 percent in 2007. About 75 percent of medical devices in 
Thailand are imported, and the U.S. share is about 29 percent. Market 
growth in the next few years (2008 to 2010) will continue to derive 
mainly from the need to upgrade health care facilities and replace 
medical devices. Hospitals are promoting high-end equipment and 
specializations to attract more patients. Hospital equipment is 
imported and distributed by independent agents and/or distributors who 
also handle marketing, customs clearance, and product registration/
import authorization. Best prospects include heart valves and 
artificial blood vessels, disposable diagnostic test kits, quick 
diagnostic testing devices, respiratory devices and oxygen therapy, 
rehabilitation equipment and accessories, orthopedic and implant 
devices and accessories, minimum invasive surgical devices, and 
neurosurgical and other surgical devices.
    Malaysia: The $1.4 billion Malaysian medical devices market is 
projected to grow at a rate of 10 percent in 2008. Ninety percent of 
medical devices are imported, and the U.S. import market share is 22 
percent. An increasing patient population and focus on health care cost 
containment and preventative therapies influence demand for medical 
devices for cardiovascular, orthopedic, respiratory, ophthalmic, 
neurological, disposable, and infection control applications. The 
increasing senior population and modern lifestyle diseases are expected 
to boost demand for more affordable quality drugs and equipment. Plans 
for constructing new and replacement hospitals are under way. Promotion 
of health tourism is robust and includes developing health services in 
areas where Malaysia offers a comparative advantage, such as spas and 
cosmetic services. The Ministry of Tourism has unveiled a health 
tourism portal, and the government's ninth Malaysia Plan, for 2006-
2010, includes proposals for four significant new health care programs. 
Best prospects include electromedical equipment, orthopedic appliances, 
and diagnostic and therapeutic radiation devices.
    Mission Goals: The mission will showcase U.S. medical equipment and 
technology to improve health care delivery in each country. The 
objective of the mission is to facilitate market entry and/or increase 
sales for U.S. suppliers of medical devices, as well as provide 
firsthand market information and access to potential business partners.
    Mission Scenario: The Commercial Service in Manila, Bangkok, and 
Kuala Lumpur will provide country briefings; customized, pre-arranged 
appointments with prospective partners, distributors, and end-users; 
meetings with appropriate host government agencies; and networking 
events with local officials and company representatives. The focus of 
the mission will be to match U.S. companies with pre-screened agents, 
distributors, buyers, and representatives in these markets.

Criteria for Participation

     Relevance of a company's business to mission goals.
     Potential for business in the selected markets for the 
company.
     Company must supply adequate information on its products/
services, and on its market objectives, in order to facilitate 
appropriate matching with potential business partners.
     Company's product or service must be either produced in 
the United States, or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm 
and have at least 51 percent U.S. content of the value of the finished 
product or service.
     Timeliness of a company's signed application and 
participation agreement, including a participation fee of $3,500. This 
fee does not include travel, lodging, and most meals.

Recruitment will be conducted on a first come-first served basis and 
will close July 11, 2008. Applications received after July 11 will be 
considered only if space and scheduling permit.
    Contact: Jennifer Loffredo, Global Health Care Technologies Team 
Leader. E-mail: [email protected]. Telephone: 248-975-
9600.

Nancy Hesser,
Manager, Commercial Service Trade Missions, U.S. Commercial Service, 
International Trade Administration.
[FR Doc. E8-5933 Filed 3-24-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-25-P