AdvaMed yesterday said it officially opened its Shanghai office during a ceremony in Beijing.
The Shanghai outpost, 1st recognized by Chinese authorities last May, builds on groundwork laid during 2 years’ work in China by Lynn Jiao, executive director of AdvaMed’s China program, according to a press release.
AdvaMed, the national trade lobby for the medical device industry, already has a China Council consisting of member companies’ senior representatives in the People’s Republic, according to the release. The group, also called the Advanced Medical Technology Assn., has shared a staff position with the American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing for 5 years, AdvaMed said.
"The new facility in Shanghai – where many of our member companies have their China headquarters – will substantially enhance the association’s ability to partner with Chinese authorities and other stakeholders, and provide AdvaMed members expanded opportunities to engage on important policy issues in one of the world’s fastest growing markets for medical technology," AdvaMed president & CEO Stephen Ubl said in prepared remarks. "Key policy issues in China include the need to ensure appropriate regulation and reimbursement for life-saving and life-enhancing medical devices and diagnostics, and to harmonize ethical business practices in the country. Our efforts in China will help ensure patient access to advanced medical technologies and will benefit both local Chinese companies and importers."
"Our new China office represents an expanded commitment to this important market, where many of our members have made substantial investments and established research and manufacturing facilities that contribute to China’s growth," added AdvaMed chairman and Covidien (NYSE:COV) CEO José Almeida. "Advanced medical technologies hold great potential to improve patient outcomes, control burgeoning health care costs and boost the efficiency of China’s health care system. Our new office will enhance our ability to work with local officials and other stakeholders to achieve these outcomes."
Attendees at the ceremony in Beijing, which was co-hosted by the U.S. Embassy there, included more than 100 invited dignitaries, senior government officials, industry leaders and other healthcare stakeholders from China and the U.S., according to the release.