Online export fair heralds new era of international medical equipment trade

The COVID-19 Pandemic has put a halt on large gatherings and non-essential international travel worldwide. However, thanks to technology, global trade in medical devices is still gathering pace at an unprecedented level, at a time when the sharing of technology, knowledge and supplies is more important than ever.

Dedicated to the exhibition and trade of medical devices, the Australia leg for the recently held 2020 Zhejiang Export Online Fair is certainly a testament to that.

It was in China that the novel coronavirus seemingly made the fateful jump to humans which made it the first epicentre of what is now a once in a century global pandemic. With sweeping changes, draconian measures and mindboggling efficiency, the entire country responded emphatically against the disease, underpinned by its immense manufacturing capability in the production of critical equipment and devices such as PPE, ventilators and test kits.

Take Zhejiang Province for example, a leading technology and manufacturing hub in China, home to such global leaders as Alibaba and Tencent. Within this province alone over 1,400 medical equipment and device manufacturers are producing masks, gowns and other essential supplies in vast quantities to support the army of Chinese doctors, nurses and other health workers in the battle against COVID-19.

With the disease now largely under control in China but continuing to wreak havoc in other countries, the Government of Zhejiang has organised a series of online trade expos to connect Chinese manufacturers to global buyers. Several government, industrial and private organisations collaborated to bring these expos to fruition, including dual hosts Department of Commerce and Health Commission of Zhejiang Province, who are supported by Zhejiang Centre for Medical Technology Education and Development, Zhejiang Provincial Association for Medical Equipment Industry, and their Australian collaborators Southwind International Pty Ltd and BioClub Australia Pty Ltd.

Without the constraint of a physical venue the event is taking place over a flexible timeline and is enthusiastically attended by over 50 Chinese COVID-19 product manufactures and a similar number of Australian buyers including hospitals, wholesalers and suppliers. Unlike conventional trade fairs, the event organisers seek to pair potential buyers with the most appropriate manufactures and facilitate virtual meetings over Zoom. Over the course of the event, more than 120 meetings have already taken place, showcasing a wide range of products and new technologies. The event organiser are continuing to receive enquiries and set up meetings at the time of writing.

According to Mr Gu Hua, Director of Zhejiang Centre for Medical Technology Education and Development, the Fair has been an import proactive step taken by China and Australia in the global fight against the pandemic. It presents a window to deepen the friendship between the two nations whilst fulfilling their international responsibilities, and acts as an important platform for close trade links and cooperation in the health care space.

With its global outlook, the Online Fair in Australia is just one part of an ambitious project by the Zhejiang Government to host over one hundred similar online events with various countries to play its part in the global efforts against COVID-19.

About

Southwind International Pty Ltd is a Melbourne based consulting service provider helping medical device companies around the world gain market access in Australia through industry research and regulatory support. Southwind International also collaborates with leading manufacturers and industry associations globally to source quality medical equipment and devices for the Australian market.

You can still be part of the 2020 Zhejiang Export Online Fair and meet leading Chinese Manufacturers for your purchasing needs. For further enquiries please contact Southwind International on 1300 285 389 or info@southwindinternational.com.au