CPhI and P-MEC China 2019 drew to a close last June with record numbers of attendees as the pharma market in China continues to grow. The three-day event in Shanghai received over 66,000 visits from some 141 countries.
The numbers of international visitors are up by more than 74% since 2017. Moreover, international attendees now represent 23.4% of the total attendees this year.
Featuring more than 3,200 exhibiting companies spanning the entire pharma supply chain, CPhI and P-MEC China 2019 provided a strong indication of the market’s overall growth patterns and future development.
“One of the reasons for the influx in attendance is that overseas companies are looking to fast track their pathway to this US$1.22 billion market. This was evidenced by the strong turnout for the ‘Doing Business in China’ workshop, which explored the practicalities of entering the Chinese market: including the political, environmental and regulatory factors that need to be evaluated at an early stage,” commented Marie Lagrenee, Brand Manager at Informa Markets.
Chinese pharma
Integral to sustaining the boom Chinese pharma market is its ongoing harmonising efforts. This was explored by a panel discussion moderated by Frances Zipp, President & CEO, Lachmann Consultants & Vice-Chair at ISPE. The panel evaluated the steps taken to bring GMP in line with global standards, challenges facing Chinese manufacturers and how both domestic and international manufacturers can work collaboratively to continue to improve quality standards.
As a direct response to China’s increased internationalisation, the 3rd China Pharma Week took place alongside CPhI & P-MEC China on 17-21 June focusing on leadership, business, networking, innovation, recognition and knowledge.
The CPhI China-World CEO Summit involved in-depth exchanges on industry regulatory policies, international development strategies, global innovation trends and Sino-international industry cooperation approaches.
Made in Asia
The single biggest trend to emerge from Asia’s largest pharma event is the rise in domestic manufacturing is now also being supported by increased numbers of international companies looking to manufacture locally.
From ingredient and generics to innovative products, China’s market is growing extremely quickly. Companies are seeking to take advantage of tax incentives from locally manufactured drugs, coupled with regulatory easing, experienced chemists and the growing contract manufacturing industry.
Lagrenee commented: “This year’s event demonstrated what an exciting time it is for Chinese pharma. We are seeing many opportunities for Sino-international partnerships at CPhI and P-MEC China, as manufacturing of generics, APIs and finished dosages grows quickly.
"Our agenda highlighted the importance of partnering with local companies as integral to building a key presence in this market. This is why an event like CPhI China remains so pivotal – it’s about establishing contacts, discussing innovative solutions, and developing new ways to advance the industry even further."
CPhI and P-MEC China will return with its 20th edition again in 2020. The event will be held from 22nd – 24th June 2020 in the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, alongside the 4th edition of China Pharma Week.
