Sialkot Surgical firms extend global footprint in Shanghai expanding healthcare cooperation between China and Pakistan.
The 91st China International Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF) highlighted Pakistan’s surgical instrument industry, with 15 top manufacturers from Sialkot participating in the Pakistan Pavilion. Amid nearly 5,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries, these companies stood out at the event held from April 8-11 at Shanghai’s National Exhibition and Convention Center, which drew over 300,000 medical professionals and opened doors for new global partnerships.
Muhammad Noman, Sales Director at Durable Hospital Suppliers, marked another successful year at CMEF, continuing an eight-year streak. Showcasing reusable tools for general surgery, Noman praised the comprehensive nature of the event and noted the growing trust Chinese buyers place in Sialkot’s surgical products due to their reliable quality.
Sialkot’s manufacturing strength lies in its combination of traditional skills and compliance with international standards such as ISO 13485 and CE certification. This enables the region to produce a wide variety of surgical instruments, from basic tools to specialized devices for complex procedures like orthopedic and cardiovascular surgeries.
The industry is largely made up of small- and medium-sized manufacturers, with a few larger firms, most of which operate under the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) model. Traditionally, they serve established markets in Germany, the UK, and the US.
Despite continued reliance on traditional markets, the growing demand from China is prompting Pakistani firms to pivot their strategies. KT Med Instruments, led by Tayyab Tariq, exemplifies this trend by opening a Guangzhou office in 2020 and expanding its client base through regional trade shows. Tariq noted that CMEF’s scale provides access to new Chinese hospitals and international buyers.
Hashir Haseeb, Export Manager at Falk International, described the event as a source of tangible business opportunities. He revealed that the company is in serious talks with major distributors and may open an office in Shanghai to tap into the vibrant Chinese medical device market.
Driven by rising healthcare needs, technological innovation, and government backing, China’s medical device industry is rapidly growing. Analysts forecast the market will expand from RMB 1.875 trillion in 2025 to RMB 3 trillion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 11.5%.
Pakistani manufacturers are now looking beyond just exports. With increasing prospects for joint ventures with Chinese firms, particularly in specialized instrument production, the partnership between the two nations’ healthcare industries is deepening and evolving into new dimensions.
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