Chinese medical product exports soar

Chinese trade in medical products increased substantially during 2005, Xinhau reported.

According to figures from the Chinese ministry of commerce, the country exported $13.8 billion (?7.9 billion) in medical products last year, an increase of 28.1 per cent, while it imported $11.84 billion (?6.8 billion).

Of the exports, only $830 million was made up of traditional Chinese medicine, although this had risen by 31.2 per cent on the year before.

Western medicine accounted for $12.97 billion of exports. Over half (57.3 per cent) was made up by sales of raw-materials, accounting for $7.9 billion.

Medical equipment accounted for $3.68 billion, or 26.7 per cent of total western medical exports.

However, the fastest sales growth was seen in the biochemical industry. Exports from the sector grew by 50.8 per cent to $480 million during 2005.

In other news, minister Ma Kai of the country’s National Development and Reform Commission said that the country would continue to develop its health system as a co-operative, covering the majority of its rural population.

He made the announcement at a press conference to discuss the country’s 11th five-year plan.

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