Unlocking opportunities: GBA Market Access Workshop
The recently unveiled Policy Address 2023 has set the stage for enhanced collaboration between Hong Kong and other GBA cities. In line with this positive momentum, the Measure of using Hong Kong and Macau registered drugs and medical devices in public hospitals in GBA (港澳藥械通) has undergone significant development.
To keep members informed about the latest updates and facilitate their understanding of GBA policies, HKAPI co-organized the GBA Market Access Workshop with the Shenzhen Association of Pharmaceutical Commerce (深圳市醫藥商業協會, SZAPC) on 4 Dec 2023, attracting the participation of 80 HKAPI members.
Besides, the workshop is fully supported by Sinopharm Guangzhou (國藥控股廣州), a leading distributor in GBA and Mainland China.
Mr Raj Bhatti, President of HKAPI, delivered an opening speech. He emphasized the importance of R&D development and highlighted the unique potential of Hong Kong in leveraging GBA opportunities.
We are honoured to have Ms Xiao Wei, Deputy Director of the Procurement Department (imported goods) at Sinopharm Guangzhou, to provide an overview of the latest updates on the Measure. She also introduced how Sinopharm Guangzhou supports Hong Kong pharma companies to enter the GBA market with actual cases.
Mr Derek Chang, Board member and Co-sponsor of the GBA task force of HKAPI, along with Ms Andrea Chang, Co-lead of the GBA task force, shared their experiences of enlisting and importing Hong Kong-registered drugs to GBA under the Measure. They discussed various considerations, challenges, and stakeholders involved in the application process, offering valuable insights to workshop attendees.
The workshop also featured a panel discussion session, to address members’ queries and concerns. The panel was moderated by Ms Sabrina Chan, Senior Executive Director of HKAPI, and comprised Mr He Zhanchao, Director of the Procurement Department (imported goods), Mr Lin Yan, Director of Sales Department (hospitals) at Sinopharm Guangzhou, Ms Xiao Wei, Derek and Andrea.
In his closing speech, Derek thanked guest speakers and task force members for all their supports, and reiterated the importance of unlocking opportunities through seamless collaborations.
As Hong Kong continues to foster collaboration with GBA cities, the workshop served as a platform for knowledge sharing and building partnerships. We sincerely hope that members found the workshop insightful.
