KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) continues to create export opportunities for the country's medical devices and healthcare services in the Middle East and North Africa region by spearheading the participation of local companies at Arab Health 2023.
Demand for healthcare related products and services in MENA was expected to reach RM33.31 billion (US$7.92 billion) in 2025, said Matrade.
In 2022, the top-five export destinations for Malaysian medical devices in the MENA region were Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Qatar and Morocco.
Collectively, these markets contributed 77.32 per cent of Malaysia's exports of medical devices to the region.
Exports of medical devices to the MENA region during the year stood at RM316.1 million.
Arab Health 2023 will be held in Dubai, the UAE from Jan 30 to Feb 2.
"This year marks Matrade's 19th year of participation in this iconic event," Matrade director of lifestyle and life sciences Razida Hanim Abdul Razak said.
Razida said the exhibition was in its 48th edition this year and undoubtedly, its stature as the premier healthcare trade platform was very much undisputed for many exhibitors.
To date, Razida said the Arab Health exhibition had moved beyond the regional perspective and now attracted global trade visitors that had marked the event in their annual calendar.
"Observing current trends, we anticipate that there will be steady global demand for Malaysian quality healthcare products for 2023 while the Mena region offers high potential export opportunities for Malaysia.
"Participation in renowned large-scale events such as Arab Health will help to boost Malaysia's branding among buyers," she added.
Matrade is organising the participation of 10 Malaysian medical devices and pharmaceutical companies at Arab Health 2023.
They are KPJ Healthcare Bhd, UEM Edgenta Bhd, Ain Medicare Sdn Bhd, Xepa-Soul Pattinson (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Ming Medical Sdn Bhd, Muzamal Industries Sdn Bhd, Timo International Sdn Bhd, TPE Healthcare Sdn Bhd, TUD Sdn Bhd and Twin Catalyst Sdn Bhd.
Various high-value products and services from Malaysia will be promoted to over 50,000 global visitors expected at the event including medical consumables, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and wellness products and services.
Collectively, these markets contributed 77.32 per cent of Malaysia's exports of medical devices to the region. Exports of medical devices to the MENA region during this period registered at RM316.1 million.