MRL Advisors – Selected News China – Second Half 2024

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The policy and business landscape in China is constantly evolving, creating new opportunities and avenues. However, navigating the complexities of these news and separating the signal from the noise can be challenging, with risks of following the wrong trends or missing relevant updates. At MRL Advisors, our dedicated teams on the ground in China stay on top of the latest developments and bring deep expertise to help you focus on what matters most. We believe that understanding these shifts is essential to understanding China, which is why we provide a bi-annual summary highlighting the most significant regulatory, investment and market developments.

Investments: Western Firms’ Long-Term Commitment to China

German firms ramp up investment, not to miss out on China’s growth opportunities

Aug, 2024 – Xinhua

Several prominent German companies have demonstrated their long-term commitment to China through significant increases in investments. Behind the sustained increase in German investment in China lies confidence in the country’s long-term economic prospects, positive signals emanating from China’s high-level opening-up and a continually improving business environment.

German FDI in China hits ‘record‘ in H1, shows commitment to China market

Aug, 2024 – Global Times

The Financial Times reported on Tuesday that German direct investment in China reached 2.48 billion euros ($2.73 billion) in the first three months of 2024 and rose to 4.8 billion euros in the second, citing data from the Bundesbank, Germany’s central bank.

Foreign medical firms, local partners ink more deals

Nov, 2024 – China Daily

EssilorLuxottica signed agreements to enhance intelligent manufacturing in Shanghai’s Songjiang district and Danyang, aiming to deliver high-quality optical products. Boehringer Ingelheim partnered with the Chinese Stroke Association to improve ischemic stroke treatment by increasing access to reperfusion therapies. Roche launched a pediatric healthcare exchange platform to standardize diagnosis, empower pediatricians, and enhance knowledge-sharing. Shanghai Henlius Biotech partnered with Saudi Arabia’s SVAX to establish joint ventures for global registration and commercialization of biologics, strengthening its international presence.These collaborations aim to improve healthcare quality, accessibility, and innovation both in China and globally.

Swiss company contributing to AI-empowered healthcare solutions in China

Nov, 2024 – China Daily

At the seventh China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche introduced the „Digital Healthcare Incubator 2.0,“ a platform that streamlines healthcare product development from clinical validation to market launch. Roche has developed AI-based digital pathology and imaging models to assist doctors in diagnosis and recovery predictions, as well as digital management tools for early tumor detection and intervention. These innovations aim to alleviate doctors‘ workloads and enhance personalized medicine, ultimately benefiting Chinese patients. The company emphasizes its role as a bridge between academia and industry to bring meaningful innovations to healthcare.

Global firms and Chinese partners to jointly build an innovative healthcare ecosystem

Nov, 2024 – China Daily

At the 7th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, global medical companies collaborated with local partners to foster an innovative healthcare ecosystem. Key agreements included Sanofi China teaming up with the Maternal and Child Health Center to promote pediatric disease prevention and treatment. Novartis China and Beijing Anzhen Hospital signed a memorandum to advance cardiovascular disease research. Additionally, Intuitive Fosun and Siemens Healthineers collaborated on technologies to improve lung cancer diagnosis. Bayer, Jiangnan University, and Wecare-Probiotics also celebrated the launch of a probiotic product aimed at intestinal health.

Roche Diagnostics opens new China head office

Nov, 2024 – China Daily

Roche Diagnostics has inaugurated its new China head office in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area, underscoring its commitment to the Chinese healthcare sector. Concurrently, the company’s Technical Innovation Center (TIC) received the Group Open Innovation (GOI) certification from Pudong authorities. The TIC aims to enhance collaboration in clinical validation, in vitro diagnostic technologies, and digital solutions, thereby accelerating the availability of advanced diagnostics for Chinese patients

Med-tech ‚Big Man‘ confident in Chinese market

Dec, 2024 – China Daily

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), a leading U.S. medical technology company, remains confident in the Chinese market, its second-largest globally. CEO Tom Polen highlighted BD’s long-standing commitment to innovation and training, with over a million nurses trained in China. The success of its Greater China Training & Innovation Center has led to plans for another in Tianjin. BD is investing in smart healthcare, home care, and chronic disease solutions while expanding local manufacturing, including its largest investment in 30 years at the Yixing plant. The company is also integrating AI-driven patient monitoring systems and continues to support China’s healthcare innovation efforts.

Regulatory Reforms: Easier Access for Foreign Investors in China

Hainan’s New Zero-Tariff Policy on Drugs and Medical Devices in Boao Lecheng Pilot Zone

Sep, 2024 – China Briefing

Hainan’s zero-tariff policy for medicines and medical devices in the Boao Lecheng Pilot Zone exempts import duties and value-added tax to enhance medical tourism and technological innovation. This policy lowers costs for qualified entities, stimulates sector growth, and supports Hainan’s goal of becoming a global healthcare hub.

China Allows Wholly Foreign-Owned Hospitals in Major Cities

Nov, 2024 – Xinhua

China has unveiled a plan to allow the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in some major cities, in a move to further open up its medical sector.

China fully opens manufacturing sector to foreign investors in landmark opening up move  

Nov, 2024 – CN Gov            

China has removed all market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector. The items on the latest negative list, which specifies fields that are off-limits to foreign investors, have been further slashed to 29.

Creating more changes for foreign investors 

Dec, 2024 – China Daily  

China is implementing new regulations to enhance the business environment for foreign investors. The Ministry of Finance has introduced standards for domestic products in government procurement, ensuring that foreign enterprises receive equal opportunities. These standards define „domestic products“ and provide a 20% preference for them in procurement processes. Additionally, China has eased restrictions on foreign investment in sectors like telecommunications and healthcare, allowing greater foreign participation. These measures aim to create a more level playing field and attract increased foreign investment.

China: Strategic Importance for Global Growth 

Pet healthcare booms in China as furry friends outnumber infants and toddlers

Dec, 2024 – South China Morning Post      

Pet economy offers better career prospects as clinics and hospitals open across country

MRL Advisors – Selected News Southeast Asia – Second Half 2024

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The region of Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s fastest growing consumer markets and a key destination for manufacturing and business growth. Yet, keeping track across the diverse and heterogeneous nations that make up this region can be challenging, with risks of following the wrong trends or missing relevant regulatory updates. At MRL Advisors, our dedicated teams on the ground in a range of Southeast Asian countries stay on top of the latest developments and bring deep expertise to help you focus on what matters most. We believe that understanding these shifts is essential to understanding these markets, which is why we provide a bi-annual summary highlighting the most significant regulatory, investment and market developments.

Investments: Firms’ Commitment to the Region

Kalbe’s Acquisition of 49% Stake in Thai Distributor of Medical Devices and Pharmaceutical Products

Thailand, July, 2024 – Tilleke& Gibbins

PT Kalbe Farma Tbk., through its subsidiary Kalbe International Pte. Ltd. („Kalbe“), acquired a 49% stake in Alliance Pharma Co., Ltd., a leading Thai distributor of medical devices and pharmaceutical products. This deal expands Kalbe’s presence in Southeast Asia, enhancing its market penetration in Thailand and other regional markets, reinforcing its position as one of Southeast Asia’s largest public pharmaceutical companies.

As demand grows, OUE Healthcare looks to beef up regional offerings

Singapore, August, 2024 – Business Times

OUE Healthcare is focusing on scaling up its operations and improving its service offerings to meet the rising demand, particularly in Southeast Asia. OUE Healthcare plans to grow its presence through partnerships and expanding its portfolio of healthcare-related assets.

Philippines‘ Ayala explores minority stake sale in AC Health

Philippines, August, 2024 – Reuters

The Philippines‘ oldest conglomerate, is exploring selling a minority stake in Ayala Healthcare Holdings (AC Health) in a potential deal that could value its healthcare arm at up to $500 million.

Vietnam evolving to manufacturing and R&D hub with new FDI

Vietnam, November, 2024 – Vietnam Law & Legal Forum

Vietnam is witnessing a significant shift in the quality of foreign direct investment (FDI) projects pour into the country as an increasing number of high-tech and pioneering industrial companies move into the country to expand operations.
Vietnam is becoming a key link in the global supply chain, especially in sectors like semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). In September 2024, during a meeting with Party General Secretary To Lam in New York, SpaceX Senior Vice President Tim Hughes revealed the company’s intent to invest USD 1.5 billion in Vietnam.

GIC invests further US$150 million in Asia Healthcare Holdings

Singapore, December, 2024 – Business Times

GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, has invested an additional US$150 million in Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH). This investment is part of GIC’s ongoing commitment to support AHH, a leading healthcare platform focused on providing specialized medical services in India.

Praemia REIM Is Said to Consider Singapore Health-Care REIT IPO

Singapore, December, 2024 – BNN Bloomberg

France’s Praemia REIM is considering listing a health-care real estate investment trust in Singapore, the potential IPO would focus on healthcare assets in Singapore, aiming to tap into the growing demand for healthcare properties in the region. The REIT would likely include medical facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare-related properties. This move reflects the increasing interest in healthcare real estate as an investment class, especially as the sector continues to grow in Asia.

Regulatory Reforms: Easier Access for Foreign Investors

HCM City policies facilitate investment in healthcare

Vietnam, October, 2024 – Vietam News

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has introduced new policies to attract investment in its healthcare sector. These policies aim to streamline processes for both domestic and foreign investors looking to establish or expand healthcare facilities in the city. Key measures include tax incentives, land-use policy adjustments, and support for the construction of new medical centers, hospitals, and healthcare infrastructure.

FDA simplifies export process for pharma products

Philippines, Nov, 2024 – Philippine News Agency           

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has enhanced the regulatory process for pharmaceutical exports and active pharmaceutical ingredients intended for export. The FDA said the rules outlined in administrative order ensure that pharmaceutical products would not be adulterated or misbranded if they comply with the foreign purchaser’s standards, follow the laws of the receiving country, and are properly labeled “intended for export“.These provide a significant boost for current manufacturers and future investors and the position of the Philippines as prime hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, the FDA said. 

MoH Issues Notice on Medical Devices with Import Licenses Expiring December 31, 2024

Vietnam, December, 2024 – Andamanmed

The MOH has emphasized that any medical devices imported into Vietnam without valid registration or import licenses after the expiration date will not be allowed for sale in the market. The notice serves as a reminder to stakeholders in the medical device industry to comply with the regulatory framework to avoid disruptions in their operations.

Southeast Asia: Strategic Importance for Global Growth 

Proposal to increase contributions to stabilize the public healthcare system

Vietnam, July, 2024 – WTW

Vietnam’s health ministry has a plan to improve healthcare benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs through increased employee and employer contributions to the public healthcare system.

KLAR Smile sees 10x revenue surge in Indonesia’s untapped smile care market

Indonesia, August, 2024 – ACVentures

Klar Smile, a dental startup in Indonesia, has experienced a 10x revenue surge as it taps into the country’s underserved smile care market. Klar Smile provides affordable and accessible dental services, primarily focusing on orthodontics, including clear aligners. The company has capitalized on the increasing demand for aesthetic dental treatments in Indonesia, where the market remains largely untapped. Klar Smile’s innovative approach and use of technology have allowed it to scale quickly and attract a growing customer base, positioning it as a key player in the region’s dental care market.

Singapore invests $150M for public health genAI adoption

Singapore, October, 2024 – Healthcare IT News

The Singaporean Ministry of Health is investing SG$200 million ($150 million) over the next five years to further implement new AI technologies. The funds will support the integration of GenAI into various aspects of the healthcare system, including predictive modeling, disease surveillance, and personalized patient care.

Malaysia emerges as preferred hub for medical device manufacturers

Malaysia, December 2024 – Selangor Jornal

Malaysia is emerging as a preferred hub for medical device manufacturers, according to a statement from the country’s Minister of Health. This growth is driven by Malaysia’s well-established manufacturing infrastructure, skilled workforce, and supportive government policies. The country’s strategic location and strong trade ties within Southeast Asia also make it an attractive destination for global medical device companies. The Malaysian government aims to strengthen the sector further, positioning the country as a key player in the global medical device market.

Wachstumschancen erkennen und erschließen: Beispiel Chinas Markt für Mikrobenerkennung mit KI

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Von Frank-Christian Raffel

Mit Chinas beschleunigtem technologischen Fortschritt entwickelt sich die KI-basierte Mikroben-Detektion zu einer transformativen Lösung in den Bereichen Gesundheitswesen, Lebensmittelsicherheit und Umweltüberwachung. Die Konvergenz von KI, Biosensortechnologie und wachsendem regulatorischem Fokus auf Sicherheit und Qualität treibt das Marktpotenzial voran und schafft neue Chancen für lokale und internationale Akteure.

Marktübersicht

Der chinesische Biosensorenmarkt erreichte 2023 ein Volumen von rd. 14 Mrd. RMB (rd. 1,8 Mrd. EUR) und wuchs in den letzten Jahren mit einer durchschnittlichen jährlichen Wachstumsrate (CAGR) von 14 %. Diese Dynamik wird durch breite Anwendungen in den Bereichen Gesundheitswesen, Lebensmittelsicherheit und Umweltüberwachung vorangetrieben. Da China die Aufmerksamkeit auf Sicherheit und Qualität weiter wächst, bieten KI-gestützte Detektionssysteme schnelle, automatisierte und kosteneffiziente Lösungen, die traditionelle Methoden zur Mikroben-Detektion zunehmend verdrängen.

Treiber des Wachstums

1. Modernisierung der Lebensmittelsicherheit

Abb. 1

Mit einem erwarteten Wachstum des chinesischen Lebensmittel- und Getränkemarktes auf rd. 19 Billionen RMB bis 2030 (CAGR von 6 %) steigt die Nachfrage der Verbraucher nach Qualitätssicherung. Damit wächst auch der Markt für Test möglichkeiten (siehe Abb. 1).

KI-basierte Mikroben-Detektionssysteme ermöglichen eine schnelle, automatisierte Erkennung von Pathogenen und bieten entscheidende Lösungen für die Qualitätskontrolle in der Lebensmittelproduktion.

2. Wasserqualitätsmanagement

Abb. 2

Der Markt für Wassersicherheit in China, der 2023 ein Volumen von rd. 28,4 Mrd. RMB erreichte, erfährt eine rasante Innovationsentwicklung. Automatisierte KI-Überwachungssysteme werden zunehmend eingesetzt, um schädliche Mikroben und Schadstoffe zu erkennen.

3. Gesundheitswesen und Biopharmazeutische Anwendungen

Abb. 3

Biosensoren spielen eine zentrale Rolle in der medizinischen Diagnostik und der biopharmazeutischen Herstellung. Auch hier ist ein starkes Wachstum (siehe Abb. 3) zu verzeichnen. Die Verbindung von KI- und Biosensortechnologie ermöglicht verbesserte Produktionsausbeute und gewährleistet die Qualitätssicherung.

Zukunftsausblick

Der Markt befindet sich an einem Wendepunkt. Mit dem Fortschritt der KI-Technologie und verschärften regulatorischen Anforderungen wird die Nachfrage nach automatisierten, präzisen und skalierbaren Mikroben-Detektionssystemen stark ansteigen. Lokale Anbieter werden ihre KI-Fähigkeiten weiter ausbauen, während internationale Anbieter durch Partnerschaften und lokalisierte Produktion Marktanteile gewinnen können.

Fazit

Der KI-basierte Mikroben-Detektionsmarkt in China bietet eine attraktive Gelegenheit für Unternehmen an der Schnittstelle von Biosensoren, KI und Automatisierung. Mit starken Wachstumsaussichten in den Bereichen Lebensmittelsicherheit, Wasserqualität und Gesundheitswesen wird der Sektor in den kommenden Jahren zu einem zentralen Treiber für Qualität und Sicherheit. Unternehmen müssen jedoch die Wettbewerbslandschaft navigieren, Angebote lokalisieren und Innovationen vorantreiben, um das volle Marktpotenzial zu erschließen.

Weitere Einblicke finden Sie in dem vollständigen Insights Selection von MRL Advisors, das wir interessierten Unternehmen gerne zusenden. Bitte kontaktieren Sie uns. 

Sylter Muscheln – Gestaltung der Unternehmer-Nachfolge

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Adriaan Leuschel hat aus kleinsten Anfängen Europas größten Züchter von frischen Premium-Miesmuscheln mit rd. 10 tsd. Tonnen Ernte pro Jahr entwickelt. Just-in-Time werden die geernteten Muscheln von Sylt über Yserke, wo sie in eigener Verarbeitung gereinigt und verpackt werden, vorwiegend nach Belgien, aber auch zu Restaurant in Deutschland und Österreich verbracht, wo immer mehr Gourmets die hervorragende Qualität der „Sylter Muscheln“ zu schätzen wissen.

MRL Advisors hat im Auftrag des Gründers und Mehrheitsgesellschafters der Sylter Muscheln Gruppe, Herrn Adriaan Leuschel, einen systematischen Prozess als „Dual-Track“ zur Umsetzung der optimalen Nachfolgelösung für Herrn Leuschel umgesetzt.

Herr Leuschel und Familie – zwei Söhne, zum Zeitpunkt der Zusammenarbeit nicht im Unternehmen tätig – haben gemeinsam mit MRL Advisors die Optionen für Nachfolgelösungen ermittelt und auch umgesetzt.

Dazu gehörte der „Investoren-Track“, indem MRL Advisors sowohl strategische Investoren als auch Finanzinvestoren auf Basis von erarbeiteten aussagefähigen Unterlagen angesprochen hat. Im Investoren-Track wurden Vertragsentwürfe basierend auf der Due Diligence unterschriftsreif verhandelt.

MRL Advisors hat neben den „klassischen“ Aufgaben des M&A Advisors auch Gestaltungs-Input für die strategische Ausrichtung als auch organisatorische Neugestaltung der Sylter Muscheln Gruppe geliefert, welche inzwischen wirkungsvoll umgesetzt wurden (beispielsweise Etablierung einer Finanzholding, Stabilisierung der Saaternte, etc.).

Weiterhin hat die familieninterne Nachfolge durch das von Adriaan Leuschel angestoßene Projekt eine höhere Aufmerksamkeit bekommen. Sie wurde letztlich auch realisiert.

TUM Career Insight 2019 Workshop

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Erfolg in China – Trends wie KI, Mobility, Automation und Medizintechnik für Wachstum und M&A nutzen

Der chinesische Markt bietet mit seinen 1,4 Milliarden Einwohnern für deutsche Unternehmen ein enormes Potenzial. MRL Advisors berät bei Strategie- und M&A-Vorhaben mit China und Südostasien. MRL hat Büros in München und Shanghai.

Nutzen Sie die Gelegenheit und lernen Sie beim TUM Career Insight der Technischen Universität München, welche Besonderheiten und Herausforderungen der chinesische Markt mit sich bringt.

Programmpunkte

1. Vorstellung von MRL Advisors

2. Vortrag von Frank-Christian Raffel, Mitgründer MRL Advisors: “Erfolg in China – Trends wie KI, Mobility, Automation und Medizintechnik für Wachstum und M&A nutzen”

3. Diskussion – Chancen und Herausforderungen mit China

4. Einstieg bei MRL Advisors – Formate, Anforderungen, Learnings

5. Informelle weitere Diskussion

MRL Advisors – Expertise für Ihren Erfolg

Nutzen Sie unsere Erfahrung und Netzwerke von über 25 Jahren erfolgreicher Modelle in China, Südostasien und Südkorea. Gerne stehen wir Ihnen mit unserer Expertise und Erfahrung für Fragen zu diesem Thema unverbindlich zur Verfügung. Gemeinsam mit unseren Aufraggebern erarbeitet MRL Advisors profitable Wachstumsstrategien in China und Südostasien und setzt M&A-Prozesse und Joint Venture-Modelle in China und Südostasien um. Das motivierte Team von MRL Advisors in München und Shanghai freut sich über Ihre Nachricht.

Für weitere Informationen kontaktieren Sie bitte unser Büro in München:

Tel. +49-89-24208659-0
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