Region’s firms urged to join healthcare mission to Brazil

Some 28 companies will travel to Sao Paulo to attend Hospitalar next month, the largest healthcare exhibition in South America, which is expecting to attract around 90,000 visitors, and Yorkshire and Humber companies are being encouraged to join the delegation.

With the second biggest economy in the western hemisphere, Brazil has the largest healthcare market in Latin America.

Approximately 80 per cent of all products used in hospitals are imported and recent reports show that international companies tripled exports into Brazil between 2008 and 2012.

The Minister with Portfolio will lead a trade mission of British companies out to Hospitalar to coincide with the Latin American launch of Healthcare UK at the British Consulate in Sao Paulo.

Healthcare UK, a joint initiative between UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the NHS Commissioning Board, aims to help international customers from the public and private sectors access the UK’s healthcare expertise and aims to boost the value of the UK’s trade in healthcare products and services.

Companies involved with the mission will attend the launch, as well as benefit from a visit programme including tours of leading private and public hospitals, an extensive market briefing, site tours, business match-making and meetings with UKTI market experts from across Latin America.

The trade mission is being organised by Medilink UK alongside its work running the UK Pavilion at the Hospitalar on behalf of UKTI. Places are still available on the mission – companies should contact [email protected] for details.

John Doddrell, British Consul-General in Sao Paulo and director of UKTI Brazil, said: “With more than 8,000 hospitals and 280,000 doctors, Brazil has a vibrant healthcare sector.

“UK companies have recognised the growth of this market and are now developing innovative products and services which can help meet clinical needs, while also playing a significant role in the management of resources.

“I look forward to welcoming such a large delegation of British companies to Brazil, who will have the opportunity to explore joint ventures, find local distributors and meet with experts who will help companies navigate the complexities of medical device regulation with ANVISA.”

In addition to the size of the Brazilian market, exporters are being advised to consider the opportunities in other South American markets.