A look at ourtopics for 2023:Resilience, Innovation, Values, and Responsibility

• Opening remarks by State Secretary Susanne Baumann of the Federal Foreign Office 
• Keynote Address by Dr. Annette Rinck, President of Leica Microsystems 
• Industry-specific country-specific sessions on the United States for laboratory technology, Asia for medical technology, Southern Africa for pharmaceuticals, Latin America—including Brazil and Mexico—for medical technology, and the European Union on the topic of the healthcare industry
• Thematic forums on trade compliance, de-risking and diversification, innovation and responsibility, dealing with autocracies as well as on supporting Ukraine in strengthening its healthcare system

• Other federal ministries, such as the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), will engage in dialogue with the companies during the closing discussion on the topic “Resilience, Sourcing, and Sales Markets—Shaping Engagement and Responsibility Together.” During the panel discussion, the companies Meyer-Haake and Fresenius will provide insights into the challenges facing the business community.

ProgramCountry and Topic Forums

A Look Back at #AWT health 2023

More than 260 representatives from the medical technology, pharmaceutical, and laboratory technology sectors gathered at the Federal Foreign Office to discuss export issues in the industrial healthcare sector, focusing on resilience, innovation, values, and responsibility. The 2023 Foreign Trade Day for the Healthcare Sector aimed to discuss successful diversification and opportunities for de-risking in the healthcare sector. 

Greater political support for the diversification efforts of companies in the industrial healthcare sector and expanded dialogue formats for successful de-risking: These were two key positions expressed by the five associations representing the export-oriented healthcare industry at the 2023 Healthcare Industry Foreign Trade Day on June 21.

The biennial networking event was organized by the Federal Foreign Office, the GHA, and SPECTARIS, as well as the associations BAH, vfa, and ZVEI, and Germany Trade and Invest through its Health Export Initiative. 

In her opening remarks, Susanne Baumann, State Secretary at the Federal Foreign Office, emphasized that Germany must strengthen its own economic resilience and outlined the federal government’s activities in the area of global health policy.

 In her keynote address, Dr. Annette Rinck, President of Leica Microsystems, emphasized the importance of international collaboration for remaining a driver of innovation in an industry such as the healthcare sector. She advocates for a thoughtful dialogue between businesses and policymakers to ensure the industry’s long-term viability in a new geo-economic reality.

Renowned country and subject matter experts provided valuable insights at this Foreign Trade Day. The panel discussions focused on key target countries and regions—such as the EU, the U.S., Asia, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa—and their potential as target markets. High-level thematic forums also addressed trade compliance, diversification, TRIPS and the Pandemic Treaty, the German government’s China strategy, and support for Ukraine to strengthen its healthcare system. In the closing discussion, as well as in the numerous contributions and panel discussions that preceded it, one thing quickly became clear: resilience plays a key role in the battle for international competitiveness. Market share will depend increasingly on innovative, digital business models, which require the appropriate infrastructure in Germany as well.

The issue of supply bottlenecks was also discussed at the Foreign Trade Day. Structural and sustainable solutions are needed to prevent them. However, simply bringing production back to Germany is not, on its own, an effective strategy. Instead, efforts should focus on making it more attractive to invest in internationally competitive production capacities for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and on promoting diversification within the value chains.

Both at the regulatory level and through free trade negotiations—including the option to participate in government tenders, among other things—effective market access for companies in the healthcare and laboratory technology sectors is the foundation for successful exports. In bilateral discussions and free trade negotiations, the dialogue on harmonizing regulatory and technical standards in the healthcare sector should therefore always be taken into account, and any protectionist measures should be avoided. Also new on the agenda for the industrial healthcare sector are export control regulations, which—due to the sanctions against Russia—now also affect medical device manufacturers. The healthcare industry clearly recognizes its responsibility to provide support in times of crisis—not only during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in times of war or natural disasters. For this reason, many companies in the relevant sectors are actively engaged in Ukraine, among other places, and stand ready to serve as cooperation partners to policymakers.  

The 2023 Foreign Trade Day for the Healthcare Industry was held for the ninth time at the Federal Foreign Office.

You can find more information on selected forums on this page under the "Minutes" section. You can also view the associations' political positionsin a single document.

Keynote Address by Dr. Annette Rinck, President of Leica Microsystems

Speech by Dr. Rinck - Download

Selected Minutes from the Country and Thematic Forums of AWThealth23

Country Forum I - U.S. Laboratory TechnologyCountry Forum II – Asia

Thematic Forum I - Trade Compliance Thematic Forum III – DiversificationThematic Forum IV - Dealing with AutocraciesThematic Forum V – Ukraine

Mentimeter survey results live at #AWThealth23

General informational materials:

Information from the GTAI

• Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) Digital Conference Magazine Featuring Key Country Information
• Video from the Health Export Initiative

Focus on Africa

• Information About the Africa Business Network

Trade Compliance - Solutions from AEB

• AEB: Information on Customs Management
• AEB: Information on Trade Compliance 

Information and event details for selected panels: 

Ukraine

• Draft Ukraine Recovery Plan: Materials from the “Healthcare System” Working Group
• GTAI Special on Ukraine

At the 2021 Digital Foreign Trade Day, under the title “(Post-)Corona World Mirror: The ‘New Normal,’” the new framework conditions for the German healthcare industry’s export business in the key target markets of Brazil, China, France, Russia, the U.S., and the UAE were examined in individual country forums, and the current challenges—as well as opportunities and future prospects—were discussed together with embassy representatives. 

You can find an overview of the topics covered in each country forum, as well as the detailed minutes of the forum, here.

 A report on the Foreign Trade Day will soon be available on the SPECTARIS website—featuring a video summary of the day, as well as the minutes and selected presentations from the forums, and additional information from this year’s Foreign Trade Day partners, Western Union Business Solutions and Rödl & Partner’s Moscow office.

New Normal in themarketsof China, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia

China – Current Developments in Medical Technology – Moderator: GHA
The rapid growth of the Chinese healthcare sector—for example, with the emergence of private health insurance—gave German medical technology companies cause for optimism during the China session, which took place concurrently. However, China’s efforts toward self-sufficiency will likely restrict the long-term freedom of action for small and medium-sized companies from Europe that do not enter into partnerships with local firms.

Minutes of the China Regional Forum

UAE – Opportunities for Analytical, Biotech, and Laboratory Technology – Moderator: SPECTARIS
In their online session, industry experts offered a cautiously positive assessment of the future of German analytical, biotech, and laboratory technologyin the United Arab Emirates: German laboratory technology companies enjoy a good reputation there, but strong competition from China requires greater innovation to remain competitive in the long term amid price wars.

Minutes of the UAE Countries Forum

Russia - Current Developments in the Pharmaceutical Sector – Moderator: BAH
During the online session on Russia, all participants emphasized the importance of the healthcare sector for Russia, as well as the significance of the export business for German companies. This was also confirmed by the growing export figures in the pharmaceutical sector.

Minutes of the Russia Country Forum
Presentation: “Target Areas for Bionorica Products”Speaker: Prof. Dr. Michael A. Popp

France - Current Developments in Medical Technology - Moderator: SPECTARIS
During the online session on opportunities for German medical technology in France, the promising government investment measures in the French healthcare market were praised; however, calls were made for greater efficiency in procurement to ensure better preparedness for future pandemics.

Minutes of the France Regional Forum

U.S. – Current Developments in Medical Technology – Moderator: ZVEI
The U.S. Forum answered the question of whether the U.S. healthcare market is still essential for German companies with a clear “yes,” even though thorough preparation before entering the market remains indispensable.

Minutes of the U.S. Country Forum

Brazil - Current Developments in the Pharmaceutical Sector - Moderator: vfa
In Brazil, the current political situation poses a major challenge for the economy as well. One of the key issues is climate change. The market is large and fundamentally attractive, but it presents many challenges.

Minutes of the Brazil Country Forum

Minutes of the Brazil Country Forum
Presentation by Germany Trade and Invest: “The (Post-)Corona Global Outlook for the Pharmaceutical Industry in Brazil”

About 300 representatives from the medical technology, pharmaceutical, and laboratory technology industries, as well as from the political sphere, discussed the “new normal” in the export sector on a digital platform

The far-reaching market impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the opportunities presented by digital products and processes were the focus of the 2021 Foreign Trade Day. At the invitation of the industry association SPECTARIS and the Federal Foreign Office—in collaboration with BAH, GHA, vfa, and ZVEI, as well as the GTAI and the Healthcare Industry Export Initiative—numerous stakeholders from politics and business came together this year in a fully virtual format to discuss the current challenges facing exports in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. German companies in the medical technology, pharmaceutical, and laboratory technology sectors have a global presence. A key pillar of their success is building networks in foreign markets.

At the opening of the event, Niels Annen, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, emphasized the importance of joint action by the business and political sectors to emerge stronger from the pandemic. He noted that companies would face additional challenges in the future, such as growing protectionism, travel restrictions, and other barriers. More efficient and resilient supply chains are therefore the order of the day. “German healthcare products are in high demand on global markets due to their excellent quality, safety standards, and high level of data security. They enjoy the trust of both the medical community and patients. Going forward, the Federal Foreign Office and its diplomatic missions abroad, together with our partners, will continue to be happy to advise, guide, and support your companies in their international activities,” Annen emphasized.

Under this year’s theme, “(Post-)Corona World Mirror: The New Normal,” the panel discussions focused on key target countries such as Brazil, China, France, Russia, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. During the numerous online sessions—some of which were held simultaneously—it quickly became clear that the path back to a “new normal” in international competition requires, above all, flexibility and the courage to innovate. Many countries are currently working to further expand their healthcare systems, which are a key pillar in overcoming the pandemic. At the same time, there is significant cost pressure—and German manufacturers must remain competitive in this environment.

In their online session, industry experts offered a cautiously positive assessment of the future of German analytical, biotech, and laboratory technology in the United Arab Emirates: German laboratory technology companies enjoy a strong reputation there, but fierce competition from China requires greater innovation to remain competitive in the long term amid price wars. The rapid growth of the Chinese healthcare sector—for example, with the emergence of private health insurance—provided cause for optimism for German medical technology companies during the parallel session on China. However, China’s efforts toward self-sufficiency will likely restrict the long-term maneuvering room of smaller and medium-sized companies from Europe that do not enter into partnerships with local firms. In the online session on opportunities for German medical technology in France, the promising government investment measures in the French healthcare market were praised; however, there were calls for greater efficiency in procurement to be better prepared for future pandemics. The U.S. Forum answered the question of whether the U.S. healthcare market is still essential for German companies with a clear “yes,” even though thorough preparation before entering the market remains indispensable.

Despite the generally positive sentiment in the respective target markets, one concern dampened the outlook at the Foreign Trade Day: As the pandemic draws to a close, many countries are resorting to more protectionist measures to strengthen their own domestic economies. SPECTARIS Managing Director Jörg Mayer views such trends as a major source of economic uncertainty: “The COVID-19 crisis must not now turn into a crisis of protectionism. Our key industries need practical, transparent, and legally certain guidelines in the areas of trade compliance, customs, export controls, and, above all, targeted export promotion measures. A restrictive foreign policy that relies on punitive tariffs actively undermines these efforts, makes planning more difficult, and must stop.”

The trade conflicts between the U.S. and China, as well as Brexit, show that the export-oriented sectors of the healthcare industry are particularly affected by the broader political climate. Therefore, a key outcome of the day was the clear commitment from both the political and business communities to continue working together—even during the challenging times of the pandemic—to preserve and strengthen free trade and exports.

The 2021 Foreign Trade Day is a joint event organized by SPECTARIS – German Industry Association for Optics, Photonics, Analytical and Medical Technology, GHA – German Health Alliance, ZVEI – German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, BAH – Federal Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, and vfa – Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies, and took place with the participation of GTAI – Germany Trade and Invest and the Healthcare Industry Export Initiative. A report on the Foreign Trade Day will soon be available on the SPECTARIS website—featuring a video summary of the day, the minutes, and selected presentations from the forums, as well as further information from this year’s Foreign Trade Day partners, Western Union Business Solutions and Rödl & Partner’s Moscow office.

TRENDING TOPICS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, PHARMACEUTICALS, AND LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY AT THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

On March 20, 2019, SPECTARIS, together with the Federal Foreign Office and other industry association partners, hosted the 7th Foreign Trade Day for Medical Technology, Pharmaceuticals, and Laboratory Technology: “Challenges in Free Trade and Digitalization—Recipes for Success for Export-Oriented Companies.”

The 2019 Foreign Trade Day, attended by approximately 230 guests from the business and political communities at the Federal Foreign Office, focused its discussions on free trade and digitalization.

In his opening remarks, Nils Annen, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, made it clear that free trade and digitalization can only thrive through dialogue: “As with free trade, the same applies here: digitalization opens borders and broadens horizons; isolationism and nationalism are misguided paths that cannot halt the digital march of progress. Joint action with partners, on the other hand, strengthens our ability to shape the future, even in the digital age.” Carl Zeiss Meditec AG showcased medical technology firsthand with a digital biopsy tool. The device is a vivid example of the new possibilities that digitalization opens up in product development—possibilities that primarily benefit patients. In his presentation, Justus Felix Wehmer of Zeiss Meditec AG outlined the four challenges facing companies in global competition: “VUCA” stands for the keywords volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity—factors that have always shaped business operations. Given the current global political situation, uncertainty stands out as the greatest challenge. This was also confirmed by the participants, who were able to take part in a live survey addressing key questions. It is essential to involve customers and their needs in product development, Mr. Wehmer clarified—this principle also forms the basis of “design thinking.” This is a method for developing innovative products that place customer needs at the center. Jonas Brunnert from Innoki presented the method and demonstrated its application during the subsequent workshop.

Lively discussions took place in various country- and topic-specific forums, covering topics such as Brexit, sanctions legislation, major export markets like China and India, and opportunities to tap into African markets with innovative business models. The afternoon’s political dialogue culminated in a closing discussion on strategies to strengthen free trade and on forward-looking frameworks for digital business models. The panel featured a first-rate lineup, and the discussion yielded many interesting points of departure, while also highlighting the complexity of the topic and the need for guidelines from the federal government to coordinate the related issues. The idea of a “Chief Digital Officer” within the federal government is an interesting aspect that we will explore further in subsequent discussions.  

Flyer: Invitation and Program for the 2019 Foreign Trade DayOverview of Forum Moderators and Keynote Speakers

Results of the Live Poll

Question 1: Free TradeQuestion 2: National ProtectionismQuestion 3: VUCAQuestion 4: ForecastsQuestion 5: Digitalization—Opportunity or ChallengeQuestion 6: Digitalization—PreparationQuestion 7: Digitalization—Which Country Will Be Leading the Way in 2030?