Malaysia’s healthcare industry has experienced unprecedented growth and development over the past two years, evidenced by the 24.9% double digit growth during 2020 to reach US$7.47 billion in the export of medical devices to major export markets such as the United States, Germany, Japan, Singapore and Belgium.
Supplies from Malaysia continue to play a crucial role in helping front liners all over the world in their fight against COVID. Healthcare companies ramped up their production capacities by increasing domestic investment to increase exports to meet the higher global demand for healthcare products.
Today in Malaysia, there are more than 200 medical devices manufacturers, mainly small and medium enterprises manufacturing medical gloves. However, the industry also includes higher value-added and technologically advanced products such as cardiac pacemakers, stents, orthopaedic implantable devices, ophthalmic lenses including contact lenses, dental instruments and appliances, and electromedical, therapeutic and monitoring devices.
Malaysia at Arab Health
Malaysia considers the Gulf region a major market for pharmaceutical and medical equipment due to government commitment to provide quality healthcare to their citizens, according to Omar Mohd Salleh – Trade Commissioner of Malaysia to the UAE.
Malaysia supplies 60% of the world market for rubber gloves. However, few are aware that Malaysia is also the world’s leading producer and exporter of catheters, supplying 80% of the global demand.
Malaysia has been, for many years, the preferred sourcing hub for medical devices, particularly for medical disposable products. Companies participating under the Malaysia pavilion at Arab Health this year are mainly manufacturers of personal protective equipment, nutritional drinks, rubber products, as well as medical components, among others. This is Malaysia’s 17th consecutive year participating in the event, which shows our strong commitment to this market, said Omar.
Bilateral trade between the UAE and Malaysia
“Despite the challenging time, we are still optimistic for 2022 with the Expo 2020 giving a strong boost to the UAE economy. Already we have seen an 26.1% growth in our exports to the UAE during the first 10 months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. Malaysia’s total trade with UAE during this period registered at US$4.4 billion. UAE has always maintained its position as Malaysia’s largest trading partner and exports destination in GCC. We foresee the bilateral trade between Malaysia and the UAE further improving with the gradual opening up in both countries,” said Omar.
• Arab Health booth: Hall 8 E30
