U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce Andrews today announced he will lead representatives from 12 U.S. companies on a health care business development mission to Beijing and Chongqing, China, October 16-21. Acting Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Mary Wakefield will join the delegation in Beijing. This is the first time that HHS has participated in a trade mission.

The mission will strengthen health care resources in both countries and promote U.S. exports to China by supporting U.S. providers of health care products and services, including pharmaceutical and medical devices, health insurance, health care IT system, hospital management and cooperation, and research and development.

“The United States is a leading supplier of health care technologies and services to China,” said Deputy Secretary Andrews. “This trade mission provides an excellent opportunity for participating firms to make inroads in the China market, and further bolster the U.S.-China commercial relationship.”

“HHS is excited to take part in this important mission to advance our partnership and collaboration with China in the health care and medical fields,” said Acting Deputy Secretary Wakefield. “Our two countries share the common goal of improving access to high-quality, affordable health care so that more people have access to critical health services. We face similar challenges, including an aging population and an increase in chronic diseases – challenges that U.S. businesses are helping us meet – and I look forward to continuing to work together to bring innovative solutions that lead to better care and economic growth for both our countries.

Representatives from the following U.S. companies will participate in the mission:

• Akers Biosciences, Inc. – West Deptford, N.J.
• Amgen, Inc. – Thousand Oaks, Calif.
• Clinical Innovations LLC – Murray, Utah.
• Edwards Lifesciences LLC – Irvine, Calif.
• Euclid Systems Corporation – Herndon, Va.
• Grifols USA LLC – Los Angeles, Calif.
• Inova – Falls Church, Va.
• InterSystems Corporation – Cambridge, Mass.
• Medidata Solutions – New York, N.Y.
• Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association – Annapolis, Md.
• St. Jude Medical, Inc. – St. Paul, Minn.
• Varian Medical Systems, Inc. – Palo Alto, Calif.

Chinese leaders have prioritized the reform of its health care system to ensure citizens have access to quality and affordable care. China is projected to exceed $1 trillion in health care spending by 2020. The increased investment offers great opportunities for U.S. firms to market their products and services. It will also promote U.S. public and private sector support of Chinese efforts to reform its health care system through bilateral cooperation and investment. 

The trip agenda features business-to-government and business-to-business meetings, market briefings, site visits and networking events.