Industry events are an important way for Qualtech to stay connected with the medical device industry and keep up with developments across different markets. Direct conversations with manufacturers and industry professionals give us the opportunity to exchange perspectives and gain a better understanding of current market interests and trends.
In 2026, Qualtech participated in CMEF Shanghai and BIO Asia–Taiwan. Both events provided opportunities to connect with local and international companies and learn more about their plans for international expansion.
Key Observations from the Events
International expansion was one topic that came up frequently. At CMEF Shanghai, many of the Chinese companies we met were looking beyond their domestic market, with ASEAN being a frequent area of interest. We also spoke with international companies exploring opportunities across APAC. At BIO Asia–Taiwan, similar conversations covered regional expansion, including ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand.
The interest in ASEAN also reflects the region's growing relevance for companies looking to expand in Asia. ASEAN offers access to several growing healthcare markets, with increasing demand for medical products and healthcare services. Its geographic proximity and strong connections with major Asian markets also make the region an attractive option for manufacturers considering regional expansion.
At the same time, ASEAN is not a single regulatory market. Each country has its own regulatory requirements, healthcare environment, and market practices. Companies therefore need to consider these local differences when deciding which markets to enter and how to approach their expansion plans.
The conversations also went beyond initial market entry. Companies were not only asking about registration requirements, but also considering post-market activities, local conditions, potential partners, and ongoing regulatory responsibilities after entering a new market.
Supporting Multi-Market Expansion
These discussions reinforce the importance of looking beyond individual regulatory requirements when considering international expansion. Even within APAC, regulatory frameworks, healthcare systems, and market practices can differ considerably from one country to another. A strategy that works in one market may therefore need to be adjusted for another.
This makes local knowledge particularly important. Companies need to consider not only how to register a product, but also how it will be introduced, maintained, and supported in the market over time.
For Qualtech, direct engagement with industry stakeholders is one way of keeping our market knowledge current. Conversations with manufacturers, distributors, and other industry professionals help us understand the markets they are considering, the challenges they face, and the topics that are becoming increasingly relevant. Together with our ongoing regulatory monitoring and market research, these insights help us stay up to date across the markets we serve.
This market knowledge, combined with our regulatory experience across different countries, allows Qualtech to support multi-market entry strategies. When companies are planning expansion into several markets, our team can assess the regulatory pathways available in each market and consider how existing approvals, classifications, or technical documentation from one country may serve as a useful reference for another, where applicable. This can help identify opportunities to streamline regulatory pathways and develop a more coordinated approach to market entry.
Explore Your Next Market with Qualtech
Interested in a specific market? Qualtech currently offers a 1-hour free consultation to discuss the regulatory and market access considerations for the market you are exploring.
Book a meeting with our team or email us at globalra@qualtechs.com to get started.