I enclose details of our Outlook for Medical Devices in South East Asia.

The eight Asian countries in this report represent a total market of 588 million people and a combined GDP of US$2.8 trillion in 2008

Business opportunities in Asian medical device equipment supply markets are very different from a few years ago. The traditional tiger economies, characterised by economic growth, free market environment, developed industry and investment in health and health infrastructure have had a long haul back from the financial instability and economic downturn in the 1990's.

Tiger Cubs?
At the same time, markets that had hitherto excited little industry or investor interest, have emerged as real areas of opportunity for suppliers and service companies alike. Diverse influences - from deregulation and better trade links to improved access and the rise of medical tourism - are seeing markets such as Malaysia and Vietnam take an increasingly important role in the region.

Sustained growth
With established western markets maturing, serious attention is being paid to the countries where manufacturers can see significant long-term growth. However, effective planning is vital, and impartial, thoroughly researched business data is essential to fully appreciate the current market status as a basis for future development.

These quarterly updated reports analyse the issues
The Outlook for Medical Devices in South East Asia to 2013. Each report provides individual and highly-detailed analysis of each market, looking at the key regulatory, political, economic and corporate developments in the wider context of market structure, service and access. The reports are available individually or as a discounted collection, and prices include 4 completely updated reports sent quarterly plus a comprehensive annual review.

Executive Summary

8 Markets Covered!
Indonesia Philippines South Korea Thailand
Malaysia Singapore Taiwan Vietnam

Highlights from the report

INDONESIA
The Indonesian market for medical equipment and supplies was valued at US$146 million in 2008, equal to just US$0.6 per capita. In overall market terms the total is similar to Kuwait, in per capita terms the total is similar to India and Bangladesh. Indonesia spends roughly 1.1% of total health expenditure on medical devices, equal to 0.03% of total GDP. The market accounts for around 0.07% of the total world market. Only the basic medical items are produced locally and the country is reliant on imports.

MALAYSIA
The Malaysian government is keen to develop its medical device manufacturing capability in order to remain competitive, but the country is still heavily reliant on imports, which have nearly doubled over the last five years. This trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future, despite the government's ambitious plans to promote the manufacture of medical devices at the higher end of the technology scale. The Malaysian market for medical equipment and supplies is estimated at US$614 million in 2008, and recent trends suggest a positive outlook leading to 2013.

PHILIPPINES
The Philippines will continue to rely heavily on imported medical equipment, and some of the key areas of growth, based on recent trends, are ophthalmic instruments and appliances, syringes needles and catheters, X-ray equipment, orthopaedic and prosthetic appliances, and surgical gloves. The Philippines medical device market is expected to grow at a rate of 4.1% from 2008 to 2013. This growth will be spearheaded by the private sector, medical tourism and a steady economy.

SINGAPORE
The Singapore market for medical equipment and supplies was estimated at US$215 million in 2008, equal to US$49 per capita. Singapore's medical device market has been fairly resilient, with growth continuing throughout the period of financial instability towards the end of the last decade. Stable device import figures underline the fundamental strength of the market. Moreover, strong trade links with the US and EU have played a large part in this industry buoyancy. Owing to impressive import growth, a fairly steady economy and an ageing population, Espicom estimates the Singaporean market to exhibit annual average growth of around 13.1%.

SOUTH KOREA
Market demand for advanced and innovative medical devices is forecast to remain strong in 2008 and over the next several years as Korea's hospitals continue to purchase technology intensive products from abroad and increasing numbers of elderly Korean patients require sophisticated medical procedures. Espicom estimates the Korean market to exhibit annual average growth of 7.0%. Based on this rate, the market will be worth US$4.0 billion by 2013. Even so, the government continues to put pressure on medical equipment costs.

TAIWAN
Along with South Korea, Taiwan is one of the richer 'Asian Tiger' economies. Per capita GDP is similar to New Zealand, and behind only Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia in the Asia-Pacific region. The economy contracted in the wake of the more general slowdown in 2001, but has since performed well again. A heavily used and under funded health insurance scheme has caused the government to initiate unpopular cost control reforms.

THAILAND
Recovery of the Thai medical device market since the economic crisis has been gradual, with 2001 imports around a third below pre-crisis levels. Since then, imports have nearly doubled leading to 2005, and the prospects for growth remain encouraging. In 2008, the market is valued at US$492 million, and is expected to continue to grow at a real average of 7.7% over the next five years.

VIETNAM
The medical device and supplies market is expected to expand steadily in Vietnam over the next few years, in line with the increasing value of imports, which account for just under 80% of the market. It is expected that the device market will continue to expand at an average rate of 10.4% per annum. ..... FOR EVERY MARKET,