Taipei, Taiwan – Taiwan’s healthcare system is widely recognized as one of the most advanced and accessible in the world. Even during the pandemic, it demonstrated remarkable resilience, supported by a comprehensive and affordable National Health Insurance (NHI) program. However, with a rapidly aging population and a growing shortage of healthcare professionals, the system is now under increasing pressure. In light of these challenges and to further deepen bilateral cooperation in the healthcare sector, the German Trade Office Taipei’s service unit, DEinternational Taiwan Ltd., hosted the Taiwanese-German Conference on Healthcare Applications today. The conference is part of a delegation trip of German companies to Taiwan, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy under the market entry program, and serves as a key component of a German business delegation’s visit to Taiwan.
Focusing on pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, the conference showcased German innovations in precision medicine, drug development, and medical technologies. The event aims to provide a dynamic platform for Taiwanese healthcare providers, distributors, and manufacturers to explore new solutions, foster partnerships, and gain insights into current trends in Germany’s healthcare sector. In addition to company presentations, Ms. Rajani Sabanantham, Senior Project Manager of the German Health Alliance (GHA), offered an overview of recent developments and strategic directions within the German healthcare industry.
Dr. Eva Langerbeck, Chief Representative and Executive Director of the German Trade Office Taipei, stated:
“German companies are globally recognized for their innovation and quality. Whether in pharmaceutical manufacturing, clinical trial materials, coating technologies, or precision medical devices, German solutions are well-positioned to meet Taiwan’s diverse healthcare needs. We look forward to fostering more exchange and collaboration between our two countries through this seminar, driving sustainable growth in the healthcare sector.”
Taiwan, one of Asia’s most dynamic healthcare markets, particularly in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, offers strong opportunities for bilateral cooperation. According to estimates, Taiwan’s NHI expenditure is projected to reach EUR 26.4 billion in 2025, a 5.5% increase from the previous year, setting a historic record. Demographic changes and growing demand for healthcare innovation have led the government to intensify investment in areas such as AI, precision medicine, and biotechnology.
Moreover, Taiwan depends heavily on foreign pharmaceutical suppliers, with 80% of its medicines being imported. In 2024, Germany accounted for 22.5% of Taiwan’s total pharmaceutical imports, making it the top supplier, with a value of approximately EUR 5.3 billion. In the medical device sector, Germany ranked as the fourth-largest supplier, contributing 8.5% of Taiwan’s imports (around EUR 2.7 billion). With Taiwan’s government actively promoting cancer screening programs, demand for oncology-related medical equipment continues to rise, creating further opportunities for bilateral collaboration.
The five participating German companies, each a leader in its respective field, include:
- BioMed X GmbH – Biomedical research & drug discovery
- HWI pharma services GmbH – Formulation, analytics & regulatory support
- Primacyt Cell Culture Technology GmbH – Liver-related research products & medical device testing
- Rohde KG – Hygienic coatings for healthcare facilities
- Sensoplast Packmitteltechnik GmbH – High-precision closures & medical devices
