The CPhI China 2013, which concluded recently at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, was a big success as it attracted more than 30,000 visitors from 133 countries all over the world.

Attendance rates far exceeded expectation and CPhI and P-MEC China, alongside co-located events BioPh, ICSE, InnoPack, hosted a record breaking more than 2,400 companies, both local and international.

The 13 th consecutive event was the foremost meeting point and networking opportunity for senior Chinese pharma professionals and international pharmaceutical suppliers and buyers.

In response to the implementation of China’s ‘five year plan’, CPhI China 2013, which took place from June 25 to 27, saw a strong focus on research and development with LABWorld, BioPharma and ICSE all contained in one hall, mirroring China’s continued commitment to this area and reflecting its exemplary position in the pharmaceutical world.

R&D investments in China have been at a high throughout 2013- it has been estimated that growth in investment within this area matches that of the USA. The [12 th] ‘Five-Year Plan’, implemented by the Chinese government targets pharmaceutical R&D as a key initiative, with financial and beneficial incentives being offered in order to encourage R&D activities within the country. These include exemption from import customs duty on R&D equipment and a reduced income tax rate. In light of this, the R&D focus at CPhI China 2013 provided an informative update on the efforts being made by the government in facilitating innovation within the country.

On-site at CPhI China 2013, the “China and World” Medical Forum proved highly insightful and valuable for attendees. Having received substantial support from a vibrant speaker team of government and leading pharmaceutical companies, the forum showcased hot topic seminars and conferences. These covered the latest policies and regulations within the pharmaceutical industry and the practical applications of new technology. Furthermore, the Buyer Sourcing Event, with more than 60 buyers, 280 sessions and over 90 per cent successful match rate, has provided a catalyst for increased business connections in the region.

According to Chris Kilbee, CPhI Pharma group director at UBM Live, the Chinese pharmaceutical industry is now the third largest in the world and is ever growing -- it is predicted to expand at the annual rate of 12 per cent from 2013 to 2020. Having witnessed a shift in focus to R&D by China, CPhI China 2013 was designed to reflect these widespread changes. The event was undoubtedly a success for both UBM Live, CCMHPIE and our attendees and, consequently, over 40 per cent of exhibitors present have already registered for next year. This result show that CPhI China is now at the centre of pharmaceutical business connections within the region.

CPhI 2014 will return alongside co-located events ICSE, BioPh, P-MEC, InnoPack and Labworld, on June 26 to 28, 2014 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The exhibition will increase its scale and, reiterating the importance of R&D in China as CPhI China 2014 will focus on biopharmaceutical R&D with ‘BioPh China’ and ‘ICSE China’ making up an integral part of the exhibition. A further main focus for next year will be natural extracts in which exhibiting companies will occupy more than one hall.