Sri Lanka showcases healthcare potential at Medica 2024

The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) successfully organised a Sri Lankan business delegation to Medica 2024, the world’s leading trade fair for medical technology, in Germany from 11-14 November 2024. This renowned exhibition created a unique opportunity for Sri Lankan medical and health sector stakeholders to network with international partners, share expertise, and discover the latest advancements in the industry. 

The Sri Lankan delegation, accompanied by Sri Lankan Ambassador to Germany Varuni Muthukumarana featured leading Sri Lankan companies, including DIMO Healthcare, Hayleys Lifesciences, Sunpro Healthcare, Mediequipment, Nanomedix, and Emar Pharma, many of which are prominent agents or distributors of German and EU medical equipment in Sri Lanka. During the exhibition, these companies engaged in fruitful B2B meetings with existing principals and explored partnerships with potential business collaborators. 

Moreover, AHK Sri Lanka facilitated several strategic engagements, including a pivotal meeting with the German Health Alliance (GHA). GHA Board Vice Chairman Armin Smajilovic warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed optimism about fostering deeper collaboration. Discussions included the exchange of best practices in regulatory frameworks, potential improvements in registration processes, and the possibility of a fact-finding visit to Sri Lanka by GHA members in 2025. 

During the meeting, the Sri Lankan delegation showcased the country’s potential as a gateway to the Asian healthcare market. They highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic advantages, including its Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with India and Pakistan, which facilitate exports, as well as the nation’s suitability as a manufacturing hub for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Varuni Muthukumarana provided an overview of the country’s stable political and economic landscape.

In addition, the delegation met with Baden-Württemberg International Manager – Internationalisation Andreas Pfister to explore opportunities for collaboration between Sri Lankan businesses and German manufacturers specialising in surgical equipment, tools, and research and development. Individual meetings with representatives at their booth, “The Land”, allowed delegates to discuss potential partnerships.

Hayleys Lifesciences Ltd. Deputy Managing Director Athula Wijayananda expressed his appreciation to AHK Sri Lanka for organising a visitor delegation to the exhibition stating, “This is the best place to get first-hand information about technology and the trends, and see the future of Sri Lankan medical industry by bringing and implementing the technology.”

Further highlighting Sri Lanka’s capabilities, three Sri Lankan companies — Dipped Products, Ceyflex Rubber, and MAS Innovations — exhibited their products at Medica 2024. Their participation showcased Sri Lanka’s commitment to international standards and raised global awareness of the country’s healthcare sector potential.

Malintha Gajanayake stated, “The Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Medica 2024 was a remarkable success, creating valuable leads, strengthening global partnerships, and boosting Sri Lanka’s standing in the international healthcare market. This will undoubtedly raise industry standards, enhance patient safety, and inspire future collaborations worldwide.”

The five-day visit to Düsseldorf concluded with a networking dinner, attended by the Sri Lankan Ambassador, where delegation members shared insights into industry challenges and bottlenecks affecting foreign direct investment and patient safety in Sri Lanka. The discussions laid the groundwork for future steps, including virtual follow-up sessions with the Ambassador to develop a policy paper addressing these challenges with support from relevant associations for presentation to Sri Lankan authorities.

AHK Sri Lanka is part of the German Chamber Network supported by the Economic Affairs and Climate Action Federal Ministry (BMWK). With 150 locations in 93 countries around the world, the members of the German Chamber Network (AHKs) offer their experience, connections, and services to German and companies of the respective partner countries. AHKs are located in all countries of particular importance to German companies and are closely connected to the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) in Germany.