China WTO accession
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
Bilateral U.S.-Chinese agreement on China's accession to the World Trade Organization, announced Nov. 15, is expected to eliminate barriers hampering the medical technology industry's access to the Chinese market. Elimination of high tariffs, regulatory obstacles and distribution and import barriers is expected to make it possible for companies to provide basic medical care and technological innovations to the Chinese people, including development of health care insurance companies and hospitals. Both the Health Industry Manufacturers Association and Chindex International, Inc. applauded the agreement in releases Nov. 16 and 18 respectively. HIMA is participating in a Nov. 30 WTO ministerial conference in Seattle "in an accredited non-governmental advisory role"