TPPA To Give Made-In-Malaysia Medical Devices Wider Access: Body

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- The Association of Malaysian Medical Industries (AMMI) says the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) will provide wider market access for made-in-Malaysia medical devices into TPPA countries especially the US, with which Malaysia has no free trade agreement. "We believe the TPPA will enable medical device manufacturers in Malaysia to further grow their exports to the TPPA countries and attract more foreign direct investment in medical device manufacturing," said AMMI in a statement. AMMI said made-in-Malaysia medical devices are recognised worldwide for their reliability, resulting in a 13 per cent increase in exports from US$2.72 billion (RM11.9 billion) in 2013 to US$3.08 billion (RM13.5 billion) in 2014. (US$1 = RM4.37) "Exports of medical devices by AMMI member companies continue to register double-digit growth. "With this trend set to continue, Malaysia is moving up the value chain in the production of medical devices," it said. High-value medical devices manufactured in Malaysia include orthopaedic products, dialysers, surgical implants, medical electrodes, diagnostic radiographic equipment, pacemakers, defibrillators and ophthalmic lenses. The medical device industry has been identified under the 11th Malaysian Plan as one of the high potential growth industries and plays a critical role in strengthening the country's healthcare landscape. -- BERNAMA