Die Pharmazeutische Industrie: People's Republic of China. Restructuring of the health service. Situation in the pharmaceuticals industry. Multinational companies gain in importance.

The pharmaceuticals industry in the People's Republic of China is growing in double-digit figures. Overcapacities exist for certain products, few patents are owned by domestic manufacturers, and the market is characterised by intense competition. Imports are rising significantly. The Pharmaceutical Department of the State Economic and Trade Commission, and the State Statistical Bureau predict a growth rate of 10-11% for pharmaceuticals and a 10% rise in exports for 2000. Demand for pharmaceuticals is predicted to rise by 12%/y during the next 5 years. According to a survey by the China Economic Monitoring Center around 85% of manufacturers of traditional Chinese medicine …