25.01.2010 As one of the world's leading medical technology locations participating in the Arab Health congress in Dubai, Baden-Württemberg will be presenting itself in conjunction with more than 100 of its resident companies, clinics and research institutes.

The Baden-Württemberg medical-equipment companies in the south-west of Germany develop and manufacture a wide variety of sophisticated high-tech products, which are used all over the world and are in high demand both nationally and internationally.

In the medical technology sector, Germany, which accounts for 36% of the European market, is the largest market in Europe and the third largest in the world. Around 160,000 people work in more than 11,000 German companies in the core areas of the medical technology industry. Twenty-two per cent of these companies are located in Baden-Württemberg and, accounting for more than 19% of employees, Baden-Württemberg has the largest proportion of employees in this high-tech sector in Germany.
From 1995 to 2007, turnover in the medical equipment industry recorded an annual growth rate of 7%, a significantly greater increase than in the economy as a whole. Up to 2015, a further rise in turnover of 7% p.a. is expected.

Within Germany, the turnover of the companies amounts to 4.2 billion euros, around 23% of the sector as a whole. In terms of turnover, this puts Baden-Württemberg in second place in relation to the other states in Germany.

As regards exports, Germany is second in the world; it's approximately 15% share in world trade in this field is less than the US's (31%), but is considerably greater than Japan's 6%. At 64%, the medical-equipment export ratio is higher than that of industry in its entirety.

The German medical equipment market is one of the most innovative sectors of the economy and, to date, has registered just under 17,000 patents, more than any other branch of industry. It is the field of technology with the largest number of registrations in Germany, accounting for 12% of the total. From a global point of view, Germany is in second place behind the US with regard to patent registrations.

The great innovative strength of Baden-Württemberg's manufacturers of medical equipment is demonstrated by the fact that more than 50% of sales are achieved with products that have been on the market for less than three years.

About Arab Health

The Arab Health congress, which takes place annually in Dubai, is the world's most important trade show for medical systems, health, pharmaceuticals and dental equipment and is the largest trade fair in this field throughout the Middle East.
For over 30 years, it has been enabling access to a rapidly growing and lucrative market. This latter is currently valued at round 80 billion USD and enjoys an annual growth rate of 16% in spite of the global economic crisis.
In 2009, more than 2,200 exhibitors from 65 countries presented themselves at Arab Health. The trade fair recorded more than 55,000 specialist visitors from all over the world.

Further information
Baden-Württemberg at Arab Health 2010:
http://www.arab-health.german-pavilion.com/content/english/exhibitors/exhibitors_result.php?exhibitor_id=18883

Medical technology location Baden-Württemberg:
http://www.bw-invest.de/deu/index_deu_392.aspx