On October 17, AmCham China’s Southwest Chapter collaborated with Medtronic to host a tour and healthcare industry panel discussion at the Medtronic Innovation Center in Chengdu. The event brought together representatives from member companies, healthcare professionals, and officials from relevant departments of the Sichuan Provincial government. Attendees toured the center’s cutting-edge medical facilities and equipment, and listened to expert insights from policy specialists and industry leaders regarding the investment environment for foreign enterprises and innovations in the healthcare sector.
Wei Wei, Manager of the AmCham China Southwest Chapter, opened the event, followed by welcoming remarks from Jeffrey Bernstein, Chair of the Southwest Chapter Executive Committee.
Dr. Cyrus Liu, Training and Education Director of the Medtronic Innovation Center, provided an introduction to both Medtronic and its Chengdu innovation hub. Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology founded in 1949, first entered China in 1989, establishing an office in Shanghai. Since then, its presence has expanded across China, with its advanced products and therapies improving the lives of countless patients. The Chengdu Innovation Center, which opened in 2021, focuses on developing medical professionals and improving access to advanced healthcare services in the region.
Dr. Liu led attendees on a tour of the center’s key functional areas, which include state-of-the-art simulation training facilities offering highly realistic environments for clinical training. The 8,800 square-meter center features operating rooms, catheterization labs, and neurology training spaces, alongside viewing halls, classrooms, and a lecture hall. The design combines aesthetic appeal with functionality, incorporating elements of Sichuan’s local culture.
After the tour, Chenli Cao from the Foreign Investment Promotion and Management Department of the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Economic Cooperation delivered an in-depth briefing on the province’s foreign investment policies. She discussed opportunities, national strategies, and key recent policies aimed at enhancing the region’s appeal to foreign investors. As the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle progresses, the investment environment in Southwest China continues to attract foreign businesses, fostering innovation and cooperation in the process.
The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring Albert Xu, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Care Alliance, Dr. Cyrus Liu, and Jeffrey Bernstein. These leaders shared valuable insights on healthcare accessibility, talent development, and strategies for sustaining innovation amid evolving policies. Their discussion provided attendees with a deeper understanding of both international and local healthcare developments, particularly in the high-quality growth of rehabilitation services in Sichuan.
We extend our gratitude to the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Economic Cooperation, CCPIT Sichuan Council, Medtronic, Care Alliance, and the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Sichuan for their support. As one of China’s key economic growth engines, Southwest China is experiencing unprecedented development opportunities. The establishment of AmCham China’s Southwest Chapter recognizes the region’s potential and reinforces confidence in its future. Member companies like Medtronic have already achieved significant success in the region, contributing to its economic prosperity. We believe that the continued growth of foreign enterprises will not only drive their own success but also positively impact the entire region.