The 4th China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) opened in Beijing on June 22. This edition marks the third appearance of the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, which is showcasing over 130 innovative products, including pharmaceuticals, special foods, and health products imported under special license. Leveraging the CISCE, Boao Lecheng—China's only "medical special zone"—seeks cooperation and to share fresh opportunities brought by the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP).

Exhibitors explore specially licensed medical foods and health products exhibited by Boao Lecheng at the 4th CISCE. (Photo courtesy of the Boao Lecheng Administration)

Boao Lecheng's pavilion, located in the expo's Healthy Living section, boasts a range of special medical foods and health products that have drawn the attention of exhibitors and visitors alike. These include a diabetes-specific nutritional formula from Lebonta, celery seed & turmeric capsules from Raenen, and reduced coenzyme Q10 supplements from Medagenix. At the same time, a number of cutting-edge medical technology products first implemented in the zone are on display, including boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) devices for tumor treatment, yttrium-90 glass microsphere systems, and Histotripsy ultrasound tissue fragmentation equipment.

A suite of unique policies enables Boao Lecheng to introduce pharmaceuticals and medical devices from around the globe into the zone, which has set its sights on extending its supply chain strengths into the broader health consumption sector. Focusing on the health and wellness needs of older people and patients with chronic diseases, the zone has launched a host of medical tourism itineraries covering early screening check-ups, traditional Chinese medicine conditioning, medical aesthetics and anti-aging, sports rehabilitation, and other themes. More broadly, it is accelerating the expansion of its integrated “medical + wellness + tourism” business model and actively promoting the coordinated development of diversified wellness scenarios centered on the zone.

An official from the zone's administrative agency stated: "This marks the third consecutive year Boao Lecheng has participated in CISCE. Our role in the health life supply chain is evolving from a pioneering platform to a hub connecting global innovative medical resources and serving domestic and international health needs." With the advancement of Hainan FTP's special customs operations and Lecheng's unique policy advantages, representatives from medical institutions, pharmaceutical companies, tourism enterprises, and other stakeholders have engaged in in-depth discussions on policy content, development progress, and cooperation intentions.

During the CISCE, Boao Lecheng is leveraging the Hainan FTP's policy advantages and the expo's international platform to conduct intensive negotiations, focusing on introducing innovative international medical devices, cross-border medical tourism cooperation, and real-world evidence research. Efforts are also being made to translate intentions for cooperation into concrete projects, further expand international medical cooperation, and promote cutting-edge medical technologies to benefit more patients.