Plans to build healthcare facilities and upgrade existing ones will continue to provide Canadian firms with opportunities in several countries, including Barbados and the Bahamas. In Cuba, health biotechnology expertise offers the possibility of joint venture arrangements. Eastern European markets may also provide opportunities for Canadian manufacturers of medical devices. Many healthcare needs in Russia and the newly independent states have not been addressed. Economic constraints currently being experienced by these countries are making business conditions difficult.
Opportunities exist for joint ventures with Russian firms.
World Bank projects directed to healthcare reform in Poland, Hungary and certain of the newly independent states offer prospects for Canadian exporters of both medical products and services. As well, certain companies producing disposable products, by virtue of outstanding quality, product design or efficient processes, are making significant inroads in foreign markets. Canada's attractiveness as an investment location for firms that are not North American based is thus augmented. Canada's free trade agreements with Chile and Israel provide further enhanced market access opportunities for medical device firms. Research Infrastructure Canada has a worldclass research base in its medical schools, teaching hospitals and other institutions, and has an excellent infrastructure for conducting clinical trials.