Over 300 global health industry leaders, including executives from Fosun Pharma, AstraZeneca, and the Portuguese biotech firm Hovione, gathered at the 2025 Hengqin-Macao Health Summit. Co-hosted across both cities under the "one event, dual venues" model, the summit aims to position the region as Asia's next biotech hub by leveraging Macao's international networks and Hengqin's manufacturing capabilities. Key policies, such as the "Macao-regulated, Hengqin-made" drug production framework, are attracting multinational R&D investments.

Aligned with Macao's 2025 economic diversification roadmap, Hengqin has attracted over 400 biomedical firms, including prominent Chinese pharmaceutical companies like Yiling Pharmaceutical and Livzon Pharma. Song Ruilin, head of China's Pharmaceutical Innovation Association, emphasized Macao's potential as a bridge for Chinese drugs to global markets: "By aligning with ICH standards, Macao can fast-track approvals for therapies targeting Southeast Asia and Lusophone nations like Brazil."

Hengqin is prioritizing five sectors—biopharma, smart med-tech, and traditional Chinese medicine—supported by industry funds launched to assist startups. A panel featuring C-MER (Macao) CEO Jo?o Santos and CICC's healthcare lead discussed plans to integrate Portuguese-speaking markets into supply chains. "Hengqin's ‘Made for Macao' label can boost exports to ASEAN and Portuguese-speaking countries," Santos noted.

Parallel forums in both cities will address AI-driven drug discovery and cross-border insurance models, with Macao's financial sector proposing health-focused bond offerings. As the expanded Hengqin Port facilitates customs clearance, stakeholders aim to transform the region into a gateway for 60% of China's innovative drug trials by 2030.