Korean society is aging rapidly, making family-centered health care a big issue for many South Korean baby boomers.

The effects of this phenomenon on the local medical industry is bound to make its annual trade show more important than ever.

Six Malaysian health care equipment providers are looking to expand commercial ties between South Korea and the Southeast Asian nation. Malaysia is the leading supplier of medical gloves, with a market share of about 50 percent in more than 180 countries. It is also the top exporter of latex Foley catheters and the second-largest exporter of condoms.

The 30th Korea International Medical & Hospital Equipment Show kicks off on March 13 for four days at Coex in southern Seoul. Malaysian health care and medical device companies will be participating in the hope of expanding commercial contacts and forging new partnerships.

The Malaysian companies participating in this week’s trade show include five manufacturers of surgical gloves ― Koon Seng Inc., Latexx Manufacturing Inc., Titi Glove Inc., Top Glove Inc. and Wrp Asia Pacific ― as well as Medicfit Technology, a manufacturer of disposable medical devices and surgical instruments such as male circumcision kits.

The exhibitors plan to hold business meetings with Korean importers during the four-day exhibition. 

(ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)