Azernews.Az

By Mushvig Mehdiyev

The 20th BIHE 2014 International Healthcare Exhibition kicked off in Baku on September 25.

As part of the event, the 9th International Stomatology and 8th International Beauty and Aesthetic Medicine Exhibitions have also been inaugurated in the capital.

The 20th Anniversary of the BIHE Healthcare Exhibition is an important gathering, which attracts the representatives of the medical industry from many different countries. The exhibition offers wide opportunities for constructive dialogue and exchange of experiences.

"Some 147 companies from 47 countries attend the BIHE 2014 Exhibition this year. We have also held the traditional Stomatology exhibition for nine years with the Beauty and Aesthetic Exhibition for eight years together with BIHE exhibition," Deputy Healthcare Minister, Elsevar Agayev said.

Agayev noted that more than 600 new hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centers have been opened in Azerbaijan over the last seven years.

"Exhibitions dedicated to healthcare play an important role in supplying the new medical facilities with modern equipment and medications," he added.

The year by year growth of the exhibition, for instance 22% indicator for 2013, shows the active development of the industry in Azerbaijan. The interest of foreign companies in Azerbaijani markets is increasing due to the great potential of the healthcare sector.

"Organization of such exhibitions has become a tradition in Azerbaijan and the number of participants increases year by year," Agayev noted.

Representative from Czech Republic, Project Manager of Industry Ministry, Lenka Koucka said the exhibition would help to hold a number of meetings with potential clients and partners for the development of Czech exports.

Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the healthcare field to provide the citizens with modern medical services through state of the art state-owned and private health facilities.

The country is recognized as a major player in the healthcare industry, according to a report by analyst and consulting firm, Frost & Sullivan. The report highlighted that Azerbaijani government allocated $612 million to healthcare field in 2012, while the figure climbed up to $760m in 2013. The government sponsors continued education for students to study in different countries, including Turkey, Europe and the U.S. in order to prepare high-skilled health specialists

"A resource-rich country, Azerbaijan is seen as a potential hub for the region with modern medical facilities and the best expertise. Azerbaijan's market outlook is very positive. Any investment in the country's healthcare industry, therefore, promises to be rewarding," Turkish Healthcare Analyst, Hilal Cura said.

BIHE 2014 International Healthcare Exhibition is organized by the companies Iteca Caspian and its partner ITE Group Plc and will last until September 27.