Accelerate the construction of the Wenling China-Africa Medical Science and Technology Park—both by going global and by actively attracting investment and expertise.

On the morning of September 6, the China-Africa Private Sector Cooperation Summit Forum opened at the Hangzhou International Expo Center. Zhao Shouming, Chairman of our city’s Wanbangde Group, delivered a speech at the China-Africa Healthcare and Industry Cooperation Sub-Forum, sharing Wanbangde’s growth journey and its investment activities in South Africa. He emphasized the company’s commitment to fully advancing the development of Wanbangde’s large-scale healthcare industry in Africa, striving to implement the "Industry Return" project swiftly, effectively, and with precision. Additionally, he highlighted efforts to accelerate the construction of the Wenling China-Africa Medical Science and Technology Park, aiming for its completion by 2019 if all goes smoothly.

The China-Africa Private Sector Cooperation Summit, themed "Deepening China-Africa Private Sector Collaboration," is jointly hosted by the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and the People's Government of Zhejiang Province.

Founded in 1978, Wanbande Group has grown over the past 40 years into a large private enterprise with four major manufacturing sectors: pharmaceuticals, medical devices, aluminum products, and bearings. Today, it ranks as the ninth among the city’s top 20 industrial enterprises, with subsidiaries spanning across the Americas, Europe, Africa, as well as multiple provinces and cities within China.

Over the years, Wanbande has actively responded to the provincial party committee and provincial government’s call for “overseas mergers and acquisitions, and industrial return,” seizing opportunities and leveraging momentum. In January 2016, the company successfully acquired two South African medical device companies—Ailit and Temaic—marking a significant step in Wanbande’s internationalization strategy for the healthcare industry: "going global while bringing in advanced expertise and technologies."

South African-based Ailit was founded in 1973 and specializes in the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of orthopedic implant devices for human use. Once a subsidiary of a global leader in orthopedic implants, Ailit now boasts advanced industrial technologies across a wide range of implant products, including those for spinal, joint, trauma, neurosurgical, and sports injury applications. Wanbande’s acquisition of Ailit reflects its ambition to bring in cutting-edge technologies and premium products, aiming to break the longstanding dominance of imported offerings in China’s high-end orthopedic implant market—and ultimately help ease the financial burden on patients. Founded in 1992, South African company Temaike is the largest international medical equipment distributor and service provider in Southern Africa, renowned for its robust technical expertise and industry-leading capabilities. Since acquiring Temaike more than two years ago, Wanbande has been actively integrating Temaike’s innovative service concepts and specialized technical know-how. With a strong foothold in Zhejiang Province and expanding nationwide, Wanbande now delivers high-quality, efficient, and comprehensive maintenance and repair services tailored specifically for Chinese hospitals—effectively addressing the persistent challenges associated with servicing and maintaining large-scale imported medical equipment.

Over the past two-plus years, Wanbande has been actively engaging with Africa, gaining deep insights into the cultures, customs, and policies of African nations. By fully respecting and leveraging the management philosophies of South African enterprises, both companies have achieved steady and healthy growth. After more than two years of meticulous preparation, Wanbande is now poised to kick off the construction of the China-Africa Medical Science and Technology Park in Wenling—work that is progressing smoothly. The company aims to swiftly establish an industrialized production base for orthopedic implant devices, ultimately enabling Wenling’s China-Africa Medical Science and Technology Park to export its innovative products to key overseas markets, including Africa, the Americas, and Europe, via South Africa’s Elite Group.

In June of this year, Zhao Shouming joined Zhejiang's economic and trade delegation, led by Provincial Party Secretary Che Jun, on a visit to Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mauritius. On June 15, local time, with Che Jun in attendance, Zhao Shouming signed a framework agreement with South African companies Temaikens and AFRS to support the development of medical equipment financing leases and "turnkey" projects.

Zhao Shouming said that this visit has further deepened his understanding of African nations, broadened his horizons, and boosted his confidence. He once again profoundly felt the high regard in which African countries and their people hold the Chinese government, as well as the strong expectations from both Chinese and African governments for Chinese enterprises investing in Africa. With its large population and uneven levels of economic and social development, the African continent remains largely untapped—truly a virgin territory waiting to be developed. This presents immense potential for cooperation between China and Africa in the healthcare and medical industries.

Next, Wanbande will accelerate the construction of the Wenling China-Africa Medical Science and Technology Park, aiming for completion by 2019. The company is committed to making the "Industry Return" project faster, more robust, and highly refined—so that tangible results can be achieved as soon as possible. (Source: Wenling Daily)

Chairman Zhao Shouming delivers a speech

China-Africa Cooperation Forum: Private Enterprises Drive the Development of China-Africa Healthcare and Wellness Industries