Why foreign firms love to invest in nation's healthcare

Ever since I started reporting on the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries a decade ago, interactions with medical professionals and MNC executives have always informed my work.

One topic invariably figured in my conversations and interviews — China's relatively slow record in reviewing and registering new drugs.

A decade ago, compared with developed economies like the United States and the European Union, China on average took an additional seven to 10 years to allow the market launch of a newly developed drug, whereas MNCs have been eager to get their drugs into the huge Chinese market as soon as possible.