Those interested in reducing the German economy, its potential for development, the value it creates or the number of people it employs to its most important common denominator have for years come to the same result: Germany is a car nation. But, it should be added that “Germany is a car nation as well as a health nation.” That is because, over the last 10 years, the health economy has grown significantly faster than the economy in general. The number of people in Germany who work in the health sector increased to more than seven million for the first time in 2016. The health industry's industrial segment alone now provides jobs for a good 900,000 people and therefore 100,000 more than the automotive industry does (sources: BMWi/ GGR, VDA).

Irrespective of any discussion about financing and the costs for modern healthcare provisions, the health sector is a stability factor and driver of growth not only in Germany but across the world. Europe and the U.S. are still the main export markets for medical-equipment companies, many of which will be represented at the world's No. 1 trade fair for the sector – MEDICA – which will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany from November 13 – 16, 2017. Looking at the registration status to date we expect more than 5,000 exhibitors from 68 countries to take part.

Besides the ‘classic’ target markets of Europe, North America and Japan, suppliers are also increasingly focusing on emerging economies despite of some uncertainties. That is because people's willingness to spend on health is increasing with rising incomes in these markets. More and more prosperity-related diseases and greater life expectancies in these countries are additionally driving up demand for medical products and modern treatments. The large number of people who will be attending MEDICA from other countries, particularly from Asia, is indicative of these increasing needs. Of the 120,000 to 130,000 trade visitors that come to MEDICA every year, a good 60% travelled to the event from countries other than Germany.
The significantly increased popularity with visitors and exhibitors that the Messe Düsseldorf Group's medical trade fairs are enjoying in opportunity-rich continental markets – for example, the MEDICAL FAIR INDIA and MEDICAL FAIR ASIA – also shows how attractive these markets for medical-equipment suppliers are and demonstrates that a great potential to do business exists there. This applies in particular to the highly innovation-oriented privately funded areas of inpatient and outpatient care.

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