Health Minister's Visit to China: A Strategic Move for Tunisia's Medical Sector
The Minister of Health is currently on a visit to China, where he has toured several hospitals and cutting-edge medical equipment manufacturers. This trip coincides with the signing of agreements for the acquisition of medical equipment as part of the grand project of the Aghlabides Medical City.
Beyond the significance of this national project, which is set to bring about a real change in access to healthcare for residents of inland regions, the strategy employed by the Chinese to penetrate the Tunisian medical equipment market is a case study.
Historically, this market has been dominated by European companies. Given the close ties between Tunisia and the northern Mediterranean coast, it is natural for Tunisian doctors to prefer using equipment they are familiar with. The Chinese, however, found it difficult to gain a foothold, even among private clinics. They therefore opted for a different approach. They offered a turnkey hospital in Sfax, allowing doctors to use non-European equipment. This is likely to encourage private health establishments to purchase Chinese equipment, as the doctors who will be using it are already familiar with it.
Furthermore, the Chinese gesture towards Tunisia is coupled with intelligent diplomacy based on respect for sovereign decisions and choices. Today, Tunisia is set to equip its largest public health project with Chinese equipment. This will involve the installation of after-sales service companies and commercial branches. European suppliers, who have long been spared, will now face stiff competition, and not just any competition.
