Leading 90% of Argentina’s Hospital Procurement Spotting Opportunities in Taiwan’s MedTech Industry

Exclusive Interview with Eduardo Paez, Manager of CADIEM

By Li Ya-Rong & Kuo Yen-Chuan

Taiwan’s healthcare standards are globally renowned, and its integration of ICT and biotechnology has given rise to innovative medical devices and smart healthcare solutions that are increasingly drawing international attention.

Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan this year will see nearly 40 international industry associations visiting Taipei to explore business opportunities. To help Taiwanese companies better understand global market demands, the Expo has launched a special interview series featuring associations who will join this event for the first time.

Among all the interviewees, Mr. Eduardo Paez is the Representative of the Argentine Chamber of Medical Products, Implants and Equipment (CADIEM), a key figure in Argentina’s medical device industry.

CADIEM Controls 90% of Argentina’s Hospital Procurement

Founded in 1988, CADIEM currently has over 30 member companies covering imports, distribution, R&D, and manufacturing. According to Paez, CADIEM’s members account for around 90% of Argentina’s hospital medical device procurement. About 20% of members are distributors for multinational giants such as Medtronic, Abbott, Roche, Johnson & Johnson, 3M, and Baxter, while the remaining 80% are small- and medium-sized brands.

As a veteran distributor himself, Paez emphasized: “Argentina is heavily relied on imported medical devices in MedTech arena.

Seeking High-Value Products and Long-Term Partnerships in Taiwan

Paez noted that CADIEM has always sought to introduce high-value, cost-effective products from abroad. His primary goal in attending Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan is to meet with Taiwanese manufacturers and identify reliable, competitively priced products for long-term cooperation.

Although CADIEM members have yet to work with Taiwanese suppliers, they have already imported a variety of medical devices extensively from Asia, such as Japan, Korea, and China. Paez pointed out that Argentina’s import regulations may differ from those in Europe or the U.S., but once initial hurdles are cleared, partnerships tend to be long-lasting. “For example, CADIEM’s cooperation with 3M began back in 1982 and continues to this day.”

Strong Demand in Cardiology, Obstetrics, and Pulmonology

Paez highlighted several areas of strong demand in Argentina:

- Cardiology: ECG scanners are in particularly high demand. With more than 5,000 cardiologists nationwide, each prefers their own devices.

- Obstetrics: Laparoscopes, imaging monitors, C-section instruments, fetal monitoring devices, and stainless-steel surgical tools.

- Pulmonology and Respiratory Care: Pulse oximeters and related equipment.

- Dermatology: Selected devices with growing market interest.

Taiwan Seen as a Strategic Partner

“If the products meet the local needs with high-quality, and reasonably priced, they are exactly what we are looking for,” Paez said. He expressed strong interest in establishing long-term cooperation with Taiwanese companies at the Expo and in introducing Taiwan’s innovations not only to Argentina but also to the wider Latin American market.

This interview is part of the International Associations Series launched by Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan. With nearly 40 international industry associations gathering in Taipei this year, the Expo is not only a showcase of innovation but also a powerful gateway for Taiwan’s healthcare and MedTech industries to connect with the world and explore new markets.

9th Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan 2025 will be held December 4–7 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.