The photo shows Mr. Zou Jianhan, Chairman of the Massage and Health Care Equipment Branch of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products and Chairman of Xiamen Comfort Science Group
Recently, the State Council issued the "Several Opinions on Promoting the Development of the Health Service Industry." The "Opinions" propose striving to establish a health service industry system that covers the entire life cycle, is rich in content, and has a reasonable structure by 2020, with the total scale of the health service industry reaching over 8 trillion yuan. For this purpose, we specially interviewed Mr. Zou Jianhan, Chairman of the Massage and Health Care Equipment Branch of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products and Chairman of Xiamen Comfort Science Group.
When talking about the development of Comfort Science this year, Chairman Zou said: "This year, we have set three main directions for transformation: first, establishing the strategic goal of simultaneous development of brand and channels; second, extending from the massage equipment industry to the broader health industry; third, adjusting the industrial structure, gradually phasing out labor-intensive projects, and focusing on developing high-value-added technology innovation projects. Currently, all our work is progressing smoothly, especially our high-end health brand Ogawa, which has entered a rapid growth phase. In the first half of 2013, Ogawa’s domestic sales revenue increased by 145.34% year-on-year, with over 200 stores established nationwide, and a penetration rate of 64% in the top 25 high-end department stores in terms of national turnover. Ogawa’s single-store turnover has shown positive growth—by the end of 2012, there was a 30% increase in single-store turnover, and in the first half of 2013, it reached a 35% increase. In the first half of this year, the company’s sales increased by 67.26% year-on-year."
"In recent years, the post-Olympic era has sparked an awakening in consumer awareness of health, with a rapidly growing enthusiasm for personal health and participation in wellness activities across China. The focus has gradually shifted toward wellness and fitness, and deeper health-related needs are emerging. The recently issued 'Several Opinions on Promoting the Development of the Health Service Industry' by the state has further energized us and aligns closely with our company’s development positioning. The company has now extended from the massage equipment industry into the health and wellness sector, focusing on developing high-value-added projects. In the future, we aim to gain core technologies, brands, and channels both domestically and globally, thereby securing pricing power. We have already developed a relatively comprehensive product line, comprising five major categories with over a thousand models. The broad health industry market holds vast potential. Domestic consumption of massage products is just beginning. Globally, the annual sales amount to approximately $8 billion, while the domestic market is only 12 billion RMB. This is also why Comfort Science, as an industry leader, is exploring and practicing ways to break through industry barriers and promote the rapid development of the health industry," said Chairman Zou.
On the interpretation of policy, Chairman Zou said: "The introduction of the 'Opinions' has greatly inspired the enthusiasm of enterprises in the massage equipment industry, fully mobilizing their production initiative and innovation capabilities. It can effectively stimulate market demand and pave the way for the healthy and rapid redevelopment of the massage equipment industry. The 'Opinions' also specifically mention supporting the research, development, manufacturing, and application of proprietary intellectual property medicines, medical devices, and other related health products. Continued support will be provided through relevant science and technology, construction special funds, and industrial funds to develop and industrialize innovative drugs, medical devices, new biomedical materials, support the imitation of expired patented medicines, and support the research, development, and production of healthcare products and rehabilitation aids for the elderly and disabled. Support will also be given to the development of digital medical products and products suitable for personal and household health monitoring, detection, and health IoT. Policy support will be strengthened to improve the domestic market share and international competitiveness of proprietary medical equipment, materials, and healthcare products. For the association, this is both good news and a challenging task. As is well known, in China, counterfeit products have become a common phenomenon, and the massage equipment industry is no exception. The industry calls for a fair competition mechanism. The introduction of the 'Opinions' provides policy support for enterprises, which will greatly encourage investment in independent R&D. Industry associations will also actively respond to the national policy momentum, guide the direction of enterprise development, and foster healthy competition within the industry. Therefore, we have reason to believe that enterprises can seize this opportunity to achieve another leapfrog development in China’s massage equipment industry."
When discussing how to make full use of media to deeply promote health concepts and raise health awareness, Chairman Zou also said: The government has put forward specific policy requirements. In implementation, we can flexibly apply them according to the characteristics of our industry. For example, expos and fairs are a form of two-way communication. At such events, there are not only domestic and international professional buyers and sellers but also tourists. Making full use of professional expos to promote health knowledge and related products is an effective approach. Just like the '2014 China (Shanghai) International Fitness, Health, and Rehabilitation Equipment Exhibition' to be held next March in Shanghai, it will certainly play a significant role in promoting and advancing the fitness and health industry. Our industry is in great need of such an international platform for showcasing, exchanging, and trading. Therefore, we will spare no effort to make next year’s Shanghai Fitness and Health Rehabilitation Equipment Exhibition a success and present everyone with an industry feast!"
It is reported that the "2014 China (Shanghai) International Fitness, Health, and Rehabilitation Equipment Exhibition" (abbreviated as IWF2014) is hosted by the China Stationery & Sporting Goods Association and De Nora Exhibition Group, and co-organized by the Massage and Health Care Equipment Branch of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products, Beijing Fitness Equipment Distribution Association, Shanghai De Nora Exhibition Services Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Modern International Exhibition Co., Ltd. It will be held from March 13–15, 2014, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.
This edition of IWF2014 will cover a total exhibition area of 25,000 square meters with 1,500 standard booths. Both the number of exhibitors and the exhibition space will see new breakthroughs. Nearly 500 companies and brands from over 30 countries and regions, including China, the United States, the EU, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, as well as Taiwan and Hong Kong of China, from the fitness and health rehabilitation equipment industry, will participate. They will jointly showcase the latest technologies and products in the fitness and health rehabilitation equipment industry, fully meeting the procurement needs of buyers in the fitness and health equipment sector.