Steve Ubl, president and CEO with the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, one of the world's most influential pharmaceutical associations, visited Beijing in late September to meet Chinese government officials, academic experts and healthcare-industry leaders.

He discussed access to innovative medicines and the development of China's pharmaceutical sector.

Ubl selected China as his first international destination as PhRMA CEO, underlining the importance of the Chinese market for PhRMA member companies.

"PhRMA is keen to be a constructive partner in achieving the objectives that President Xi outlined during his recent speech on the Healthy China 2030 initiative — especially with regards to the supply and safety of innovative medicines, the comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies for chronic diseases, and the development of China's pharmaceutical research and development capabilities," Ubl says.

China has achieved great progress in healthcare, in terms of expanding basic medical coverage and critical-illness insurance; improving regulatory reviews and approval systems to accelerate the availability of new medicines; and investing substantial public funds into biopharmaceutical research and development, he says.

But the country still faces challenges in building a more patient-centered system, he says.

China can grow as a hub for global research and development as the world makes difficult but promising advances in new and personalized medicines, Ubl believes.

But that will require policies to attract sustained investment by signaling certainty and clarity.

He outlined proposals at a media roundtable after meeting Chinese officials.