The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Taiwan Advanced Medical Technology Association (TAMTA) to facilitate collaboration between the two organizations.

Under the MOU, AdvaMed and TAMTA agree to work together to “identify and implement projects and activities” to advance patient care, improve health care systems and support the medical technology industry in the U.S. and Taiwan.

“Taiwan is one of Asia’s most influential health care markets, serving as a reference point for clinical practice and health care policy throughout Northeast Asia,” said Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO of AdvaMed. “The country’s national health care system is facing significant challenges as a result of an aging population and cost-containment pressures. Medical technology can provide solutions to these challenges, which makes this MOU all the more important.”

Formed in August 2013, TAMTA was established by representatives of multinational medical technology companies who have a presence in Taiwan. “TAMTA is devoted to the advancement and promotion of the medical technology industry, innovation in the interests of patients and health care professionals, a commitment to an agreed set of ethical business practices, and the continual advancement of health care in the public interest in Taiwan,” said James Hsiao, chairman of TAMTA. “We serve as an advocate and a partner with the Taiwanese government, and we look forward to close engagement with AdvaMed on these efforts.”

Areas of cooperation between AdvaMed and TAMTA include:

• Deferring or modifying policies that suppress free market mechanisms or slow patient access to innovative devices;
• Fostering increased engagement between U.S. and Taiwan authorities on health care issues;
• Continuing collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei; and
• Adopting a Taiwanese version of the AdvaMed Code of Ethics, which is an official priority for TAMTA in 2014.