Exclusive Interview with Eduardo Paez, Manager of the Argentine Chamber of Medical Devices and Implantable Equipment (CADIEM)

Taiwan’s medical standards are globally recognized, and its innovative medical devices and smart healthcare solutions, integrating ICT and biotechnology, are increasingly attracting worldwide attention.

At this year’s Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan, nearly 40 industry associations from around the world organized delegations to explore partnership opportunities. To help Taiwanese companies better understand international market needs, the Expo launched a series of interviews highlighting first-time association representatives, sharing their perspectives on Taiwan’s opportunities and potential collaborations.

Among the guests was a key representative of Argentina’s medical device industry, Eduardo Paez, from the Argentine Chamber of Medical Devices and Implantable Equipment (CADIEM).

CADIEM Controls 90% of Hospital Medical Device Procurement in Argentina

Founded in 1988, CADIEM currently has over 30 member companies spanning medical device import, distribution, development, and manufacturing. Paez noted that CADIEM members account for approximately 90% of all medical device procurement in Argentine hospitals. About 20% of these members represent multinational companies such as Medtronic, Abbott, Roche, Johnson & Johnson, 3M, and Baxter, while the remaining 80% are small to medium-sized brands.

As a veteran medical device distributor himself, Paez is highly familiar with international market operations. He emphasized, “Argentina is highly reliant on imported medical devices. CADIEM is not just an industry association—it is a critical gateway for international manufacturers entering the Latin American market.”

Targeting High-Value Products, Seeking Taiwanese Partnerships

Paez explained that since its founding, CADIEM has actively introduced international medical devices with high cost-performance value. This visit to Taiwan aims to identify reliable, competitively priced suppliers and products.

Although CADIEM members have not yet collaborated with Taiwanese companies, they currently import a wide range of medical devices from Japan, Korea, China, and other Asian markets. Paez further noted that while Argentina’s import regulations may differ from those in Europe or the U.S., overcoming initial challenges can establish long-term and stable partnerships—for example, CADIEM’s collaboration with 3M dates back to 1982.

Strong Demand in Cardiology, Obstetrics, and Thoracic Medicine

Regarding specific needs, Paez highlighted Argentina’s preference for high cost-performance products:

• Cardiology: ECG scanners are in highest demand, with over 5,000 cardiologists nationwide, almost one per physician.
  
• Obstetrics: Laparoscopes, imaging monitors, cesarean surgical instruments, fetal monitors, and stainless steel surgical tools.
  
• Thoracic and Respiratory Medicine: Products such as pulse oximeters have strong demand.
  
• Dermatology: Relevant medical devices also show promising market potential.
  

Looking Forward to Long-Term Cooperation with Taiwan

“Any product that meets our needs, with good quality and reasonable price, is a potential collaboration,” Paez stated. He expressed strong anticipation of identifying high-quality Taiwanese suppliers at the Expo, introducing Taiwanese medical devices to Argentina, and further expanding throughout Latin America.

This interview is part of the “International Association Series.” With nearly 40 global industry association representatives gathering in Taipei this year, the Healthcare+ Expo Taiwan serves not only as a stage to showcase innovation but also as an excellent opportunity for Taiwanese industries to connect globally and explore new blue-ocean markets.

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

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