AdvaMed Advanced Medical Technology Association : Statement Supporting The Trans-Pacific Partnership

CONTACT:
Wanda Moebius
202-434-7240
[e-mail]

January 26, 2016

WASHINGTON, DC - Vincent A. Forlenza, chairman of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), today issued the following statement in support of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement:

'AdvaMed supports the TPP agreement, which will contribute to the expansion of economic growth and help improve the lives of workers and patients throughout the region.

'The TPP contains a number of provisions that will enhance patient access to innovative health care in member countries, including groundbreaking provisions for strong regulatory coherence and systems based on international best practices. The TPP also addresses combating corrupt business practices and encourages establishment of codes of conduct - reinforcing AdvaMed's work in this area.

'With small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) comprising about 75 percent of AdvaMed membership, we appreciate the TPP's focus on the unique difficulties SMEs face when conducting international business. Finally, while the TPP includes provisions that should improve transparency and procedural fairness for reimbursement, we will expect the U.S. Trade Representative to ensure that TPP members - current and future - will fully and faithfully implement the content of this chapter on medical technology.

'We urge the administration to address quickly and effectively remaining issues and concerns that business sectors and members of Congress have identified to ensure that the TPP can be promptly considered and receive the broad congressional support necessary for approval. We encourage Congress to approve such a TPP during 2016.

'An appropriately implemented TPP will provide substantial improvements over the status quo for patients, workers, manufacturers, and the economies of the member countries, and will help ensure that patients in these countries have access to safe and effective medical technologies in a timely manner.'

# # #