China strongly placed to boost its life sciences industry, Roche chairman says

Severin Schwan, chairman of the board of directors of Swiss healthcare company Roche Group, said China is well positioned to advance its life sciences industry under its high-quality development agenda.

Speaking at a symposium on Healthy China 2030 and big health industry development during the China Development Forum 2026 on Sunday, Schwan said China has made "enormous progress" in expanding healthcare access and fostering a vibrant life sciences ecosystem.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience in China, he said the country's rise as a global life sciences hub has been underpinned by forward-looking investment in innovation ecosystems and continuous improvements in the regulatory environment.

"The life science industry is an industry where you can't do it on your own," he said, noting that China's sustained investment in basic science, education, leading universities and top hospitals has created a strong foundation for collaboration and innovation.

Such ecosystem development has attracted multinational companies, including Roche, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in China this year and was among the first foreign firms to establish a research center in the country, he said.

Schwan also highlighted China's progress in regulatory reforms, including stronger intellectual property protection and more efficient approval processes, as key to supporting industry growth.

At the same time, he suggested a stronger commercial health insurance system to provide sustainable financing for innovation.

China has already established a foundation for commercial health system, he said, adding that further expansion would help complement public funding, support the development of innovative therapies and contribute to the long-term sustainability of China's healthcare system.