Key survey insights:
- Company size: Most suppliers are small to mid-sized enterprises (<100 staff). ~80 per cent of Chinese suppliers have annual
revenues below US$5 million.
- Quality: ~70 per cent report having attained one or more international quality certifications, such as Europe CE, US FDA and
ISO 9001/ISO 13485.
- Region: Cambodia, India, the Philippines, Ukraine and Viet Nam are the top 5 LMIC sales destinations.
- Overseas manufacturing in LMICs: Very few have set up plants in LMICs; only 2 spectacles manufacturers have existing plants
in Viet Nam. However, several suppliers across different product categories reported they are partnering with LMIC distributors/importers
to establish local assembly or manufacturing sites.
- Product competitiveness: 1) High production capacity; 2) Low prices; 3) Extensive product categories; and 4) Efficient delivery.
These advantages stem from strong policy support, productive labour, a comprehensive supply chain, low-cost logistics and
extensive original equipment manufacturer/original design and equipment manufacturer experience in AT manufacturing.
- Interest: Nearly all suppliers confirmed an interest in future sales to LMICs, and 70 per cent expressed an interest in joint
global initiatives involving product donation.