SHANGHAI, July 12 -- China's medical equipment exports reached over 9,000 medical institutions in more than 190 countries and regions last year, according to the China International Conference on Medical Equipment Cooperation held in Shanghai.

Over the past five years, China's medical equipment import and export trade has seen a compound annual growth rate of 9.4 percent, indicating a steady rise in international competitiveness and brand influence, as well as deeper international cooperation, said Hou Yan, chairperson of the China Association of Medical Equipment, which hosted the conference from Friday to Saturday.

The purpose of hosting the conference was to build a high-level, wide-ranging and multi-dimensional platform for international exchange and cooperation, and to share China's innovations and experience in the medical equipment sector, Hou added.

Participants from 17 countries and regions, including health officials, experts and representatives from medical enterprises, attended the conference.