Japan's Rohto Plans Hong Kong Clinical Trials, First Japanese Firm in Initiative

Rohto Pharmaceutical plans to conduct clinical trials in Hong Kong after the city’s research capabilities, cross-border data exchanges and proximity to mainland China attracted the Japanese firm to expand there.

The move makes Rohto the first company from Japan to partner with the Hong Kong government under a flagship investment initiative.

Why Hong Kong attracted Rohto

Kunio Yamada, chairman and representative director of Rohto, told the South China Morning Post in an exclusive interview that the city’s top research capabilities and closeness to the mainland were key reasons for the expansion.

The company was also drawn by Hong Kong’s university research strength and access to mainland China’s large market.

Rohto’s planned trials will involve cross-border data exchanges, according to the source. The factors reflect the role Hong Kong’s research links and location can play in attracting Japanese companies seeking access to both local expertise and the mainland market.

Rohto, known for its over-the-counter eye care and skincare products, is among the latest batch of 18 firms recruited by the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, or OASES.

OASES is a government unit under the Financial Secretary’s Office tasked with attracting companies considered to be of strategic importance to Hong Kong.

Rohto’s partnership gives the initiative its first company from Japan, while the planned clinical trials add a healthcare and research component to the latest group of firms recruited by the city.

Source: South China Morning Post