Core Viewpoint - The Chinese pharmaceutical industry is experiencing a significant rise in global influence, driven by a deep understanding of industry dynamics and strong policy support, positioning it as a key player in the investment landscape [1][10]. Industry Growth and Demand - The Shenyin Wanguo Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Index has surged by 22.31% year-to-date as of July 31, 2023, ranking second among 31 industries, following a previous four-year decline of over 50% [2]. - The pharmaceutical industry's growth is closely linked to humanity's pursuit of health, with historical advancements in medicine marking significant milestones [3]. - The demand for healthcare is expected to grow due to demographic changes, with the global population aged 65 and older projected to reach 10.2% by the end of 2024, and China's proportion expected to rise to 15.6% [5]. - Chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes are on the rise, leading to increased demand for prevention and treatment, while the definition of health is expanding to include wellness and aesthetics [5]. - China's healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP has increased from 4.9% in 2010 to 7.1% in 2022, indicating a growing market potential compared to developed countries [5]. Supply-Side Dynamics - The pharmaceutical industry is characterized by high barriers to entry and scarcity, with stringent regulations governing drug approval and production [6]. - The core competitiveness of pharmaceutical companies lies not only in their products but also in their research and development capabilities, which require significant time and investment [6][7]. - The interplay of rigid demand growth and high supply barriers creates a unique investment landscape in the pharmaceutical sector [7]. Recent Challenges and Market Sentiment - Despite being a promising sector, the A-share pharmaceutical index experienced a cumulative decline of over 40% from 2021 to 2024 due to various factors, including a downturn in the innovative drug cycle and concerns over pricing pressures from healthcare reforms [8][9]. - Market sentiment has been affected by fears of cost control measures and drug price negotiations, although these concerns may be short-term in nature [9]. Policy and Internationalization - Recent policy initiatives from the Chinese government aim to enhance the pharmaceutical industry's global competitiveness, with a focus on creating a supportive environment for innovation [10][12]. - China's pharmaceutical R&D capabilities have significantly improved, with the country now leading in the number of innovative drugs developed, and the proportion of first-in-class (FIC) drugs increasing from under 10% in 2015 to 31% in 2024 [12][13]. Investment Strategy and Performance - The investment team at ICBC Credit Suisse has established a strong track record in the pharmaceutical sector, with several funds outperforming benchmarks significantly [15][16]. - The team's investment strategy focuses on quality factors, emphasizing research efficiency, commercialization capabilities, and global expansion potential [20]. - The ICBC Health Industry fund has achieved a net value growth rate of 69.60% year-to-date as of July 31, 2023, indicating strong performance in the market [18][21].