International players have shown keen interest in China. In December 2011, Merck announced the establishment of an Asian R&D headquarters for innovative drug discovery and development in Beijing, China. This is a part of Merck's plan to invest $1.5 billion over the next five years in China. Merck also maintains its commercial headquarters for MSD in Shanghai and has manufacturing capabilities at other locations throughout China. Another pharma giant, AstraZeneca announced a $200 million investment in a new manufacturing facility, located in CMC. The new site represents AstraZeneca's largest ever investment in a single manufacturing facility globally, and will produce both intravenous and oral solid medicines for the company's growing business in China.

Timing Pharmacy, which operates as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) manufacturer and runs a chain of clinics in Taiwan, is planning to shift its focus to international market and has invested invest $16 million (NT$ 500 million) in the Ping-tung Agricultural Biotechnology Park to create the largest TCM company in Taiwan.