(Yicai Global) Nov. 6 -- Global pharmaceutical giant Novartis International expects to have a better understanding of pressing problems in the Chinese market through its participation in the ongoing second China International Import Expo, said the president of Novartis China.

The forum will also enable the Basel-based firm to explore ways to bring Chinese patients more innovative drugs and advanced therapies, Yin Xudong said in a press release yesterday.

I am convinced that future CIIEs and China's continued commitment to reform and opening-up will prove the country's growing importance to Novartis and other multinationals, Yin added.

Novartis hopes to advance China's health care industry jointly with local firms, the statement said. Between now and 2023, the company expects to file 50 new drug applications in China.

The drug maker is showcasing many advanced therapies, innovative products, digital medical solutions and a global clinical trial digital management platform at the expo, according to the press release.

It is also holding lectures on cell and gene therapy, heart failure, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, melanoma and lung cancer with the hope of improving Chinese patients' knowledge of such diseases and thus benefiting more people, the statement said.

China is the world's second-largest healthcare market. The government's goal is for the healthcare services sector to be worth CNY16 trillion (USD2.3 trillion) by 2030, double its current value.