The contract signing ceremony during the 7th China-ASEAN Forum on Traditional Medicine. [Photo by Zhai Liqiang/China News Service]

The 7th China-ASEAN Forum on Traditional Medicine took place on Dec 12 both online and on-site in Fangchenggang, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. The forum gathered officials, experts, and scholars in traditional medicine from China and ASEAN countries.

The biennial event was jointly held by the National Health Commission, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

This year's forum made full use of the new opportunities brought by the implementation of the RCEP, and integrated the high-quality TCM development into the Belt and Road construction. It also boosted the opening-up and development of Fangchenggang International Medical Opening-up Pilot Zone, as well as enhanced the TCM exchanges and cooperation with ASEAN and BRI countries.

Attendees of the event discussed the pressing issues regarding the development and research of traditional medicine under the RCEP, the protection of traditional medicine resources, and their experiences in using traditional medicine in COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control.

Huang Luqi, vice director of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said that China and ASEAN countries have achieved fruitful outcomes in traditional medicine cooperation and the two sides have broad cooperation prospects.

Huang suggested that China and ASEAN countries should enhance cooperation in using traditional medicine to fight against the pandemic.

A cooperation contract between Fangchenggang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital and Laos Friendship Hospital is just one example of the cooperation contracts that were signed during the event.