Guangxi and Vietnam deepen cooperation in traditional medicine_1
On October 22, during an interview, Du Zhenzong, the Director of the Health Commission of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, announced significant plans for enhancing traditional medicine collaboration between Guangxi and Quang Ninh Province in Vietnam. He stated that Guangxi will improve the cooperation mechanisms for traditional medicine, focusing on areas such as production, education, research, and marketing.
This announcement coincides with World Traditional Medicine Day, as the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Health Commission, in collaboration with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Administration of Guangxi and the Quang Ninh Department of Health, hosted a large-scale thematic event in Dongxing City, Guangxi. The gathering aimed to promote mutual learning in traditional medicine between China and Vietnam.
The event showcased a vibrant array of traditional medicine cultural activities, including performances, cultural markets, and an international medicinal cuisine competition.
Recognized as China’s “natural pharmacy” and a hub for herbal medicines, Guangxi serves as a frontier for cooperation with ASEAN countries. The region has actively built platforms for traditional medicine exchanges, establishing national-level herbal medicine markets in cities like Yulin, as well as key import-export ports in Nanning, Fangchenggang, Dongxing, and Pingxiang. It has also developed regional specialty brands like “Gui Shi Wei” and “Gui Medicinal Cuisine.”
In recent years, China and Vietnam have deepened their collaboration in traditional medicine through various exchange mechanisms such as the China-ASEAN Health Cooperation Forum and the China-ASEAN Traditional Medicine Forum. They have seen positive outcomes in areas like medical technology services, conservation and utilization of medicinal plant resources, training of traditional medicine professionals, research education, and health cultural outreach.
Du Zhenzong emphasized the close cooperation established with the four provinces along the Vietnam border, highlighting active exchanges, visits, and short-term training for technical personnel aimed at implementing health cooperation initiatives. He expressed a commitment to advancing bilateral collaboration in traditional medicine, sharing research findings, and enhancing the health and well-being of citizens in both countries.
Nguyen Trung Mane, the Director of the Quang Ninh Department of Health, noted that this event provides a vital platform for experts from both countries to share knowledge and explore new therapeutic avenues, paving the way for further collaborative opportunities. He affirmed that the Quang Ninh health authorities will continue to work hand in hand with Guangxi to enhance health services for communities in the border regions of both nations.
During the health consultation area, experts from both countries utilized traditional diagnostic methods, such as observation and inquiry, to address public health concerns and offer personalized treatment advice. A Vietnamese physician, Shen Mingfen from Mong Cai, expressed his excitement about showcasing traditional techniques in China for the first time, noting the warm reception from the Chinese audience.