Thailand Accelerates Development of 'Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry' Under RCEP Cooperation

Hefei — At the 2nd Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry Cooperation Conference under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) held in Bozhou, Anhui Province, southeastern China, on Sunday (Sept. 8), the establishment of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry Cooperation Council under the agreement was announced. The council's secretariat will be set up in Bozhou. Additionally, a cooperation agreement between Chinese and Thai herbal medicine companies was signed.

A representative from Thailand's traditional Chinese medicine industry noted that the growing popularity of traditional Chinese medicine in Thailand has made the agreement a platform that helps accelerate the development of the traditional Chinese medicine industry in the country.

Bozhou is the largest Chinese herbal medicine trade market in the world and hosts the largest herbal medicine trading center in China, with over 40,000 people visiting the market daily and daily transactions exceeding 100 million yuan (around 470 million baht).

The report stated that since the signing of the "Bozhou Agreement on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry among RCEP Member Countries" in September 2023, exchanges and trade and economic relations between Thailand and China have become increasingly vibrant and strong. Cooperation areas have continued to expand, with Bozhou collaborating with the Thai Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and signing a memorandum of understanding with the Thai Food Processors' Association.

 

Announcement of the Establishment of the RCEP Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry Cooperation Council in Bozhou, Anhui Province, Southeastern China, on September 8, 2024

 

Lin Huichuan, Vice President of the Thai Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, revealed that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has had roots in Thailand for over seven centuries. It has merged with Thai traditional medicine practices, including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Tai Chi, becoming an important local treatment method. However, due to historical factors, the development of TCM in Thailand was interrupted for some time. It wasn't until the year 2000 that the Thai Ministry of Public Health officially recognized traditional Chinese medicine.

Lin added that the effectiveness of TCM treatments, relatively low costs, and its expertise in treating complex and chronic diseases have led to its increasing popularity in Thailand.

"Today, Thai people are more aware and accepting of traditional Chinese medicine. Initially, the main patients were ethnic Chinese and Thai people of Chinese descent, but now the practice has expanded to the general Thai population, with more people seeking consultations at TCM clinics," Lin said.

Lin Huichuan, Vice President of the Thai Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine

 

Zheng Qingtian (Tawisak Thepleotboon), President of Good Thai Herbs Co., Ltd., stated during the signing ceremony that leveraging the cooperation mechanisms and platforms under the agreement will help enhance collaboration among member countries, including Thailand, in the areas of Chinese herbal trade and the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) professionals. "Currently, Thailand faces a shortage of TCM practitioners. We hope that through the cooperation framework of the agreement, we can expedite the training of additional TCM professionals to support the growth of this industry in Thailand."

Qin Fengyu, Mayor of Bozhou, revealed that this conference will establish cooperation with six of the ten ASEAN member countries and 11 industry associations. The scope of cooperation will expand into areas such as culture and tourism, health foods, trade and transportation. This will facilitate smoother communication between organizations, promote investment projects, foster corporate communication, and comprehensively expand markets.
 

Source: Xinhua News Agency