On September 13, the 8th China-ASEAN Conference on Innovation and Development of Traditional Medicine officially opened in Guiyang. Co-hosted by the Guizhou Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, and Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the conference attracted nearly 150 distinguished guests and leading experts and scholars from home and abroad, gathering to focus on the latest research findings and industry development trends in the field of traditional medicine.
Themed "Integrating Wisdom, Upholding Integrity and Innovation, and Jointly Promoting the High-Quality Development of Traditional Medicine," the conference aims to build a transnational and interdisciplinary platform for exchange and cooperation. At the grand opening ceremony, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on international cooperation and the unveiling of the Joint R&D Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ethnic Medicine took place. These significant initiatives mark a more solid step forward in cooperation between China and ASEAN countries in the field of traditional medicine, injecting new vitality into the synergistic development of the regional traditional medicine industry.
During the keynote session, renowned scholars at home and abroad, including Zhang Yongmin, Academician of the French National Academy of Pharmacy, and Professor Jiang Zhihong, Vice President of Macau University of Science and Technology, took the stage one after another. They engaged in in-depth exchanges and shared insights on cutting-edge topics such as the development of new TCM drugs, fundamental research on ethnic medicines, and the modernization of traditional medicine. These high-level academic presentations not only showcased the latest scientific research progress in traditional medicine but also pointed the way for future industrial translation. In addition, the conference concurrently hosted a series of events including multiple parallel forums, an international graduate academic symposium, and study camps, providing ample networking and exchange opportunities for young scholars and industry practitioners.
Notably, the conference made bold innovations in promoting the integration of academia and industry. That evening, a Traditional Chinese Medicine night market was launched on Qingyun Road, a famous street in Guiyang, featuring a concentrated display of specialty TCM preparations, wellness teas, and exquisite cultural and creative products. This initiative to integrate traditional medicine culture into the urban night-time economy not only brings TCM closer to the public in a more accessible and grounded manner, but also provides new ideas for the diversified presentation of health-themed exhibitions.
From the perspective of macro industry trends, traditional medicine-themed exhibitions have recently accelerated significantly. Just a day before the conference opened, the 2026 SCO Traditional Medicine Culture Week was held in Nanchang, forming a strong north-south synergy with the China-ASEAN conference in Guiyang. Such events, combining the attributes of academic conferences and industry exhibitions, place higher demands on the internationalized expression and professional presentation of exhibition displays. With the growing global demand for health and wellness, traditional medicine is ushering in unprecedented development opportunities.
Against the backdrop of the rapid development of the global health industry, the unique advantages of traditional medicine are increasingly recognized by the international community. China and ASEAN countries share geographical proximity and cultural affinity, offering broad scope for cooperation in the field of traditional medicine. The holding of this conference has not only promoted resource sharing and complementarity of traditional medicine in the region, but also contributed to building a closer China-ASEAN health community. Looking ahead, with the implementation of more international cooperation projects and the substantive operation of R&D centers, the traditional medicine industry is bound to embrace an even brighter future. The continuous hosting of the China-ASEAN Conference on Traditional Medicine will not only help propel TCM onto the global stage, but also further consolidate Guizhou's strategic position in the traditional medicine industry.