Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region has formed an opening-up and cooperation pattern for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a focus on ASEAN countries, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well as covers over 40 countries and regions, officials announced at a press conference on Dec 13.

Guangxi is credited as China's "natural pharmacy" and "hometown of TCM materials" as it has 7,506 kinds of TCM materials including distinctive Zhuang and Yao ethnic medical resources. 

The region has been enhancing cooperation in traditional medicine and tourism and has established various kinds of cooperation and communication platforms with ASEAN such as organizing the 6th China-ASEAN Forum on Traditional Medicine and the 2021 China-ASEAN International Forum on Traditional Medicine and Health Tourism.

It has signed agreements with institutions in 36 countries such as Laos and the Philippines on the protection and utilization of medicinal plants. Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants has teamed with seven provinces in Laos in conducting a medicinal plant resource survey and has published several academic papers. 

Training for people practicing TCM in ASEAN countries and countries alongside the Belt and Road is provided by Guangxi through measures such as joint training and building overseas branches. 

Guangxi International Zhuang Medicine Hospital has set up TCM departments in hospitals in Cambodia and Laos and has signed remote medical cooperation agreements with hospitals in Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand to provide high-quality TCM services to locals.