The 55th National Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutical Trade Fair press conference took place in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province on October 10th. During the event, Luo Gongcheng, Deputy Secretary of the Zhangshu Municipal Committee and Mayor, announced that the Southern Medicine Economic Research Institute of the National Medical Products Administration will release the “2024 Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry Development Research Report.” Additionally, the International Organization for Standardization will officially launch Jiangxi’s first international standard in traditional Chinese medicine: the “International Standard for Traditional Chinese Medicine—Gardenia.”
The trade fair is scheduled to occur from October 16 to October 25, 2023, organized by the China Association of Chinese Medicine. This year’s theme is “Inheriting Essence, Upholding Integrity and Innovation,” emphasizing traditional Chinese medicine while featuring a range of activities including an opening ceremony, business exhibitions, and cultural tourism events.
Zhangshu’s pharmaceutical industry has a rich history that dates back to the Han and Jin dynasties, flourishing during the Tang and Song dynasties, and reaching its peak in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Over 1800 years, it has developed into a vibrant hub with numerous pharmacies. During the Ming and Qing periods, Zhangshu’s “Zhang Gang” was recognized as one of the three major medicinal factions in the country, alongside the “Jing Gang” and “Chuan Gang.” It has long been celebrated with the saying: “Medicine does not achieve its full potential until it reaches Zhangshu.”
Since its inception in 1958, the Zhangshu Pharmaceutical Trade Fair has been held 54 times, making it the oldest and most influential traditional Chinese medicine event in the nation. It serves as an essential platform for promoting economic and technological exchanges within the field while showcasing traditional Chinese medicine culture, becoming a critical part of Jiangxi’s exhibition economy.
Yuxin Xu, Member of the Standing Committee of the Yichun Municipal Government and Vice Mayor, noted that Yichun City has seized strategic opportunities presented by national policies to advance the inheritance and innovation of traditional medicine. The city is vigorously implementing the “Chinese Medicine Capital” revitalization project, working to strengthen the industry and build an integrated development model that encompasses planting, processing, production, sales, research, health management, and cultural tourism.
Mayor Luo highlighted that the conference will host officials from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, the China Association of Chinese Medicine, and renowned experts from across the country. Activities will include a pharmaceutical trade fair, a traditional Chinese medicine commodity exchange, and a promotional investment conference for the medicinal industry in Jiangxi (Yichun and Zhangshu), facilitating resource connections, market expansion, and collaborative opportunities for businesses, exhibitors, and participants.
When discussing efforts to enhance the capacity of rural traditional Chinese medicine services, Luo Mingli, a member of the Standing Committee of the Zhangshu Municipal Committee and Vice Mayor, mentioned that the city is working on establishing a comprehensive TCM service system, promoting suitable TCM techniques widely, and developing a specialty street for traditional medicine. The goal is to bridge the “last mile” in TCM service delivery and continuously improve grassroots medical services.
Furthermore, this year’s trade fair will focus on promoting the inheritance and innovative development of TCM culture, featuring a ceremony at Gezhao Mountain and cultural performances to celebrate medicinal culture. A night market highlighting TCM culture and large-scale free medical consultations by renowned TCM practitioners will also take place, offering visitors a one-stop experience to appreciate TCM culture—buying traditional medicines, consuming health foods, and exploring wellness options.
