On November 4th, 2016, Vancouver Consul General, Liu Fei, has hosted a press conference with consuls and staffs of Science and Technology and culture sectors. More than 30 practitioners and representatives and two Chinese doctors from western medicine association were invited to attend. The conference topic was to discuss about overseas development strategies for Chinese medicine.

During the meeting, Liu expressed tremendous concerns and supports for the oversea development of TCM. She believes that the Chinese medicine industry has made a great contribution to human health. Through immense efforts from TCM practitioners, TCM has received a great development in Vancouver. Unfortunately, Chinese medicine is not integrated into the mainstream of health care system and is confronted with lots of difficulties and obstacles in its development. Liu together with consuls from technology and science and culture sectors expressed their willingness to collaborate and promote the development of TCM. Therefore, she hopes that practitioners from the TCM industry can actively construct and propose ideas to help with the development. The Consulates will continue to support and maintain good communication and cooperation in activities organized by TCM associations where possible.

Chinese medicine practitioners Tongnian Zhuo, Baoqi Cao, Jinghua Shi, Guangfang Yang and Xiaoyun Lu introduced the current TCM situation in China and oversea. In China, Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of China, addressed the importance of revitalization in TCM development. He suggested “Along the way” strategic approach to facilitate cooperation platform for TCM development abroad since Chinese medicine in British Columbia is at a leading position in Canada in regards to its legislation, management and training, hence forming a complete system. In 2016, the first TCM program has been established by Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia. Every TCM associations has also worked hard this year and jointly hosted academic exchanges with Shanghai University and Guangzhou University, thus gaining good social benefits.

Participating proactively, representatives in the meeting had agreed that the unity of TCM practitioners is the most effective way to meet opportunities and overcome challenges, thus consolidating the position of Chinese medicine industry. As of right now, every TCM associations will unite together to deal with big issues while each association has control in their own business in daily operation. The plantation of Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has also raised a certain level of concern and has introduced in Canada where TCM participants have significant interests. But whether the quality is consistent or not, the standards of medicinal materials will require further observation and verification. The representative of the western medicine has shown their support for the development of TCM as well.

Upon the end of the conference, Haiying Yu, Consul of Science and Technology, left her contact details yuhy@most.cn. Should the public have any suggestions and ideas, please do not hesitate to contact her.