China-Europe General Assembly on Traditional Chinese Medicine
To further enhance the internationalization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and promote the use and understanding of Chinese Medicine among countries all over the world, the China-Europe General Assembly on Traditional Chinese Medicine organised by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, the Italian Ministry of Health, EU Directorate for Joint Research was successfully held in Rome and concluded on 28 June 2007. The conference was attended by over 400 experts and scholars, ranging from government officials of China and Europe, representatives from the industry and biomedical sector, to seek international cooperation in science and technology on Chinese Medicine. In-depth discussions and exchange on the outlook of such cooperation were held. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Shang Yong, Italian Deputy Minister of Health Zucchelli had addressed the Assembly.
Representatives round the world acknowledged the uniqueness and advantages offers by Traditional Chinese Medicine, the mode of partnership and issues pertinent to policy, regulatory and quality assurance etc. Delegates unanimously considered that the organic integration between TCM and modern life science, bio-technology and western medical science would create medical breakthroughs and offers prospects and hope for humans to combat critical illnesses. The Assembly reached a concensus of collaborative developments on the following five areas: 1) to enhance the pathophysiological and mechanistic study on TCM, focusing on neuro-associated illnesses, cardio and cerebrovascular disorders, tumor, AIDS etc., and clinical research related to health promotion and treatment of illnesses; 2) to initiate joint research on TCM pharmacology, especially on TCM new drug development; 3) to initiate collaborative research on policy setting and standardisation of CM; 4) to achieve bilateral or multilateral partnerships among universities, research institutes, hospitals and enterprises, and to facilitate the set up of bilateral or multilateral TCM clinical research centres, joint laboratories and clinics etc.; 5) to foster international exchange on and promotion of TCM culture, including the organisation and compilation of ancient TCM classics and academic periodicals for widespread circulation. Many experts also exchanged views on issues related to the efficacy, safety assessment and quality standards of TCM during the discussions.
As a crucial step to promote cooperation, the Ministry of Science and Technology plans to organize a meeting on International Collaboration on Traditional Chinese Medicine in end-November in Beijing. It is anticipated that the Ministry will jointly launch the “Plan for International Collaboration on Traditional Chinese Medicine”with other countries, including the announcement of a “Bejing Declaration”. The plan includes the establishment of an International Preparatory Committee and Expert Committee and setting up of a networked TCM Research Institute. The medical sector and the industry will join hands to further the innovative developments of TCM.
(Source: Technology Post, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine)
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