Several cities in northeast China have leveraged their unique geographical advantages that enable the cultivation of high-quality herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), while improved customs services expedited a surge in TCM exports in the first seven months of this year.
In Liaoning Province, machines regularly hum in a TCM pharmaceutical company's production workshop. After sorting, drying, and processing, a batch of newly produced TCM ingredients like Codonopsis, Astragalus, and Rehmannia are packed. Having passed inspection, a batch of 12 types of TCM ingredients is ready for export.
As the industry buzzes, local customs authorities have supported pharmaceutical companies with regular briefings on the latest international entry standards, helping facilitate exports and reduce potential losses.
"Exporting traditional Chinese medicine involves numerous international standards and quarantine requirements. We are thankful for the customs authorities' regular briefings on the latest international entry standards. This guidance has helped us mitigate risks associated with heavy metal and pesticide residue issues, thereby reducing potential losses for our company," said Li Li, business director of the pharmaceutical company.
The city of Benxi, located in the mountainous eastern part of Liaoning, has excellent natural conditions for growing medicinal herbs. Several herbs from Benxi are listed as National Geographical Indication Protected Products and are highly favored in international markets.
In recent years, China has been vigorously promoting TCM globally. The practice has become a significant area of cooperation between China and regions around the world such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the European Union, the African Union, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, and countries in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
As TCM exports rise, the cultivation area and production volume of medicinal herbs are growing, which not only increases local farmers' income but also boosts wider employment.
Currently, Benxi has 300 deep-processing enterprises for TCM, involving 28,000 people in TCM cultivation and processing.
High-quality traditional Chinese medicine exports soar with customs assistance
High-quality traditional Chinese medicine exports soar with customs assistance
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
