China’s health industry is transforming from "Made in China" to "Created in China", according to Zhao Zhigang, director of the Department of Pharmacy at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University. 

Zhao Zhigang, conference chair and director of the Department of Pharmacy at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, speaks at the conference. [Photo/WeChat account: BSC]

Speaking at the 2024 Belt and Road International Health Promotion Exchange Conference, which was held at Lanzhou University in Lanzhou, Northwest China's Gansu province on July 26, he highlighted the significance of scientific and technological innovation in enhancing people’s health. 

By promoting policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bonds among countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), mutual benefits in the health industry can be effectively boosted, said Zhao, who also acted as the conference chair. 

The conference, which had the theme of new quality innovation, was hosted by the Biophysical Society of China and supported by the School of Pharmacy at Lanzhou University.

The event drew experts, scholars and industry representatives from around the world to discuss emerging trends and collaborative opportunities in the health and pharmaceutical sectors.

A series of thematic reports was delivered at the conference. Discussions ranged from the joint construction of a new pattern in the health sector for countries involved in the BRI and the growth of China's health industry, driven by new quality innovation, to the role played by Traditional Chinese Medicine in human health promotion.

Sari Widita, counsellor for economic affairs at the embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in China, speaks at the conference. [Photo/WeChat account: BSC]  

Adriano Giacomet, head of the Trade and Investment Section at the embassy of Brazil in China, speaks to the conference via video link. [Photo/WeChat account: BSC]

The event also featured insights from international representatives from BRI countries, who shared their countries' health industry strategies and needs, providing valuable global perspectives.

Business leaders discussed their experiences in international markets, offering practical advice to others in the industry.

Participants pose for a group photo at the 2024 Belt and Road International Health Promotion Exchange Conference in Lanzhou, Gansu province, on July 26, 2024. [Photo/WeChat account: BSC]