The booths dedicated to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at the China Import and Export Fair, or Canton Fair, are bustling with activity, attracting a diverse array of global purchasers, from seasoned partners to newcomers.
The third phase of the 136th session of the Canton Fair opened in Guangzhou of south China's Guangdong Province on Thursday, presenting products in recreation and health sectors, with TCM receiving many buyers' attention.
"Your medicines and your hospitality is very nice. So we need to try your medicine in our country," said Indian purchaser Hisham Thari.
"In our country, the pharmaceutical industry, our main ingredients, we use more active ingredients than China. It's not so much based on the nature like China does," said Mexican importer Uriel Arsenio Angulo Castro.
"Chinese medicine is more than competitive. It is very interesting. That's why I come here. I don't go to Europe or U.S. or somewhere else, I come here, because what I want is natural medicine," said Raymond Tchappet, a buyer from Cameroon.
During the first three quarters of 2024, China's pharmaceutical product imports and exports totaled 147 billion U.S. dollars. The export value reached 79 billion U.S. dollars, which was more than 3.1-percent higher than the previous year. The six-decade old Canton Fair has served as a crucial bridge for domestic companies to access the global market.
To fit in with international markets, China's medical industry has set standards that adhere to global norms and practices.
"Traditional Chinese Medicine is unique, so to sell it internationally, the production system and products must be approved by the relevant authorities in other countries. Our products have already passed the tests and been registered in over 32 countries and regions. So, we can sell them there," said Huang Wei, vice president of Lanzhou Foci International Commerce. "We have completed the registration process and met the local requirements and standards. That's why we are able to sell our products in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, as well as in the United States, Russia, and Ukraine," said Zhao Deng, manager of Mayinglong Pharmaceutical Group.
TCM has been spanning 196 countries and regions. Remarkably, over one-third of the world's population has received treatment through traditional Chinese medicine. With policy and cultural exchanges intensifying, the global influence of TCM is expected to surge even further.
Traditional Chinese medicine gains global traction at Canton Fair
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
