Hong Kong has great potential in developing traditional Chinese medicine and serving as a "bridgehead" to promote it onto the global stage, a forum heard on Sept 25.

"Since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong's traditional Chinese medicine sector has leveraged the dual advantages of 'one country, two systems'," said Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Hong Kong International Traditional Chinese Medicine Expo.

Running through Sept 28, the five-day expo is hosted by the Bauhinia Culture Group and organized by the Bauhinia Magazine. The event has brought together nearly 500 academics, industry leaders and over 130 exhibitors from China and countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Leung said Hong Kong, as a special administrative region, operates under a system distinct from that of the Chinese mainland, which has enabled the SAR to forge its own path and develop its own system in the field of TCM.

To promote the globalization of TCM, Leung stressed the importance of exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, adhering to the spirit of mutual benefit, and enhancing communication, in order to jointly build a community of common health for humanity.

Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said the rich TCM culture and resources that the nation possesses and the SAR's highly internationalized healthcare system, scientific capabilities and business environment are two distinct advantages that the SAR has.

The SAR government will integrate these strengths and transform them into driving forces for development, making Hong Kong the "bridgehead" for TCM's globalization, Chan said.

Noting Hong Kong's first Chinese medicine hospital is set to open soon, Jia Zhongwu, an official from the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said Hong Kong has established a complete framework in the fields of TCM, including healthcare, education, scientific research, and industry chain.

With the SAR's comprehensive industrial chain and development blueprint, Jia said he believes Hong Kong's TCM industry will achieve steady progress with promising prospects.

Xu Zhengzhong, chairman of the Bauhinia Culture Group, said TCM enjoys deep-rooted public popularity in Hong Kong and is developing in leaps and bounds as the city strengthens its ties with other cities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to form a hub for TCM.

Besides diverse events such as forums, promotional activities, and product launches for knowledge sharing and networking, Xu said the expo also offers free clinic services and lectures by renowned TCM doctors to allow more people benefit from TCM.

Wang Cuijun, director of China Resources Group, said it is important to integrate modern technology with TCM to inject new vitality into the traditional medicine in the new era while preserving the time-tested wisdom.

Leng Weiqing, executive director of the Shanghai Industrial Investment (Holdings) Co, said she wishes to explore collaboration opportunities with various sectors in Hong Kong and utilize the city's international platform to increase the TCM's global presence.

kelly@chinadailyapac.com