Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, met with the Director-General of World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Margaret Chan, to exchange views on public health issues and the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) industry in Macao.

In the meeting on 6 September, Mr Chui thanked the WHO’s support in establishing the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine in Macao, which would help to raise the quality of TCM scientific research, and to enhance quality control and management.

The Government pays great attention to the development of TCM as it plays an important part in the adequate diversification of the economy. In the Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Industrial Park of Co-operation between Guangdong and Macao, the Government has set forward a string of co-operative projects in different areas including healthcare service, scientific research, education and cultural affairs.

He said the Government would continue to contribute in the country’s Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative, and to deepen co-operation with WHO and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for the process of the TCM industry.

Dr Margaret Chan, who visited Macao after attending the events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the world anti-Fascist war in Beijing, said WHO would continue to strengthen co-operation with the Macao Government, adding the Government’s efforts in boosting the TCM industry, and in preventing and controlling infectious disease were recognised.

The establishment of the Centre in Macao would serve as an important platform for WHO members to share experience, to promote TCM development and would help further regulating the industry, she said.

Dr Chan also pointed out WHO would continue to support the Government for talents training, especially the training of public health professionals.