To push forward the "Belt and Road" strategy in regards to the medical and health sector and strengthen cooperation between China and ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, the 1st China-ASEAN Health Cooperation Forum was held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from October 26 to 29.

Cui Li, a vice-minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) and Huang Ribo, vice-chairman of the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, attended the forum and delivered speeches.

Cui said that China is a good neighbor and partner of ASEAN, and the health sector is an important part of China-ASEAN cooperation. "China will strengthen cooperation within the ASEAN health sector, pushing forward medical staff exchanges and jointly coping with challenges of global health issues," Cui added.  

Huang noted that to host the China-ASEAN Health Cooperation Forum is meaningful to further cooperation and exchange in the health sector as well as China's "Belt and Road" strategy. "Guangxi will take this opportunity to deepen its health care reform and improve public health services," Huang said. 

At the forum, representatives from ASEAN countries exchanged ideas on disease prevention and control, traditional medicine, stomatology, and health industry cooperation. The forum produced the Nanning Declaration on China-ASEAN Health Cooperation and Development, as well as lead to the signing of six cooperative agreements, including co-constructing a medicinal plant cultivation base and ethnic medical techniques training. China and ASEAN reached agreements in furthering cooperation regarding contagious disease prevention and control, public health emergency response, traditional medicine, staff training, and global health governance.

The forum was co-organized by the NHFPC, the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which was one of the key activities of the 13th China-ASEAN Exposition. It had three sub-forums on disease prevention and control, stomatology, and traditional medicine.

Also taking part in the forum were Wang Hesheng, a vice-minister of the NHFPC, officials from ASEAN countries, representatives from health departments at all levels, and experts from medical institutions.