KATHMANDU, June 22: SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Chandi Raj Dhakal has led a delegation to Xi’an, China, to explore cooperation opportunities in herbal medicine, traditional healthcare, research, and trade between China and South Asian countries.
During the visit, the delegation held discussions with Chinese herbal industry representatives on possible collaboration in herbal farming, processing, technology transfer, research, and market expansion, according to a press release issued by the SCCI.
Dhakal highlighted the need for stronger partnerships to promote sustainable economic growth and expand the traditional medicine sector across the SAARC region.
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The delegation visited herbal processing facilities and medicinal herb farms operated by Caozien Company, where Chinese officials and company representatives briefed them on modern cultivation methods, quality control measures, and sustainable production practices.
SCCI Secretary General Zulfiqar Butt said China and SAARC countries have significant potential to work together in the herbal and natural medicine sector. He stressed the importance of joint research, investment, capacity building, technology exchange, and trade facilitation to develop regional value chains.
The visit was hosted by Caozien Company Vice Chairperson Sun Shen and attended by Chinese officials, academics, business leaders, and representatives from the herbal industry.
The participants included Prof. Ma Zhi Guo of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Song Shaopu, Party Secretary of Tangyu Town in Lantian County, and Zheng Hong, Chairman of Xi’an Dao Tong Taibai Seven Medicine Research Co., Ltd.
The discussions concluded with a commitment to strengthen partnerships, encourage investment, and explore joint initiatives in herbal medicine and natural healthcare.
Dhakal said the engagement would contribute to strengthening economic and people-to-people ties between South Asia and China while opening new opportunities in the growing herbal and natural medicine sector.
