Interview: Launching Chinese-Uzbek traditional medicine center bears historic significance, official says

TASHKENT, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The opening of the Chinese-Uzbek center for traditional medicine in the capital city of Tashkent is a concrete step to implement the strategic cooperation between Uzbekistan and China, an Uzbek official said Monday.

It marks the beginning of a new direction of cooperation between the two countries in the field of healthcare, particularly in traditional medicine, which is most popular in the modern world, Sardor Kariev, director of the Agency for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry under the Health Ministry, told Xinhua in an interview.

"China has long been famous for its traditional medicine, which is formed over the centuries thanks to the rich spiritual heritage and hard work of Chinese thinkers, scientists and traditional healers, and today it is very popular all over the world," Kariev said.

The official believes that the new center will serve as a bridge to further develop mutually beneficial cooperation between Uzbek and Chinese traditional healers.

The center will focus on disease diagnosis, treatment, as well as disease prevention and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, Kariev said, stressing the importance of Chinese treatment methods such as acupuncture, various types of massaging, herbal and other environmentally friendly medicines.

The center, which opened on Monday, has a traditional Chinese medicine culture exhibition hall, traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment area, Uzbek medical treatment area and remote consultation center.

According to Kariev, Uzbek and Chinese specialist are currently engaged in talks to produce medical products using herbs grown in China and Uzbekistan.

"Now the negotiations are underway to allocate a land for the cultivation of medicinal herbs, as well as creation of experimental land plots in the territory of Uzbek forestry committee," he said.

The center may also play a key role in training highly qualified personnel in traditional medicine and pharmaceuticals, Kariev said, noting that China's Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which contributed to the creation of the center, has also planned to set up a branch at one of the Uzbek universities. Enditem