Health

TCM makes waves globally

Though some Chinese scholars are seeking a ban on traditional Chinese medicine, foreign pharmaceutical companies and institutions are showing growing interest in it.

More than 100 countries and regions around the world have set up TCM institutions, with the US, Europe, Japan and South Korea investing heavily in related research and medication development. The UK-based pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline PLC announced its first TCM medication research and development program, which targets not just the Chinese market, but the global market, too.

"Our priority is to transform TCM from an experience-based practice to evidence-based medicines through innovation and differentiation," said Zang Jingwu, vice-president of the company..

Policy

Import basket to be enlarged

As part of its efforts to boost domestic consumption, China will import commodities and services valued at around $10 trillion in the next five years. Disclosing this on March 25, Premier Li Keqiang said China was committed to attracting more investment in the services sector and in industries related to energy conservation and environmental protection.

In response to concerns expressed by multinational companies about the investment environment, Li said the government would work to create a level playing field for foreign companies vis-a-vis domestic competition, along with easier market access norms.

Li made the comments during a meeting with representatives and executive officers from about 100 multinational companies at the two-day China Development Forum in Beijing.

Society

Fight against poverty intensified

More funds will be allocated to lift China's rural dwellers out of poverty this year, along with an extra emphasis on making education more accessible to the poor, a poverty relief official said.

Though there is tremendous pressure due to the economic slowdown, poverty alleviation efforts should continue with renewed vigor, said Fan Xiaojian, director of the State Council's Poverty Alleviation Leading Group Office.

Over the past 12 months, China's rural population considered to be in poverty declined to about 99 million from 122 million - the first time the country has started to consider those with a yearly net income of less than 2,300 yuan as destitute.

Environment

Third Pole glaciers shrinking

About 90 percent of glaciers in the Third Pole region are shrinking, accelerated by black carbon being transferred from South Asia to the Tibetan Plateau, a scientist has warned.

The Third Pole region, which is centered on the Tibetan Plateau, covers more than 5 million square kilometers and has an average altitude of more than 4,000 meters.

Influenced by global warming, its alpine glaciers have seen drastic changes in recent years, such as thinning and shrinkage, which pose potential geological hazards to people both in and around the plateau.

China Daily

(China Daily 03/29/2013 page2)