A comprehensive pilot zone for the development of health and medical service in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area was officially unveiled in Liwan district of Guangzhou on Tuesday (April 13). It is a key project to build a healthy Bay Area.

According to a blueprint released by local authorities, the zone will support the revitalization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), explore creative modes of regional cooperation and build a new highland for modern and high-end healthcare and medicine industry. It aims to develop into a global trade and service hub for the industry. 

The layout of the comprehensive pilot zone

The Datansha International Health Eco-Island (大坦沙国际健康生态岛) and the Guangzhou International Medicine Port (广州国际医药港) , with construction underway, are the centers of the zone, connected by various industry clusters along the Bai E Tan Economic Belt (白鹅潭沿江总部经济带).

The island will be built into a full-service health tourism resort, providing high-end health care services such as intelligent medical treatment and rehabilitation therapy, and offering space for scientific research and personnel training.

The design of the Datansha International Health Eco-Island

The port will focus on the innovation of TCM and the promotion of TCM culture to the world. It will attract major enterprises and startups in the healthcare industry, both at home and abroad, to set up headquarters and boost investment and cooperation. The port will also demonstrate the smart and healthy lifestyle of the people living in the Greater Bay Area.

Large exhibition complex will be erected in the port to hold industry trade fair regularly. It's worth noting that over-the-counter (OTC) drugs listed in Hong Kong and Macao will be allowed to sell in a limited quantity at the port, said the blueprint.

Rendering of the Guangzhou International Medicine Port

Businesses along the Bai E Tan Economic Belt will help further the integration of finance and internet into the healthcare industry.

Medical and healthcare institutions in Hong Kong and Macao are welcomed to establish branches or joint ventures, especially elderly care service centers, in the comprehensive pilot zone and across the Liwan district.

The Qingping Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicinal Material Market in Liwan district of Guangzhou

Healthcare and medicine have been the pillar industries of Liwan which also boasts a rich culture of herbal medicine retailing. The district owns 12 large pharmaceutical manufacturers in 2020, with industrial output reaching 5.2 billion yuan. And the Liwan-based Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Group has remained the top medicine maker in China for years.

In the coming years, Liwan district will leverage its own experience and integrate resources in the Greater Bay Area to push system reforms and achieve high-quality development of the whole medical and healthcare industry chain.

Author: Pauline Tai

Editor: Becky