Scientists work inside a chemical lab at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Havana, Cuba. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"The SCO and ASEAN account for roughly half of the global population, and the potential in international medical cooperation is tremendous," said Fang Chunming, vice-chairman of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

It is hoped that using medical opening-up and innovation as a link, the pilot zone will promote all-round cooperation between SCO member states and ASEAN member states in humanities exchanges, economic and trade exchanges, and scientific and technological cooperation, he said.

According to Li Yanqiang, Party secretary of Fangchenggang, since its approval, great importance has been attached to the pilot zone, and both central and regional governments, and civil societies have been actively taking actions to support the construction of the pilot zone.

Specifically, the Fangchenggang government has been boosting communication and interaction among government authorities, SCO member states and other important sectors, promoting major project planning and investment, as well as facilitating international innovation and cooperation, he said.

According to the organizing committee of the Fangchenggang pilot zone, around 20 projects are under discussion, with investment reaching 15 billion yuan. Medical enterprises involved come from countries such as Cuba, India and Switzerland.

"Advancing the global health undertakings is not only what China is good at, but also China's responsibility. Traditional Chinese medicine is a treasure worth developing," said Wang Haiyun, senior consultant at the China Institute for International Strategic Studies.

"It is hoped that SCO member states and ASEAN member states can actively get involved, and introduce advantageous pharmaceutical enterprises into the pilot zone. The pilot zone will make great progress in the short term and benefit all mankind," Wang said.