The 2021 International Medical Innovation and Cooperation Forum takes place both online and on-site in Fangchenggang on Dec 6. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2021 International Medical Innovation and Cooperation Forum, which was held by the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, took place both online and on-site in Fangchenggang on Dec 6.

Based on the theme of "Strengthening International Medical Cooperation, Building Global Community of Health for Mankind," the forum included an opening ceremony, a variety of themed forums, a construction progress report on the Fangchenggang International Medical Opening-up Pilot Zone, and promotional fairs.

Han Qide, vice chairman of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said in a video speech that building the Fangchenggang International Medical Opening-up Pilot Zone enables working for a community with a shared future for mankind as well as a creating a healthy community.

Han added that China will give full play to the zone to enhance international innovative medical cooperation to bring benefits to people worldwide.

Guangxi has continued to promote the high-quality development of the zone since 2019, said Huang Junhua, vice chairman of Guangxi. 

Huang added that Guangxi is looking forward to carrying out more innovative cooperation with international partners in sectors spanning public health, traditional medicine, research and talent cultivation. 

The zone signed 13 projects valued at 7.48 billion yuan ($1.17 billion) during the event with institutions and companies from countries and areas including Russia, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong and Jiangsu.