China, Pakistan, and COMSTECH have launched a Joint Laboratory on Research and Development of Herbal Medicine.
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The announcement came during the opening session of the 2026 International Symposium on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-Unani Medicine Cooperation and the SCO Member States Traditional Medicine Industry Exchange Forum.
According to organizers, the event took place at Ningbo University in Zhejiang Province.
The laboratory is a joint initiative of Ningbo University and COMSTECH. Its primary goal is to strengthen research and innovation in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Unani Medicine.
Focus on Research and Innovation
The laboratory will support research in herbal medicine development, clinical studies, and pre-clinical investigations.
In addition, it will assist with the international registration of traditional medicine products.
Furthermore, the initiative will promote academic exchanges and training opportunities for young researchers.
The laboratory brings together 50 researchers, including 30 experts from China and 20 international specialists.
Moreover, the team includes professionals from medicine, pharmacy, biology, chemistry, artificial intelligence, policy studies, and regulatory sciences.
COMSTECH Highlights Long-Term Cooperation
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, described the laboratory as a major achievement in China-Pakistan scientific cooperation.
According to Prof. Choudhary, both countries have built a strong partnership in traditional medicine over the past two decades.
During this period, researchers conducted joint studies, exchange programmes, and clinical projects.
As a result, cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese institutions has advanced herbal medicine research and healthcare innovation.
Moreover, Prof. Choudhary said the new laboratory will strengthen product development, academic exchange, and capacity-building efforts.
Traditional Medicine Summit Planned
Prof. Choudhary also shared COMSTECH’s broader vision for international cooperation.
Furthermore, he said the China-Pakistan model could benefit OIC member states and other developing countries.
He also announced plans for a Traditional Medicine Summit in Islamabad.
The summit will bring together scientists, policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders from across the Muslim world.
Consequently, participants will have an opportunity to explore new partnerships and collaborative projects.
Chinese Experts Welcome Initiative
Professor Zhao Yufen, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, welcomed the establishment of the laboratory.
According to her, international collaboration is essential for advancing traditional medicine research.
Additionally, she said the laboratory will provide a valuable platform for scientific exchange and joint research.
She also noted that the initiative will support evidence-based development of traditional medicine products.
Under the governance structure, Prof. Zhao Yufen will chair the Academic Committee.
Meanwhile, Prof. Liu Xinmin of Ningbo University will serve as the Chinese Director.
Similarly, Prof. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary will serve as the Pakistani Director.
International Participation
The inaugural session attracted diplomats, scientists, policymakers, regulators, and industry representatives from several countries.
Among the participants were Consul General in Shanghai Shehzad Ahmad Khan, Science and Technology Counsellor Khan Muhammad Wazir, and senior officials from leading universities.
According to COMSTECH, the symposium focused on research collaboration, product development, regulatory harmonization, commercialization, and future cooperation.
Finally, participants expressed confidence that the new laboratory will become a leading platform for scientific research and innovation.
As a result, it is expected to support talent development and healthcare applications across China, Pakistan, OIC member states, and SCO countries.
