Pefots

Speech on the Launch of Pan European Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Societies

Mr. ZHU Zu-sou, Chinese Ambassador to
the Netherlands 29th September, 2001

Mr DONG Zhi-Lin, the President of PEFOTS Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen; Today is the big day of the launching of the Pan-European Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Societies. It is our pleasure to be invited to the launching ceremony here. First of all, on behalf of the staffs of the Chinese embassy to the Netherlands, I would like to congratulate the successful launch of the Pan-European Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Societies; I would also like to congratulate Mr DONG Zhi-Lin, the first president of PEFOTS. In addition, I would like to extend our sincere regards to all the doctors and researchers of TCM in Europe.
With over a thousand years of practical history, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an excellent healing art embedded with Chinese culture. To date, Chinese medicine is still an important component in the mainstream Chinese health-care system. Traditional Chinese medicine is an art. It is a summary of experience of the Chinese people in combatting disease for over a thousand years. TCM has its own specialities in maintaining health and fighting disease. It also has its own specialities, which modern western medicine may not be able to substitute. According to statistics, Traditional Chinese medicine has spread to over 120 countries and regions around the world. There are over 3000 overseas students who come to China to study Chinese medicine each year. Chinese medicine spread to European counties hundreds of years ago. Actually, the vast influence of TCM in Europe began the last decades after China opened its doors to the West. Especially during the last few years, as China sped up its communication and exchange with the West, both academic and scientific research and clinical trials of Chinese medicine are increasing, and Chinese medicine is more accepted by the West.
I am sure that the launch of the Pan-European Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Societies will have a huge impact on the research and development of Chinese medicine in Europe. It will help European countries to include Chinese medicine in their National Healthcare Systems, and of course it will enhance legal legislation and recognition of TCM practitioners.
I hope that with the hard work of all TCM staffs, this beautiful TCM flower will produce substantial fruits in Europe and will to serve European society well, resulting in better health and happiness for mankind.

May I wish PEFOTS a successful conference!

May I wish good health and a happy family to all the friends and guests present!