Melbourne Hosts Major International Gathering: Australia–China Health Products Expo, World Traditional Medicine Forum & World TCM Trade Conference Draw Global Attention

The 2025 Australia–China Health Industry Expo, the 7th World Traditional Medicine Forum and the World Traditional Chinese Medicine Services Trade Conference concluded successfully in Melbourne this week, marking a milestone event for the global traditional medicine sector. The two-day program delivered substantial outcomes and left a lasting impact on international collaboration in the health and wellbeing industries.

A Landmark Event Bringing Three Global Conferences Under One Roof三大

From 26 to 27 October 2025, Melbourne played host to one of the largest traditional medicine gatherings ever held in Australia. The three major international events took place across Centrepiece at Melbourne Park and the World Trade Centre, drawing an impressive line-up of delegates and exhibitors.

The conferences were co-hosted by the World Traditional Medicine Forum, the World Federation of TCM Service Trade and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, and co-organised by the Oceania Business & Industry Council and WTC Melbourne.

More than 500 participants—including government officials, industry leaders, researchers and representatives from leading enterprises—travelled from across China (including Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Sichuan and Hong Kong), as well as from Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. In total, attendees represented 19 countries and regions, forming a high-level global platform for dialogue and cooperation in the traditional medicine and health industries.

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Opening Ceremony: Building Consensus and Shaping the Future

（OBAI Executive President Guozhao Sun delivered a keynote address）

At a vibrant and ceremonial opening, OBAI Executive President Guozhao Sun, delivered a warm welcome on behalf of the organisers. He greeted experts, industry leaders and delegates from around the world, noting that “the global health landscape is entering a pivotal stage of development.”

Sun highlighted that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with its distinct theoretical foundations and extensive clinical heritage, continues to prove its unique value in disease prevention, treatment and overall wellbeing—earning increasing international recognition.

He emphasised that this year’s conference, themed “Heritage, Innovation and Shared Prosperity,” aims to build three core platforms:

1. An academic exchange platform to deepen dialogue between traditional medicine theory and modern practice;

2. A trade development platform to drive innovation in TCM service trade;

3. An industrial collaboration platform to strengthen practical cooperation between Oceania and global partners in the health sector.

（Ruan Hongxian, Honorary President of the China Association of Pharmaceutical Commerce and Chair of the World Federation of TCM Service Trade）

In a keynote address, Ruan Hongxian offered a deep analysis of the opportunities and challenges facing authentic medicinal herbs in global trade.

He urged the international community to work together on establishing globally recognised quality benchmarks and traceability systems—leveraging cutting-edge technologies ranging from genomics to blockchain to safeguard product quality and ensure the true essence of traditional medicine benefits people worldwide.

（Dr. Dong Zhilin, President of the European Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, spoke on strengthening global collaboration networks;）

（George Tambassis, former National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia）

（Gladys Liu, former Australian federal MP and current Melbourne City Councillor）

Government Leaders Highlight Strong Political Support and International Cooperation

（Fang Xinwen, Consul-General of China in Melbourne）

t the gala awards dinner, Fang Xinwen, Consul-General of China in Melbourne, delivered a keynote address underscoring the significance of the event and congratulating the Oceania Business & Industry Council and partner organisations for successfully hosting the conference. He also extended warm congratulations to all award-winning institutions and individuals.

Consul-General Fang emphasised the growing importance of China–Australia cooperation in health, traditional medicine and trade services. “This event, with its focus on health, traditional Chinese medicine and service trade, provides an important platform for deepening mutual understanding and advancing cross-border dialogue and collaboration in these key sectors,” he said.

Reflecting on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to China in July, Fang noted that the joint statement issued during the trip placed particular emphasis on strengthening exchanges in the health sector. He highlighted Australia’s newly released China Tourism Visitor Guide, which also underscores cooperation with China in health and life sciences. Fang expressed confidence that both countries would continue to explore new opportunities, tap new potential, safeguard global supply chain stability, and contribute to the ongoing development of China–Australia relations.

Victorian Premier Sends Congratulations

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan MP sent a congratulatory letter celebrating the successful staging of the Australia–China Health Industry Expo.

“The Victorian Government is proud to see our health and wellness products reach customers around the world,” the Premier wrote. “I have just returned from my first trade mission to China as Premier, and I know how much shared opportunity exists between our regions. This Expo represents an excellent avenue to introduce Victorian products to the Chinese market.”

Former President of the Victorian Legislative Council and Chair of the Australia–China Health Expo, Bruce Atkinson, also delivered remarks, highlighting the importance of strengthening global collaboration in health and traditional medicine. His speech underscored the Expo’s role in creating long-term partnerships between Australia, China and the broader international community.

Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin MP sent a message of congratulations, acknowledging the event’s contribution to fostering bilateral understanding and supporting Victoria’s position as a leading hub for health innovation.

Paul Hamer MP, State Member for Box Hill—a distric

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Paul Hamer MP, State Member for Box Hill—a district with one of Victoria’s strongest multicultural and health-industry linkages—also extended his congratulations, noting the Expo’s significant role in connecting communities and opening new trade and research opportunities.