The first Centre of Chinese Traditional Medicine outside Asia to be created in Barcelona

Barcelona (CNA).- Catalonia will host the first Centre of Chinese Traditional Medicine to be established outside Asia. The project, promoted by the Catalan Ministry for Business and Knowledge, through the area which focuses on attracting foreign investment, ACCIÓ – Catalonia Trade & Investment, and the Secretary for Universities and Research, also includes actions in the fields of higher education, research, health and culture. For example, an official master’s degree in Chinese traditional medicine will be taught in collaboration with two Catalan universities, the Universitat de Barcelona (UB) and the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), and alongside with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. The agreement between the Catalan government and a consortium led by the Beijing government and will set up Catalonia as a point of reference in Europe regarding this kind of medicine.

Moreover, a centre for cultural exchange will also be founded, along with an assistance institute to support the recognition and use of those herbs used in Chinese traditional medicine.

The agreement was signed by the Catalan Minister for Business and Knowledge, Jordi Baiget, and the Chinese consortium, composed byrepresentatives from the Beijing government, hospitals, universities, research centres and Chinese companies.

The exact location where the Centre is to be built has not yet been confirmed. Thus, the delegation of the Chinese consortium will temporarily be settled in ACCIÓ’s headquarters, in Barcelona.