Li Xiaoli, an associate professor of the School of Humanities of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, introduced food therapy for relieving coughing to about 30 diplomats and other listeners at a TCM lecture held on May 30 in Beijing. [Photo by Song Jingli/chinadaily.com.cn]

Li Xiaoli, an associate professor of the School of Humanities of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, said development of the TCM-related trade in services is still in the early stages. Li, who gave a lecture on the subject, added that the Beijing fair is mainly a chance for people to learn about TCM.

In addition to raising awareness about TCM, the fair was a place to make deals.

A total of 18 deals worth a staggering 170 million yuan ($27m) were signed in the TCM section, including in the areas of remote medical care, talent training, database building and tourism.

Tongrentang signed a cooperation agreement with Five Branches Universities, one of the first TCM colleges in the United States, and a talent training deal with the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies.

The company, which has set up 96 pharmacies overseas, will also set up a pharmacy in New Zealand to provide medical care and health care, vice general manager Ding announced at the fair.

The China Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services was held by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Municipal Government of Beijing between May 28 and June 1.