The first 'SCO B2B Conference and Expo on Traditional Medicine' came to a successful end on 5 March as it created a platform for buyers and sellers from different countries to explore trade potential to serve the needs of the people. An incremental trade interest of over Rs 590 crore was generated during the two days of intense meetings among the buyers and sellers at the conference.

This first-of-its-kind conference & Expo under the SCO initiative was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on 2nd March, 2023 at Guwahati, Assam.

More than 150 delegates from 17 countries attended the two-day conference and four-day Expo, including high-level delegates such as Health Ministers, official delegates, and foreign buyers from SCO & partner countries. Seventy-five foreign officials and business delegates from 13 countries participated in person. Official delegates from China, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan joined virtually through the internet.

The B2B conference witnessed detailed presentations and deliberations from SCO and partner Countries on 'Regulatory Framework for Traditional Medicine' Products and practices, including pharmacopoeia, quality assurance and research.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) currently comprises eight Members- China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.