CRI听力:China's Time-honored Pharmacy Spreads Traditional Medicine Overseas

China's famous pharmaceutical company Tong Ren Tang is eyeing success in Sydney, Australia.

The company aims to introduce traditional Chinese medicine to Western countries with its pharmacies and clinics, which have opened in more than 20 countries overseas.

CRI's Huang Shan has more details.

On the busy street of Sydney city, a pharmacy that sells traditional Chinese medicine is welcoming customers. But the customers are not just of Chinese or Asian descent. Many are Westerners.

Tong Ren Tang, China's time-honored pharmaceutical company since 1669, opened its first Australian branch in 2005. Up to now, in Sydney alone, there are three Tong Ren Tang outlets.

The steady development of Tong Ren Tang demonstrates Australian people's increasing acceptance of traditional Chinese medicine.

General manager of Beijing Tong Ren Tang Australia Ltd, Ma Anyang:

"We have more customers from Western countries every year. They often take gradual steps, from the acceptance of medical massage to Chinese patent medicine, then acupuncture, then herbal medicine."

More and more Australians have been introduced to traditional Chinese medicine through word of mouth.

Victoria Jackson is one of them.

"My friend came, so I decided to try, and I was amazed. Next year I turn 60, and I feel better and more healthy than I did when I was 40.

In 2012, Australia included traditional Chinese medicine in its health-care policies.

Under the provision, doctors can apply for government issued licenses and registration to practice traditional Chinese medicine in the country. This facilitates Chinese pharmacies' boost in Australia.

As Australia is the biggest economy in the Southern Hemisphere, Tong Ren Tang's attempt to succeed in the country has a strategic significance for spreading traditional Chinese medicine to Western markets.

The company also aims to step into tougher European markets this year.

Vice general manager of Beijing Tong Ren Tang Ltd, Ding Yongling,

"No matter where we will open our pharmacy or produce medicine next step, we will have an eternal principle of quality and credibility".

Tong Ren Tang now has 107 pharmacies and 60 clinics overseas serving over 30 million patients worldwide.

For CRI, I'm Huang Shan.