And Vietnam , with a 86 million-strong population, was making aremarkable contribution to ASEAN's foodstuff and pharmacy industries, hetold a meeting in Hanoi to discuss measures to harmonise theregulations for traditional medicines and health supplements within theassociation.
The introduction of numerous traditionalmedicines and health supplements to Vietnam had helped diversifythe regional market, he said.
The minister also called onASEAN countries to invest in the industries as well as cooperate withVietnam to help Vietnamese gain access to high-quality products atreasonable prices.
About 180 representatives of ministriesand agencies as well as organisations from throughout the region areattending the two-day meeting which opened on July 29.
The meeting, the 13th of its type, provides a chance for participants toknow more about the development of their industries and managementmethods in member countries.
They will also discuss enhanced coordination to help each take advantage of the region's potential.
The requirements for the technical harmonisation and labelling oftraditional medicines and health supplements as well as a road map to alegal framework are on their agenda.
Preparations for the discussions were made at specialised meetings in Hanoi three days earlier./.