The 24th Chinese Endoscopic Doctors Conference & ASEAN Conference of Endoscopic Surgery was held in Nanning, Southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region from May 23 to 25, gathering experts from both China and ASEAN countries.

Endoscopic,or minimally invasive surgery started to become popular in the 20^th century, with the benefits of little trauma, short operation period and quick recovery. Currently, it has been used in 90 percent of China's medical institutions as an essential tool for diagnosis and treatment of digestive, respiratory, gynecological diseases.

The annual Chinese Endoscopic Doctors Conference was started in 1990, thanks to the efforts by Professor Zhang Yangde, the incumbent vice chairman of Chinese Medical Association and chairman of the World Endoscopy Doctors Association. As a platform for academic exchanges, it has promoted the development of minimally invasive surgery, the R&D of endoscopic devices, and the training of endoscopic physicians.

With the establishment of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Zone and the increased efforts by the ASEAN countries to improve public healthcare, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia have become a popular market for the global medical industry.

Zhang Yangde, chairman of World Endoscopy Doctors Association delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. He said the conference is expected to promote academic exchanges between China and ASEAN in the fields of endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery, display the latest developments in the fields in China and ASEAN, build a platform for academic exchanges.

You Jianpeng, deputy head of the health authorties in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, said more and more patients from ASEAN countries are coming to Guangxi for treatment. He urged hospitals in the region to improve medical capabilities and provide premier services to the patients

Zhang Jian, head of the Hunan provincial health department, said the geographical proximity between China and ASEAN countries results in a similar habit in using medicine, thus the traditional Chinese medicine is popular in ASEAN and has great market potential.