LANZHOU, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- At the China Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Expo 2018 that ended Sunday, Charles Rabemananjara, former prime minister of Madagascar, extended thanks to China's medical team that had given aid in Madagascar with their knowledge of TCM.

"TCM has not only relieved much of the suffering, but also drawn the peoples of our two countries closer," said Rabemananjara, adding that he came not only to express appreciation but also look for interested Chinese firms and institutions to develop TCM using Madagascar's rich plant-resources.

Over 3,000 delegates from 10 international organizations and more than 200 TCM enterprises gathered at the the expo held in Longxi County, northwest China's Gansu Province, to share their thoughts and seek cooperation on TCM.

With a history of more than 2,000 years, TCM is known for its unique medical theories and practices, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage and dietetics.

Wang Fulin, a TCM doctor from Gansu at the expo, joined the Chinese medical aid mission in Madagascar in 2016. He gave treatment using TCM practices like acupuncture, cupping, massage and moxa processing.

"TCM has won high recognition among Africans. Many came to me everyday," Wang said. He gave around 6,500 acupuncture treatments during his service in Madagascarian hospitals over the past two years.

Gansu Province has so far sent more than 600 doctors to Madagascar since 1975, including experts in TCM, orthopaedics as well as gynaecology and obstetrics.

While staying in Madagascar, Wang and his colleagues also taught TCM theories and skills to local medical peers.

Since China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative, 17 programes have been approved by the Chinese government to encourage international cooperation on TCM.

"Madagascar is rich in resources, while China has technical advantages. If we collaborate, we can bring benefits to human health," Rabemananjara said.

According to Liang Baoping, an official with the Health and Family Planning Commission of Gansu, a project to build a TCM medical center in Madagascar is underway.

"The Chinese government will allocate 5 million yuan (about 720,000 U.S. dollars) to dispatch experts to the center in Madagascar and to improve the country's ability in disease prevention by using TCM," Liang said.