Mainland-Hong Kong cooperation in developing traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) will reach a new level with the implementation of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), Friday's China Daily quoted experts as saying.

The English-language newspaper reported that under CEPA, both sides have promised to strengthen information sharing and formulate strategic development plans for the industry.

They are expected to give full play to their own advantages and work jointly to modernize the industry and push it on the world market, the paper said.

According to experts, the SARS outbreak has fuelled bilateral cooperation with more Hong Kong people showing increasing confidence and interest in TCM.

TCM used to have a small market in Hong Kong, where resources are very limited; however, during the SARS period, doctors found TCMs effect in easing the symptoms of the disease -- for example, shortening the fever period and increasing the recovery rate.

After the SARS outbreak, officials have promised to introduce TCM in Hong Kong's public health system and establish three TCM clinics in selected public hospitals.

Sources say that there are mounting calls in Hong Kong's TCM sector to intensify co-operation with the mainland to tap the mainland's rich material and human resources.

Editor: Catherine