Oct. 17 – China and Italy are steadily becoming closer business partners. Adding to the already florid commercial exchanges, the thermal sector is now involved. In fact, a new collaboration deal was signed between FEMTEC (World Federation of Thermal Baths) – with Nikolai Storozhenko as signee, since the ONG is the only one in the sector in an official partnership with the WHO, and with 6000 establishment in 14 countries – and CHTA (Chinese Hot Springs Tourism
Association) – with Mr. Wang Changle as signee, owner of 5000 thermal centers. The partnership will involve the establishment of medical, traineeship, technological, innovation, security, market tourism and environmental sustainability projects. Thanks to this deal, FEMTEC has already opened an office in Guandong, and it has already set up a FEMTEC China Newsletter. The aforementioned projects are supported by the Chinese Minister of Tourism, and the Regional Governments of Yunnan, Guandong, Beijing and Nanjing. These regions, particularly rich in thermal resources, focus their attention on the health and economic potential of their hot springs. Italy, through Umberto Solimene, FEMTEC secretary general and professor at the University of Milan, was able to channel its traditional history and culture of hot springs into a series of networks and worldwide partnerships. The first step to an Italian-Chinese partnership will occur during the 65th FEMTEC Congress, held between October 21 and October 28 in Nanchino and Chongqing, under the title: “An Old Complementary Medicine for a Modern Health Government.” In the occasion, FEMTEC will celebrate its 75th anniversary.

FEMTEC: A PROFILE
FEMTEC is a representative association for spas and health centers around the world. It operates under the protection of the WHO, and its main functions are to: represent and promote hot springs potential around the world; favor cooperation among countries; and manage research funds and scholarships for those interested in hot springs curing techniques.