Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, we’ve received video messages from CDF delegates who expressed their support to China.

Today’s video is from Werner Baumann, Chairman of the Board of Management (CEO) of Bayer AG.

He said that “As a life science company, we are committed to science for a better life. I am hopeful and optimistic for a quick normalization of the current situation and I’m very much look forward to the next opportunity to come to China and also to join the next China Development Forum.”

In late January, Bayer donated RMB 11 million worth of urgently needed medical supplies and funds to Red Cross Society of China to support the prevention and control of the epidemic in Hubei Province.

During the Spring Festival holiday, many of Bayer's employees worked tirelessly to deliver medical supplies to the infected areas, including prescription drugs for fighting bacterial infections, non-prescription drugs for strengthening immune system, antipyretic analgesics, contrast agents for diagnosing pneumonia and other medical protective equipment.

The following is the full speech.

Hello to everyone in China,

As the Chinese government, authorities and experts around the world are fighting against the coronavirus, I want you to know that we at Bayer are closely on your side to support you in this challenging situation.

Employees at Bayer, both in China and in other countries, do everything in their power to help and assist the Chinese government and the Chinese people in their efforts to curb the spread of the novel virus.

Actually, many of our colleagues at Bayer worked relentlessly throughout the Chinese New Year holidays in order to supply our donations of important medicines to doctors and hospitals in the country.

As a life science company, we are committed to science for a better life. Caring about the health of people is what we do day in, day out. That’s why we are working with researchers and academic institutions to support the search for effective treatments.

At Bayer, we proudly look back to more than 130 years of service to the Chinese People – a mutually beneficial partnership which has grown over time. We have been at your side in good times and in bad times, and you can count on us - always!

I am hopeful and optimistic for a quick normalization of the current situation and I’m very much look forward to the next opportunity to come to China and also to join the next China Development Forum.

Thank you and all the best to you!