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Time:November 11-13, 2020
Beijing Diaoyutai State Guesthouse
Sponsor:Development Research Center of the State Council
Organiser:China Development Research Foundation
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CDF Voice | Global Endeavor to Fight the Pandemic

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, we have been receiving letters of support from our CDF delegates from top 500 companies, which have earlier contributed to helping China and now the world in coping with coronavirus. With the outbreak turned into a global crisis, we need more global endeavor and greater cooperation in the fight against the pandemic.


Thomas Buberl, CEO of AXA Group, February 2020


Mr. Buberl wrote: “For several weeks, we have been closely following the developments of COVID-19. We are confident, that your courage, tenacity and discipline will overcome this challenge. This is not only your battle, but one that concerns us all.”


As a global insurer, AXA has immediately reacted by bringing its financial support and professional expertise to contribute to this battle: both AXA Insurance and ICBC-AXA Life have offered free insurance to cover the frontline medical staff and media reporters, in their fight against the epidemic, with the strong mobilization and engagement of their employees.

Ben Keswick, Executive Chairman & Managing Director of the Jardine Matheson Group, March 2020


Mr. Keswick wrote: “We are extremely encouraged to see that the Chinese government, under the strong leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping, has united at all levels to make significant progress in controlling the epidemic. The heroic spirit of doctors and nurses on the front line has been an inspiration to communities across the world. On behalf of everyone at Jardines, I would like to offer them our sincere thanks.”


Since the initial outbreak in Wuhan, Jardines has sourced 575,000 surgical masks, 22,300 N95 and FFP2 masks, 20,000 protective suits, goggles, disinfectants and other materials from Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa and other countries, sending them directly to hospitals in Wuhan and other cities in China. In addition, Jardines made a RMB 5 million donation to the Beijing Charity Association to support the epidemic prevention in Beijing, protecting the health and safety of the residents.


Björn Rosengren,President and CEO of ABB, February, 2020


Mr. Rosengren wrote: “I am absolutely confident in the future of the Chinese economy, which is more than strong enough to withstand the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.We will stand firm alongside our Chinese colleagues, customers, partners and all Chinese people to defeat this virus. I very much look forward to attending the China Development Forum 2020 in Beijing and to contributing our ideas to China’s future development.”


At ABB, the health and safety of employees is a top priority, as is the commitment to serve the communities and societies. Immediately after the outbreak, they announced a donation of RMB 1 million to support the needs of frontline medical staff. They have used their global supply chain to secure and deliver more than 10, 000 N95 masks to hospitals in Wuhan, Xiamen, Chongqing, Shanghai and Beijing. In addition, all their employees have been provided with masks and protective equipment.


Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-founder of the Blackstone Group, March, 2020


Mr. Schwarzman wrote: “While the full implications and severity of the coronavirus remain to be seen, we know that the Chinese government will continue to implement preventive measures and cooperate with organizations such as The World Health Organization and governments around the world to help contain the virus and ensure that the individuals, businesses, and communities impacted are given the support they need.


Personally, I am a firm believer in strengthening US-China relations, I believe that a deeper level of understanding and trust between the two major economies will be key to driving the long-term growth of the global economy.”


Blackstone announced a $1 million donation to support the relief efforts of One Foundation and has also established a website for their employees to make a contribution and join the global response to help China.


Laurence D. Fink, Chairman & CEO of BlackRock, March, 2020


Mr. Fink wrote:“At BlackRock, we are united in this fight and we want to express our respect for the brave men and women fighting on the front line every day to bring the situation under control. We believe the effect of the epidemic, while tragic in loss of life, will be overcome, and the Chinese economy will recover. Our hearts are with China and the Chinese people.”


George R. Oliver, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Controls, March, 2020


Mr. Oliver wrote: “China’s reaction to the outbreak has undoubtedly saved countless lives and delayed the worldwide breakout. The knowledge, insight and experience that China has gained from containing the outbreak and treating patients can be very helpful to other countries who are fighting the outbreak now. I look forward to meeting many government and business leaders at the 2020 China Development Forum.”


During China's fight against the epidemic, Johnson Controls immediately responded to the call by partnering with Taikang Tongji Hospital in Wuhan to build Fangcang hospitals. The Johnson Controls China team worked around the clock and installed vital infrastructure services, including communication network, safety networks and patient assistance alarms for a Fangcang hospital with 900 patient beds in just 8 days.