Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, we have been receiving video messages 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.

Today’s video is from Vincent H. S. Lo, Chairman of Shui On Group.

He said that “The battle against COVID-19 has become an urgent and pressing crisis for all nations in the world. In the battle against this global pandemic, we have all witnessed how China has fought the battle at the frontline with everyone in the country playing a vital and critical role. We should encourage Chinese companies to strengthen their ties with enterprises abroad, and do all they can to ensure the stability of the global supply chains.”

Immediately after the outbreak of the Coronavirus in China, Shui On Group donated 10 million RMB to Wuhan on January 27, they have also reduced or waived rents of commercial tenants in all their premises to help them through this difficult period.

The following is the full speech.

Dear friends of the China Development Forum:

Recently, we have seen the COVID-19 spreading rapidly across the world. This alarming phenomenon has prompted the WHO to declare a world-wide pandemic, the highest level of alert. Clearly, the battle against COVID-19 has become an urgent and pressing crisis for all nations in the world.

In the battle against this global pandemic, we have all witnessed how China has fought the battle at the frontline with everyone in the country playing a vital and critical role. All Chinese citizens have responded positively to the nation's call and we have all exerted every effort to get through this crisis together.

Immediately after the outbreak of the Coronavirus in China, my company, Shui On Group donated 10 million RMB to Wuhan on January 27.

Our staff have also voluntarily donated 6 mill RMB to buy medical supplies on Feb 3. We have reduced or waived rents of commercial tenants in all our premises to help them through this difficult period.

Today, as the COVID-19 continues to spread to almost all parts of the world, no doubt, it will create a huge problem for the global economy. Therefore, vigorous and close cooperation amongst all nations is of great urgency and necessity.

China，apart from sharing its experience and best practice in the containment and treatment of the Coronavirus, can also begin technical collaboration with international communities, especially in the highly-specialized fields of research and development of medicines and vaccines.

At the same time, we must monitor closely all the negative repercussions of this pandemic on the global economy.

According to a recent forecast by the OECD, the global economy's growth will be curtailed to only about 2.4% this year. Since the global spread of this virus, the world economy and finance have already been greatly affected, and this is clearly reflected in alarmingly huge declines in stock markets around the world.

We should encourage Chinese companies to strengthen their ties with enterprises abroad, and do all they can to ensure the stability of the global supply chains.

In this global battle against the pandemic, we call on the international community to unite together and help one another. This is a time we must join hands to building a shared future for all mankind.