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 Merlin Swire, Chairman of Swire Group in Hong Kong.

In his letter to Lu Mai, Secretary General of China Development Forum, he said that “China’s offer of medical supplies, information and expertise to countries currently at the new epicenters of the outbreak emphasizes the importance of international cooperation as the best course of action for the world to combat and prevail against the virus. CDF has been conductive in bringing businesses and governments together as China plays an ever increasing role in the global community. I look forward to seeing you at CDF 2020.”

Swire has donated RMB10 million to support the purchase of medical supplies in areas where help is needed most. Other Swire companies are also teaming up to help – Swire’s Coca-Cola beverage business has donated over 900,000 bottles of water to hospitals and frontline medical workers, whilst Swire’s airlines Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon have supported the transport of much needed surgical masks and other daily necessities to cities across China.

The following is the full speech.

I am Merlin Swire, Chairman of Swire Group in Hong Kong. I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm Swire’s support for all of those impacted by the coronavirus in China.

Since the outbreak of this virus epidemic, we at Swire have been watching with great admiration, the calmness and self-sacrifice of the Chinese people in response to this most worrying crisis.

No doubt this epidemic is weighing heavily on people’s minds, and having a profound impact on day to day lives.

But the Chinese government and its people have adopted the most rigorous preventive and control measures to combat the virus, and I have full confidence that, under the able leadership of the Central Government, and with the support of tens of thousands of hard working and brave medical professionals and volunteers, China will overcome this challenge.

And I have no doubt that the people of China will continue to fight this virus with their characteristic bravery and determination!

My family has been doing business in China, under the Taikoo name, for over 150 years. We are deeply committed to China, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with you as you fight this battle.

We want to do our small part to help and – to that end – Swire has donated RMB10 million to support the purchase of medical supplies in areas where help is needed most.

Other Swire companies are also teaming up to help - our Coca-Cola beverage business has donated over 900,000 bottles of water to hospitals and frontline medical workers, whilst our airlines Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon have supported the transport of much needed surgical masks and other daily necessities to cities across China. We are keen to help in any way that we can!

Our businesses in China have now resumed operations in order to support the continued normal functioning of society. And my thoughts go out to our over 37,000 colleagues who are working in China. Their health and well-being are on the top of our minds. We will continue to provide a safe and hygienic work place and to support our colleagues and their families as best as we can.

Despite the short term challenges, I am sure that China will continue its long-term growth, and will remain the engine of the Swire Group’s growth. And I am equally certain that China will emerge from the current challenges stronger than ever.

China Jiayou! Wuhan Jiayou!