Foreign firms in China stand with the nation in combating COVID-19

Executives of multinational companies have been voicing their appreciation of what China has done to combat the COVID-19 virus and vowed to stand with the country as it overcomes the challenges caused by the outbreak.

The novel coronavirus, which first broke out in central China's Hubei Province, has claimed over 3,000 lives around the world. And the risk of further spreading is now "very high" at the global level, the WHO has said.

The impact is not only on human lives, but also many industries. However, after a series of thorough containment measures, China's efforts to bring people's daily lives and businesses back to normal have renewed the confidence of foreign business operators in the country.

Some of them spoke to CGTN.

Toshiyasu Liyama, head of China Committee of Nomura Holdings and executive vice president of Nomura Securities:

"I am grateful that the Chinese government and people are also very concerned and helping us, even in your very difficult situation. This highlights the strong connection between Japan and China... I sincerely wish China an early victory over the epidemic. I am looking forward to the day I visit Wuhan City again and celebrate the victory as early as possible."

Mark Mallon, CEO of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals:

"I'm quite sure that China is up to this task and will soon have a solution in place... I'm wishing the best for everyone and certainly look forward to seeing you in future business to China."

Arnaud Vaissié, co-founder and CEO of International SOS:

"Let me take this opportunity to pay my most sincere tribute to all medical professionals who are the forefront fighting the disease. We feel so strongly connected. We want to assure you that this is not a war that you're fighting alone. We stand together in unity."

Wei Moline, president of 3M Greater China Area:

"We are very proud of the work we do. And we will continue our effort to provide product solutions in the middle of this crisis. We're going to overcome this challenge and we're going to come out stronger."

Enno Tang, president and CEO of Continental China:

"Although the outbreak has been impacting the Chinese economy and in particular the automotive industry, in which Continental is engaged, we truly believe the short-term dip cannot change our full confidence in the sustainable growth of the Chinese economy and automotive market."

Li Lei, SABIC vice president and regional head for North Asia:

"I would like to reaffirm SABIC solidarity support for all of those affected by the coronavirus outbreak. We see encouraging signs, as confirmed by the World Health Organization, that China has peaked and seen the plateau... We have every reason to believe that with the strength and determination from China, the world will see how resilient this country can be and how strong its people are."

Frank Mars, incoming chairman of the board of Mars:

"We stand in support of China. And we are not alone. It is heartening to see governments, NGOs, the World Health Organization, and other multinational businesses and individuals around the world reaching out to offer help... I trust the difficult times will be over, and we will once again turn our attention to growth and prosperity for China, its people and businesses like Mars that consider China home. We are together with you."

Thierry Aubry, CEO of Renault Brilliance Jinbei Automotive Company:

"I would like to deeply and certainly thank everyone who has been fighting against the virus, especially all the medical workers, doctors and nurses. You have done a very great, fantastic job."

Thomas Keller, Vestas China president:

"In Denmark, we have a saying: 'Adversity makes you stronger.' I truly feel a united China being ready for the fight against this horrible and unfair disease... Please accept my humble thanks and warm wishes for a speedy recovery and the encouragement to all the fighting people of Wuhan and China. The fighting is not over, but I'm sure that if we stay united, we will overcome this big challenge."

David Abney, chief executive of United Parcel Service:

"I've been impressed not only with what China has done for the economy but also with their reaction to the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, making sure that they try to contain it while protecting medical workers at the same time... I believe this is just another example of how China is going to step up to the challenge. And I think they will come back stronger. So, I'm really excited to see and we are prepared to add additional aircraft and additional resources when we do see that recovery, because we think it'll be a strong recovery."

Wong Hong, president of Greater China and Singapore at Delta Air Lines:

"I am glad to know that there are encouraging signs that the number of new confirmed cases has fallen in recent days with persistent efforts and the resilience of the Chinese people…We look forward to the day when we can once again connect travelers around the world."

Wern-Yuen Tan, president and CEO of Walmart China:

"Stay strong, Wuhan. Keep fighting, China. Wuhan 'Jia You (which is how 'fighting' is pronounced in Chinese)'. China 'Jia You.'"

(Cover image: Feng Yuan/CGTN)