AICM Published Declaration on Fighting against COVID-19 Epidemic

On Mar 27th , AICM Board published Declaration on Fighting against COVID-19 Epidemic in China Chemical Industry News. In the declaration, it emphasized: “Chemical companies, all AICM members included, have been fighting on the frontline against the virus. We are glad that the public realizes the vital role chemicals have played during our fighting against Coronavirus. We sincerely hope that The development of China's chemical industry can obtain a more positive atmosphere of public opinion, that chemicals are indispensable and that we shape the future.” The content is stated below:

  AICM’s Declaration on Fighting against COVID-19 Epidemic

Association of International Chemical Manufacturers (AICM) was founded in 1988 and represents nearly 70 major multinational companies in the chemical industry of China, these companies’businesses cover manufacture, transportation, distribution and disposal of chemicals.

To contribute to the development of a harmonious society and the sustainable growth of China’s chemical industry, as the representation of the leading international chemical players in China, AICM commits to:

Promote Responsible Care® and other globally recognized chemical management principles among all stakeholders;

Advocate cost-effective, science and risk-based policies to policy makers ;

Build up the contributive role of the chemical industry to the economy.

After the breakout of the COVID-19 epidemic, under the leadership of the central government, all areas of China have steadily advanced the prevention and control of the epidemic, achieving preliminary success. With the focus on "epidemic prevention and control and economic recovery", various cities have introduced a number of measures to encourage enterprises to return to work and continue the production in an orderly manner. In order to reduce the financial pressure on companies, a series of preferential policies and relief policies have been introduced. As a multinational chemical enterprise, some of our factories actually enjoy the preferential policies of reduction of electricity price, gas price reduction and three items in social security. In terms of goods import inspection and quarantine, the government has implemented some measures such as "no contact" online declaration and approval which provided convenience and reduced risk.

AICM highly appreciates the efficient and scientific governance of the Government to fight against the epidemic. We are working with the people of all regions in China to firmly support government departments to win this crucial battle!

In facing of the COVID-19, AICM members are taking on challenges and have rendered all kinds of support to the epidemic areas in financial or material goods donations. According to the incomplete statistics, members have made contributions including cash and dozen tons of medical protective devices, PPEs, detergents, disinfection products etc., and the total amount as of today has reached over RMB 100 million.

In recent days, each member company of AICM has successfully implemented various tasks and overcome various difficulties for resuming operations and production in strict accordance with the governmental requirements and guidelines, and fully ensures the supply of raw materials, and related chemicals, for downstream customers that play a key role in epidemic prevention and control, including masks, protective clothing and epidemic prevention materials. While ensuring the prevention and control of the epidemic, AICM members are committed to minimizing the impact of the epidemic on our customers and business partners. During this period, for the purpose of ensuring the safe and orderly resumption of operation, all departments of China government implemented supporting polices based on the difficulties companies are facing, and provided strong support and assistance to enterprises. AICM hereby would like to express its deep respect and sincere thanks!

AICM strongly believes that although the COVID-19 epidemic dealt a relatively big blow to China's economic development, the fundamentals of China's long-term sound economic growth remain unchanged. We notice that the Government is taking proactive actions to accelerate domestic consumption recovery and unleash consumption potential. We wish the Government, under the premise of well control and prevent epidemic, to unbundling the over-controlled practice and regulation and revitalize the economy from both supply and demand. On supply side, implementing preferential policies beneficial to the enterprises covering various industries and types and accelerating the pace of operation resumption; On demand side, taking more active measures to activate consumption.

We are confident about China's future development and its market. No matter what difficulties and challenges we encounter, AICM will continue to stand firmly with the government of China to overcome the epidemic and work together to promote the sustainable development of the chemical industry!

Jeff Zhu Chairman of the Board

AICM

March, 2020