CHINA’S COVID 19 SUPPLIES FINALLY HERE
By: Asenati Taugasolo Semu
China’s medical assistance for Samoa finally arrived in the country last Friday on the Air New Zealand A321 flight, confirms Commercial Attaché with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Samoa, Ms. Zhang Muyue.
“The medical equipment include PCR based test kits, surgical masks, protective clothing, surgical gloves, protective goggles, shoe covers and infrared thermometer,” added Ms Muyue noting that businesses and non-government Organisations have also contributed to the assistance package for Samoa.
For instance, China’s private sector and stakeholders have donated rapid antibody test kits, ventilators and surgical masks.
And the delay in delivering the consignment is the result of border security measures in place across the globe.
“Due to the international flights suspension around the world, the supplies are currently detained in various transshipment cities,” said Ms Muyue.
“We have been working closely with the Government of Samoa on a shipment plan to ensure the supplies would be delivered to Samoa as soon as possible.”
Overall she says that since the global outbreak China has been forthcoming in providing assistance to the Pacific including Samoa.
“The Government of China is doing its best to share experience, provide material and technical support to assist Samoa in a better response of the COVID-19,” said Ms Muyue.
“On March 10th, China held a video conference to provide information on the containment of the COVID-19 with Samoa and other 9 Pacific Island Countries.
“Secondly, the Chinese government urgently launched a USD1.9 million China-Pacific Island Countries Anti- epidemic Cooperation fund under which US$200,000 has been provided to Samoa.
“And lastly the medical supplies is the latest assistance from Beijing and China will continue to monitor the COVID 19 developments on the local and international fronts.”
