Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Epidemic Update

amfori continues to monitor the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in China and in countries where there has been significant number of infections. In this update, we provide you with information on the impact to supply chains, amfori capacity building activities and what we are doing to help those affected on the ground. The following update reports on:

1. Status of Business Operations in China
2. Further Cancellations to amfori Workshops in China
3. amfori Joins Forces to Fight Novel Coronavirus
4. Upcoming Information Webinar for Members – submit your questions now

Status of Business Operations in China

The Chinese government has underlined that its main priority is to rebuild the country’s export capacity. Further to this, the secondary priority is meeting domestic demand in the Chinese internal market. According to official Government sources (State Council), “over 50% of large companies in key export provinces and municipalities — such as Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces and Shanghai — have restarted production”.

Furthermore, government sources report that larger organisations are better equipped than SMEs in reopening. Similarly, those working with raw materials and upstream players as well as capital- and technology-intensive companies have reported a smoother return to business.

However, notable challenges still are focused around the following areas in China:

• Lack of complete transport network - Logistical obstacles persist with road, air and rail services not being currently fully operational in China. Severe restrictions remain in place, most notably in Hubei province and surrounding regions.  
• Lack of workforce – many Chinese people have not yet returned to their place of work, following the lunar new year holiday in early February. Where possible, homeworking arrangements have been put in place.
• Lack of raw materials - China is one of the main suppliers of raw materials for South East Asia. As it stands, raw material shortages are starting to be reported in neighbouring countries such as Myanmar.

Further Cancellations to amfori Workshops in China

To ensure the health and safety of all those attending amfori Capacity Building activities in coming weeks, in addition to the sessions cancelled in February, the following training courses in March have been postponed to a later date.

During this time, we encourage members and producers to enroll in the various e-learning opportunities available on the amfori Academy. 

amfori Joins Forces to Fight Novel Coronavirus

amfori is exploring potential partnerships with UN agencies and supporting two of its partners, BRICA – Belt & Road Industrial and Commercial Alliance, and the Chinese Federation of Industrial Economics, in an global effort to fight Coronavirus. In this initiative, we will work with members to find suppliers who could provide Chinese buyers with large orders of medical supplies such as surgical masks, etc.

In order to support our local partners in meeting the demands and needs for personal protective equipment for their citizens, amfori President, Christian Ewert, invited those members who work regularly with medical suppliers to share these contacts in order to assist amid the significant shortage.

Moreover, amfori has decided to partner with the Finance Center for South-South Cooperation (FCSSC) to support the call for actions to donate medical supplies. The FCSSC is supported by United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). Members willing to donate can follow these instructions.

We are also collecting some best practices from members regarding how you are joining forces with supply chain partners fighting COVID-19. Please do not hesitate to share your experience with us. 

Upcoming Information Webinar for members

amfori will organise a webinar mid-March to update members on the situation. You will receive and invitation nearer the time. In the meanwhile, you can already submit your questions ahead of the session here. And don’t forget to check our updated FAQs and previous recommendations.

FAQ - English 

FAQ - Mandarin Chinese