On July 22, BRICS Business Council held a video conference for the release of the BRICS Business Council Joint Statement on COVID-19 Pandemic. Chaired by Chairman Sergey Katyrin of the Russia Chapter which is now the rotating presidency of the Business Council, the conference saw the participation of the chairpersons and members of all the five National Chapters. As the Chairman of the China Chapter, Capt. Xu Lirong, Chairman of COSCO SHIPPING, attended the and made remarks.

The Joint Statement calls on the five BRICS countries to take concrete steps through inter-governmental and inter-business cooperation to provide rational solutions in such areas as ensuring the smooth flow of global trade, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, sharing medical experience, and increasing sustainable financing. The goal is to mitigate the negative impact of the epidemic on the society and economy of various countries.

In his remarks, Capt. Xu Lirong said that the Joint Statement represents the great unity and firm determination of the five Chapters to fight COVID-19 hand in hand. It will have a positive influence on the business communities of the five countries in working together to overcome the pandemic, facilitate the resumption of work, and promote the world economic recovery. The trend of strengthened cooperation among the BRICS countries will not be halted by the pandemic, but will be further deepened. Upholding the concept of “a community of shared future for mankind”, the five National Chapters should strengthen the continuity of supply chains for the BRICS industrial chains to further promote trade facilitation.

Chairman of COFCO Mr. Lv Jun, President of China General Technology Mr. Lu Yimin, Chairman of ICBC Mr. Chen Siqing, and Mr. Dai Houliang, Chairman of CNPC attended the video conference as council members of the China Chapter.