China CGTN Report G20 commerce ministers reach joint statement to fight against COVID-19

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-04-03/G20-commerce-ministers-reach-joint-statement-to-fight-against-COVID-19-PnU26CWUNO/index.html

Commerce ministers of the Group of 20 major economies have issued a joint statement on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The G20 has agreed to ensure consistent cross-border flow of necessary supplies, such as medical equipment and agricultural products. It will also ensure that such items and services reach affected areas at affordable prices, especially in developing and under-developed countries. The members will also explore proper ways to keep the logistic network open, and provide convenience to medical and business personnel.

The joint statement calls for maintaining an open market, and a fair and stable environment for trade. It vows to put efforts into eliminating trade barriers and disruptions to the global supply chain. The G20 also urges international organizations to conduct in-depth analysis on COVID-19's impact on global trade, investments and industrial chain.

A senior official with Chinese Commerce Ministry, Yang Zhengwei, talked about China's involvement in the special conference.

During the special conference, the Chinese Commerce Minister, Zhong Shan, talked about China's experience in the fight against COVID-19. Zhong called on members to strengthen international cooperation in order to provide help to fight against the pandemic. He also said that China will take action to maintain the stability of the global industrial chain, and actively facilitate efforts in fighting against the virus."

Yang pointed out that the outbreak has caused severe negative impact on global trade and investment. COVID-19 itself and the decline of trade and investment has become a global challenge.

He further explained the significance of these consensuses, "the consensus reached by the G20 members will help the international community strengthen cooperation and coordination, take open economic and trade policies together, eliminate the outbreak's crash on global supply chain, ensure the normal flow of international trade and investment, and lay a solid foundation for strong post-crisis economic recovery and balanced, inclusive and consistent economic growth."