Against the context of COVID-19 pandemic, Huajian Group, a Dongguan-based company, has donated supplies and medical equipment to African countries including Mali, Ethiopia, Senegal, Sudan, Zambia, and Côte d'Ivoire to help them fight the virus.

The donation ceremony was held in Dongguan on April 20th. A total of 1.2 million protective masks were donated and will be received by the Consulates General of 11 African countries in Guangzhou.

As a representative of Dongguan enterprises, Huajian Group responded to the call for the joining the “Belt and Road Initiave” as early as in 2011. Now, facing COVID-19--a common crisis of all mankind, Huajian Group has already made many donations, including protective clothing and KN95 masks, which reflect the group’s social responsibility.

At the donation ceremony, Dongguan Mayor Xiao Yafei noted, “The Dongguan Municipal Government believes it vital to protect the health and safety of African people in Dongguan, treat all foreigners equally, and provide various health management services based on non-differentiated principles.”

The city will also establish an effective communication mechanism with Consulates General in Guangzhou, so as to respond to concerns and provide timely assistance to foreigners.

“Dongguan and Africa have maintained long-standing friendship and cooperation in economy, trade and people-to-people exchange,” Xiao said before adding, “Dongguan is willing to join hands with our African friends to win this global fight against COVID-19 with mutual understanding and support.”

Alima Danfakha Gakou, Head of the Consular Delegation of 11 African Countries in Guangzhou and Consul-General of Mali in Guangzhou, expressed her sincere gratitude to Dongguan enterprises for their help. When Africa is faced with tackling the pandemic, Huajian Group’s timely assistance has brought precious aid to African countries, demonstrating the deep friendship between Dongguan and Africa.

"This time, Dongguan enterprise donated more than 1 million masks to 11 African countries, for which we are very grateful. We also call on more Dongguan enterprises to support Africa in combating the epidemic, " Alima Danfakha Gakou added.

Zhang Huarong, Chairman of Huajian Group, said that African countries have deep feelings for Guangdong, and Guangdong entrepreneurs should reach out to them.

"What we donated is not only medical supplies, but also love, kindness and sincerity. In the future, Huajian Group will increase its support and help to contain the epidemic in Africa, and I hope more companies will join this fight, so as to lay a good foundation for future development in Africa," Zhang said.

Video: Sun Junjie, Mo Liting, Steven Yuan

Reporters: Sun Junjie, Mo Liting, Hannah Zhou

Editors: Wing Zhang, Nan Hu, Simon Haywood

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