China "No Export Restrictions on Medical Supplies... Strict Quality Control in Progress"

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] The Ministry of Commerce of China stated that it is not restricting the export of COVID-19 medical supplies and is strictly managing quality control.

According to Xinhua News Agency on the 6th, the Ministry of Commerce said in a briefing held the previous day, "While meeting the domestic demand for COVID-19 prevention and control, many factories are working overtime to supply a large amount of medical supplies worldwide," and added, "The Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs, and the State Administration for Market Regulation are closely cooperating to gradually expand the export of medical supplies."

Jang Pan, head of the Foreign Trade Department at the Ministry of Commerce, said, "China is not restricting the export of medical supplies and will not do so," and added, "We will not forget that many countries extended a helping hand to China during the early outbreak of COVID-19."

As of April 4, the Ministry of Commerce announced that 54 countries and regions and 3 international organizations have signed purchase contracts with Chinese companies for medical supplies, and separately, 74 countries and 10 international organizations are currently in discussions regarding purchase contracts.

It also revealed that from March 1 to April 1, COVID-19 related prevention and medical supplies exported nationwide in China amounted to 10.2 billion yuan. Among these, masks totaled 3.86 billion pieces worth 7.72 billion yuan, protective suits totaled 37.52 million pieces worth 910 million yuan, thermometers totaled 2.41 million units worth 330 million yuan, and ventilators totaled 16,000 units worth 310 million yuan.

Amid growing international criticism over defective Chinese medical supplies recently, the Ministry of Commerce stated that quality control and supervision of exported medical supplies are also being strengthened. Jin Hai, head of the Comprehensive Department at the General Administration of Customs of China, explained, "Companies must strictly manage product quality and prepare and submit relevant quality certificates before applying for export," adding, "Some media have criticized the quality of Chinese medical supplies, but quality standards differ between China and other countries, and usage methods also vary. Improper use can raise doubts about quality."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.