The President of the Macedonian Chambers of Commerce MCC, Danela Arsovska, today informed that in cooperation with John W.H Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce ICC, a worldwide survey was launched together with the World Health Organization (WHO), on the challenges faced by the private sector from COVID 19.
“In a coordinated effort to respond to COVID-19, we are participating in a global project with the International Chamber of Commerce and the World Health Organization. The aim is to develop solutions for reducing the consequences of the global pandemic, to create a comprehensive defense system covering different aspect on how to society should deal with the health and economic crisis, as well as similar future challenges. We will actively advocate for Macedonian, as well as regional companies, to contribute to the realization of this project, in order to get a clear image of the situation in the private sector, and thus develop the necessary guidelines for dealing with the crisis.”, said Arsovska.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health and social emergency that requires urgent action by governments around the world to address not only health but also economic consequences. Future readiness, as well as the early, bold and effective action will reduce short-term risks and prevent job losses, and at the same it will neutralize the potential long-term consequences for business and the economy. This research is one of the steps in the unique cooperation of the International Chamber of Commerce and the WHO in providing information related to COVID-19 for the private sector and developing quality guidelines for the implementation of economic measures around the world.
In a joint statement, the organizations called for the adoption of an inclusive approach for the whole society, for an immediate response in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that this project will enable them to see the current course of business activities.
“ This survey will allow us to understand how businesses are responding. It will help us map best practices and understand better where we and national health authorities should focus our attention. The information generated by the survey will help us mount an effective response, saving lives and minimising economic damage”, said Adhanom Ghebreyesus
John Denton, Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce, with national offices in more than 100 countries and as an institutional representative of more than 45 million companies globally, called for more massive data delivery to find better solutions now and in the future.
” By providing much-needed feedback, the private sector can minimise the spread of COVID-19 and address the pandemic’s underlying repercussions for our global economy. ICC and WHO are calling on business leaders – as trusted voices in their local communities – to share more information about the pandemic’s influence on their daily operations, supply chains and employees. “, said Denton.
The final results will be announced in the following months, in order to find solutions for recovery mechanisms, as well as creation of a defense mechanism for future timely treatment of similar health crises.