Filipino-Chinese group inks agreement with Sinovac
MANILA – Former Special Trade Envoy to China Dr. Francis Chua said the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII) currently led by Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong entered into an agreement covering 500,000 doses of CoronaVac in simple ceremonies with a senior Sinovac representative early last night.
In an interview over COFFEE CHAT at meloacuna.com, Dr. Chua, honorary president of the FFCCCIII, chairman emeritus of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and founding chair of the International Chamber of Commerce – Philippines said the efforts to acquire more vaccines is for public good.
“We signed the agreement with Sinovac last night,” he said. He said despite the negative news reports about the Chinese-made vaccine, Ambassador Dr. Chua said they are open to negotiate and sign agreements with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, even those made in India.
He added Indonesian President Widodo and his vice president who is over 70 years old, the Hong Kong Administrator Ms. Carrie Law and President Erdogan of Turkey received Coronavac jabs “and they are as healthy as ever.”
“Sinovac was tested on medical frontline workers in Brazil who were attending to COVID-19 patients and nobody died of complications,” he added. He explained the efficacy is based on the testing universe and Sinovac had the courage to introduce the vaccine to medical workers in COVID-19 wards. There is 50% chance one will acquire COVID-19 but one receives the vaccine, you will be 100% protected and should one have COVID-19, the symptoms would remain mild.
“That’s the reason we signed the agreement for 500,000 doses which we will not sell because we are simply aggregating the vaccines. Businessmen who would request for the vaccine will shoulder the costs for their employees and their respective families,” he explained.
Dr. Chua said the agreement they signed is a way to help businessmen for their employees or workers. There will be another signing between FFCCCII and Sinovac and the Philippine Government represented by Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez.
“It will be an agreement between the Philippines and Chinese governments and Sinovac has already committed the vaccines up for delivery as soon as the Philippine government gives the required approval.
Dr. Chua said the vaccines will be distributed to different parts of the country.
“We have also signed an agreement with AstraZeneca because they were the first to approach us. We act as the conduit. Should vaccine manufacturers from India approach us, we will also sign agreements because we are never choosy and we are montivated by the desire to help everyone,” he concluded. (Melo M. Acuña)
Dr. Francis Chua, FFCCCII honorary president, PCCI chairman emeritus and founder of International Chamber of Commerce-Philippines. (Screen grab from COFFEE CHAT/Melo M. Acuna)