Impact of the coronavirus on the Hamburg Liaison Office Shanghai
03 Mar 2020 13:44 Economy
The Hamburg Liaison Office Shanghai (HLO) represents the city and the Port of Hamburg in our Chinese partner city. As co-sponsor of the HLO, Port of Hamburg Marketing (HHM) oversees the markets in North and Central China. We asked our colleagues if they remained in good health since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, how it affects their work and also what considerations need to be taken into account regarding foreign trade with China.
Most importantly: Our staff in Shanghai are all in good health. Most of them are from Shanghai and are in voluntary quarantine at home. They may change their location and leave their houses by choice at any time. Since the end of the Chinese New Year on February 10th, our colleagues have returned to their normal activities. Due to local restrictions, however, the office building remains closed and our colleagues work from home. Everything runs smoothly thanks to digital networking in WeChat groups, phone and video conferences, which are also used for exchanges with authorities and companies as well as HHM members.
Hamburg – as Germany’s most important hub for trade with China – is also expected to suffer consequences regarding foreign trade. Because of the quarantine policies, delays in operating procedures as well as supply shortages are possible. Our representation in Shanghai recommends keeping close contact with suppliers, lawyers and insurance companies. All employees of Port of Hamburg Marketing and the HLO would like to see the increase in COVID-19 virus infections in China and worldwide contained quickly. Our sympathy goes out to all people affected.
Most importantly: Our staff in Shanghai are all in good health. Most of them are from Shanghai and are in voluntary quarantine at home. They may change their location and leave their houses by choice at any time. Since the end of the Chinese New Year on February 10th, our colleagues have returned to their normal activities. Due to local restrictions, however, the office building remains closed and our colleagues work from home. Everything runs smoothly thanks to digital networking in WeChat groups, phone and video conferences, which are also used for exchanges with authorities and companies as well as HHM members.
Hamburg – as Germany’s most important hub for trade with China – is also expected to suffer consequences regarding foreign trade. Because of the quarantine policies, delays in operating procedures as well as supply shortages are possible. Our representation in Shanghai recommends keeping close contact with suppliers, lawyers and insurance companies. All employees of Port of Hamburg Marketing and the HLO would like to see the increase in COVID-19 virus infections in China and worldwide contained quickly. Our sympathy goes out to all people affected.
Impact of the coronavirus on the Hamburg Liaison Office Shanghai