International SOS ramping up efforts in China

Facing surging demands during the epidemic, International SOS, the world-leading medical and travel security assistance provider, is upbeat about the Chinese market and plans to strengthen its global assistance network to better serve Chinese clients.

The company's operations in China now account for almost 10 percent of its global revenue, with over 100 Chinese corporate clients, including State-owned firms, government-related organizations and private enterprises.

The company has recently inked deals with State-owned companies such as Sinoma International Engineering Co Ltd.

John Williams, managing director for partnership and government affairs at International SOS China and Asia Pacific, said: "In recent years, there have been a growing number of Chinese companies going global, and the businesses of multinational corporations are rapidly expanding in China. The companies' risk management awareness has been rising, and they are offering more care to employees."

"Especially during the epidemic period, medical transfer is playing an increasingly important role in protecting the safety of overseas employees. Our medical transfer demands experienced ninefold growth compared to before the epidemic," he said.

The company said it is ramping up efforts to strengthen its global assistance network to offer better service to Chinese companies that have businesses overseas, especially in countries and regions related to the Belt and Road Initiative.

"We aim to help Chinese companies stabilize their labor forces and ensure their employees' safety and physical and mental health so enterprises can reach their sustainable development goals," Williams said.

Echo Li, head of Medical Advisors at International SOS Greater China, said, "Offering medical transfer services is especially difficult during the epidemic, considering both the operational and logistical requirements as well as the epidemic prevention and control measures."

So far in its China operations, International SOS had completed 86 cases of medical transfer related to Chinese companies internationally, among which 27 were related to confirmed COVID-19 cases. The transfers covered 46 countries and regions.

"International SOS entered the Chinese market during the early period of China's reform and opening-up. We have witnessed the country's achievements in reform and opening-up and have established strong partnerships with many Chinese companies. The cooperation will continue in the future," Williams said.