The SARS outbreak in China has focused the attention of the Chinese Government squarely on this issue. As a result, we are starting to see inquiries come from Chinese Government agencies and private companies asking for our support in their fight against this disease. We have formed a CS China SARS Taskforce in Beijing to coordinate the effort to get the needed equipment and supplies into the hands of Chinese distributors. Commercial Counselor Denny Barnes will chair this taskforce. We feel there are several areas in which U.S. companies can both assist in the control of SARS, while at the same time establishing long-term relationships for marketing their products in China.
There are several areas of critical need. Most urgent is the need for remote temperature sensing equipment. This equipment will be installed at airports, train stations, hospitals, and other areas where it is important to determine if an individual has a fever and is potentially SARS infected before they are allowed to enter. Much of the existing equipment on the market was not specifically designed for remote sensing of human body temperature, but any equipment that could be modified for this purpose is urgently needed.
Other potential opportunities for U.S. companies include hospital equipment, antiviral cleaning supplies, medical waste treatment equipment and hygiene products. For more details on these opportunities, see the following report:
Medical Equipment and Supplies to Fight SARS in China
Companies that wish to take advantage of any of these opportunities but are not able to travel to China at this time may be interested in learning more how other U.S. companies are taking advantage of Video Services offered by CS China.
Inquiries may be directed to Export.China@mail.doc.gov .