Group entities were active in procurement during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Figures from China Customs show that some 2.46 billion pieces of epidemic prevention and control materials had been imported between 24 January and 29 February, including 2.02 billion masks and 25.38 million items of protective clothing valued at 8.2 billion yuan ($1 billion). Press obtained internal documents showing that the group, together with other Chinese companies and state-owned enterprises – such as
Country Garden and
Greenland Holdings – had an important role in scouring markets in countries around the world to procure essential medical supplies and equipment. The company said its operation was staff-led, and was "driven out of pure compassion for our people who have friends and family in the Wuhan region". == Subsidiaries==