In this file photo, taken on March 9, 2020, a worker checks a production line for masks at a facility in Yongin, just south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, May 8 (Korea Bizwire) — On the premise of stable domestic supply and demand, the government said Thursday that it has decided to export locally made masks overseas for humanitarian purposes.
Through expanded support, the government expects to contribute to overcoming the crisis of the coronavirus pandemic, which has spread around the world, and to promote the excellence of Korea’s masks and the so-called ‘K-Quarantine’ Model abroad.
“In addition to the supply of masks to overseas residents, the government plans to exceptionally allow overseas supply if the demand officially requested by foreign governments in the future is for humanitarian purposes,” Food and Drug Safety Minister Lee Eui-kyung said in a briefing at the government complex in the administrative city of Sejong Thursday.
“However, exports of masks will still be banned in principle under the current emergency supply and demand adjustment measures,” Lee added.
Currently, more than 70 countries have officially asked the South Korean government to provide masks.
To this end, the government has set standards for selecting countries that urgently need masks due to COVID-19, those with inferior medical and quarantine conditions, and countries that could provide support to Korea in the name of diplomatic and security needs as targets for its humanitarian programs.
Food and Drug Safety Minister Lee Eui-kyung announces a plan to expand the humanitarian aid of masks to foreign countries at the government complex in Sejong, central South Korea, on May 7, 2020. (Yonhap)
When the South Korean government decides to provide masks to foreign governments, it will purchase them from the public mask inventory currently held by the Public Procurement Service in consideration of the urgency of responding to COVID-19.
Afterwards, the government plans to supply masks overseas as soon as necessary consultations between the other countries and itself, including the conditions for supplying them and transportation methods, are completed.
If Korean companies export masks to foreign governments for humanitarian purposes, they will have to receive the government’s prior approval such that they do not interfere with domestic supply and demand.
Then, the government decided to cover the amount of public use, 80 percent of production, so that it can be supplied overseas according to contract schedules.
In the process, it will review the feasibility of overseas supply of masks and designate local producers for each country making a request.
The government will also support the signing of contracts between companies and foreign governments through various trade and diplomatic channels.
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
