Singapore's trade bodies raise relief fund to support India's fight against COVID-19

Two leing tre organisations in Singapore have launched a new relief fund to support India’s battle against COVID-19 pandemic. initiative, jointly undertaken by Singaporean Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and Little India Shopkeepers Association (LISHA) was launched on April 26 with an aim to monetarily support India’s battle against pandemic.

Joint Statements by firms

" Covid-19 outbreak is having an unprecedented impact on people of India, leing to multiple crises across country. In light of se challenges, SICCI and Lisha are jointly raising monetary support to help India manage immense pressure on its health services," organisations said in a statement.

On April 26, SICCI chairman Dr T Chandroo me a clarion call on community for contribution. Speaking to press reporters he reported, he asserted that both organisations wanted to stand “side by side with India” as it was a “crisis of historic proportions” and “would require our immediate and urgent assistance’. Highlighting dire situation in India, he me a “clarion call” to Singapore community at large, to support initiative undertaken by SICCI and LISHA.

For this purpose, SICCI has opened an 'INDIA COVID RELIEF FUND' account with DBS Bank. All proceeds to account would directly go to Singapore Red Cross, which along with Indian and Singaporean organisations will make sure that help reaches most downtrodden and needy population of India. More information as to how funds will be used will be released at a later date.

At present, India is bly gripped by viral apocalypse. According to latest tally by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 1,76,36,307 have tested positive for infection till now, out of whom 1,97,894 have died. Recently, in a show of solidarity, CEOs of 40 top American companies came toger to create a global task force and mobilise resources to India as it scrambles for crucial medical supplies amid an unprecedented surge in Coronavirus cases. A collective initiative of US-India Business Council of US Chambers of Commerce, and US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum and Business Roundtable on Monday committed to supplying 20,000 oxygen concentrators to India in next few weeks, Deloitte CEO Puneet Renjen said.

(Image Credits: Associated Press)