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Coronavirus: The AFD Group Takes Action
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In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, the AFD Group has adapted its operational activities and human resources. The group is working on a response aimed at limiting any health-related or economic damage in the countries where it operates.
Covid-19 is a public health emergency with worldwide impact. On March 12 and March 16, the French President addressed the nation, asking citizens and businesses to limit their travel as much as possible.
These are difficult circumstances for all, and AFD Group has adapted its human resource and operational systems accordingly. As of Monday, March 16, remote working is mandatory for all staff whose physical presence is not essential at its headquarters in Paris and in the French overseas departments. And from Friday, March 13, all AFD-related travel across international borders has been canceled.
In view of these working conditions in France and across the network of AFD offices abroad, we recommend that all our partners, clients, and service providers use electronic means of communication so that our teams can provide you with a response as quickly as possible.
The Group’s staff are in contact with French embassies in the 85 countries where we have offices, as well as with the local authorities. We remain committed to the design and implementation of solutions with our clients and partners, which will enable them to overcome this crisis and continue to pursue their development trajectory.
In collaboration with France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, AFD Group is studying the immediate support that could be provided to the health systems of the most fragile states and, beyond that, the counter-cyclical responses that will be needed to minimize the resulting economic shock. Support for French civil society organizations and their partners is also being considered.
Reflecting France’s commitment to international solidarity and cooperation, AFD Group remains mobilized in line with France’s determination to promote development assistance and the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals.