New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Thanks Asia Society

For role in navigating China relationship and sourcing vital lifesaving goods for New Yorkers to combat Coronavirus

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference at the Jacob Javits Convention Center during the Coronavirus pandemic on March 30, 2020 in New York City. (Noam Galai/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, April 4, 2020 — For the second time in a week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo praised Asia Society for helping New York State acquire much needed medical supplies from China.

At his daily press briefing on Saturday, Cuomo noted that his early efforts to source COVID-19 medical equipment in China met with roadblocks. He said, “We went to the Asia Society to help us navigate China,” an outreach effort that led to Asia Society playing a significant role in navigating the relationship with China to help source lifesaving PPE’s and ventilators.

“We are honored to help and stand ready with the full force of our institution to assist our hometown of New York with any needs and will continue this commitment with the full force of our institution,” said Asia Society President and CEO Josette Sheeran.

Cuomo also thanked leaders of the Alibaba company, Joseph Tsai and Jack Ma, for their help in procuring supplies, including the donation of 1000 ventilators, which will arrive in New York City today.

“This is a big deal,” Governor Cuomo said. “And it’s going to make a significant difference for us.”

"Asia Society connected with Governor Cuomo over a month ago to help ensure a flow of life-saving goods to New York,” said Sheeran. “On March 15, he joined our global board meeting to appeal for additional help. We immediately activated a full-time task force working across all of Asia Society’s global network. We are honored to activate our network to play a critical role during this crisis and to support Governor Cuomo so closely in his tireless efforts to fight the coronavirus.”

Asia Society has helped form important ties between the Governor’s office and key counterparts in China, and source many millions of masks and other critical PPEs, including several thousand BiPAP ventilators, and more are ready to be activated. The shortage of ventilators has been a critical issue and daily subject of Governor Cuomo’s briefings.

Governor Cuomo in his briefing at the Javits Center on March 30 thanked Asia Society Trustee Michael Evans and Asia Society Chief of Staff Elizabeth Jennings for their critical assistance. 

Sheeran said that “all of Asia Society” stood ready to further support any further bridge-building efforts between the U.S. and China that will help save lives during this crisis.

Asia Society is the leading nonpartisan, nonprofit global organization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and the United States in a global context.

Find out more about Asia Society's latest content, programs, and thought leadership related to COVID-19 here.