An Algerian airport employee poses for a photo while unloading medical supplies from China State Construction Engineering Corp at Houari Boumediene International Airport in Algiers, capital of Algeria, on March 27, 2020. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

BEIJING — As the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pushed up demand for medical supplies such as masks and protective gear, China's centrally-administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have come to the rescue.

By April 25, the daily production of surgical masks by central SOEs reached 7.41 million

To fill a shortfall in face masks, oil giant China National Petroleum Corporation has revamped some production lines to manufacture meltblown non-woven fabric, a key material to face masks.

ALSO READ: Central SOEs helping Africa fight pandemic

Central SOEs such as China National Offshore Oil Corporation and COFCO have also possessed production capacity of masks. By April 25, the daily production of surgical masks by central SOEs reached 7.41 million.

Xinxing Cathay International Group has turned its edge in manufacturing into making medical protective suits. The company had produced 3.36 million protective gear as of March 24, with the highest daily output reaching 150,000.

READ MORE: Central SOEs team up to sustain smooth trade flows

The central SOEs also partnered together in research and production, trying to play their own advantage to meet the surging demand for medical supplies.