Taiwan-funded companies resume production in Fujian

At least 354 Taiwan-funded companies in East China's Fujian province had resumed production as of Thursday after relevant departments and organizations introduced a series of policies and measures to help, support and serve Taiwan enterprises.

According to a statement released by the Fujian Provincial Office of Taiwan Affairs over the weekend, the Fujian branch of the Export-Import Bank of China has set up a 2-billion-yuan ($290 million) special fund to help companies funded by Taiwan investment combat novel coronavirus pneumonia.

Taiwan companies can apply for loans to resume production at interest rates lower than 3.33 percent, with loan terms of up to 12 months, it said.

The bank and relevant government departments have also opened green channels and simplified procedures for Taiwan companies to apply for loans, the statement said.

Meanwhile the province's Taiwan affairs office and relevant departments have introduced effective and concrete measures to help support Taiwan companies' fight against the epidemic and restore production.

These measures include lowering loan interest rates, reducing rents and ensuring enough anti-epidemic supplies, including surgical masks and protective suits, to Taiwan companies.

Taiwan companies in Fujian province have donated 11.42 million yuan, 167,010 masks, 3,100 sets of protective suits, 164,000 pairs of gloves, 1,450 bottles of disinfectants, 50 bottles of alcohol disinfectants, 290 pairs of goggles, six vehicles and more than 50 cases of liquid soap between Jan. 27 and Thursday to help Fujian prevent and control the contagion's outbreak.