A letter to foreign-funded enterprises in Jiangsu province

Jiangsu is a key destination for foreign investment in China. On March 2, Secretary Lou Qinjian of the Communist Party of China Jiangsu Provincial Committee and Governor Wu Zhenglong of Jiangsu Provincial People's Government wrote a letter to foreign-funded enterprises in the province at this critical moment when positive progress has been made continuously in the prevention and control of COVID-19, economic and social development has been recovering at a faster pace, and enterprises' resumption of production has been facilitated expeditiously. On behalf of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee and Jiangsu Provincial People's Government, Lou and Wu expressed thanks to foreign-funded enterprises across the province for placing trust in and offering support to Jiangsu over the years as well as their understanding and assistance for the work of prevention and control during the special period of the epidemic. They stressed that foreign-funded enterprises are important for Jiangsu's economic and social development, and said they expected that Jiangsu will join hands with them to tide over difficulties by delivering targeted services.

According to the letter, the Chinese government has taken the most comprehensive, rigorous and thorough prevention and control measures since the outbreak of the epidemic. With concerted efforts, the situation across the whole nation has been improving, and Jiangsu has been making steady progress in epidemic prevention and control. During this period, the government has intensified efforts in providing reminders and services to over 40,000 foreigners in Jiangsu, and none of them has been infected so far. Facts have proven that China has the confidence, capacity and determination to secure an ultimate victory against the epidemic at the earliest possible date, and Jiangsu has an adequate material and technological foundation as well as medical resources to safeguard the health and safety of its people and provide a safe and reliable development environment for all investors, foreign investors included.

The letter said that, as the epidemic response shifts to a phase of coordinated efforts in prevention and control as well as social and economic development, normal economic and social order is recovering smoothly. Foreign-funded enterprises, an important force in our economic and social development, are for the most part resuming production. According to field investigations, many foreign-funded enterprises have noted that local governments took the initiative to buy them preventive supplies, resolve difficulties in matching with supporting industries and facilitate unimpeded flow of personnel and materials, which further boosted their investment confidence. These moves epitomize Jiangsu's thoughtful services and the great importance it attaches to foreign-funded enterprises, which is believed to be felt by foreign businesses across the province. The letter also said the government's services may not always be satisfactory, but it will take seriously the difficulties faced by foreign-funded enterprises and deliver targeted services to help them overcome any challenges.

The letter stated that, at a time when the situation of prevention and control was most serious and difficult, the government still cordially received and properly accommodated travelers from Wuhan and other places in Hubei province. COVID-19 has broken out in a number of countries, and our thoughts are with the people in affected places. Jiangsu always treats foreign-funded enterprises and Chinese ones as equals, and offers the same services to overseas and Chinese employees alike. When in Jiangsu, foreign workers and their families will receive the same national treatment and necessary health precautions as those for Chinese nationals. The government will provide warm and considerate services and hopes to have the understanding and support of foreign-funded enterprises and their foreign staff.

The letter noted that humanity is a community with a shared future, which is demonstrated not only by win-win economic cooperation and mutual learning between countries and communities but also by joint responses to the major challenges posed by the epidemic. During the fight against COVID-19, the government has gained some hard-won experience, which it is ready to share with the home headquarters of foreign-funded enterprises if that is needed. The government also stands ready to provide support and assistance within its capacity. After every storm, comes a rainbow. The government believes that all parties will embrace an even brighter future after this joint battle against the epidemic.