Nantong entrepreneurs discuss business development amid epidemic

The spring salon of the Association of Nantong Merchants Abroad was held in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province on March 28.

Nearly 20 Nantong entrepreneurs from around the world attended the event to discuss how to aid in the global fight against the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) and ensure the stable development of businesses amid the pandemic.

The textiles industry is a major driving force behind Nantong's economy and has been significantly affected by the outbreak. To tackle this problem, several attendees proposed the establishment of a face mask plant.

"We have professionals in fabrics, clothing and logistics. We can form a complete industrial chain and sell the Nantong-branded supplies, such as protective suits and masks, to other countries," said Sun Maojun, executive vice-chairman of the association of Nantong fellow provincials in Vietnam.

Jing Aimei, chairwoman of the Nantong chamber of commerce in Cambodia, is running several clothing factories in Burma and Cambodia. At least 30 percent of orders have been canceled in March due to the global pandemic. She echoed Sun, stating that cooperating to produce masks can surely relieve the pressure on textiles companies.

Zhang Chong, an entrepreneur from Haimen, has already made plans for mask production. He had transformed the existing manufacturing plant and purchased relevant equipment with the help of other members of the association. The production qualification is on the way.

"The new production line is expected to start operating next month," Zhang said excitedly.

According to incomplete statistics, 43 overseas branches of the Association of Nantong Merchants Abroad have donated a total of 12.45 million yuan since the beginning of the outbreak to help the city and the country fight the virus.

To thank them for their timely support, the association and the Nantong foreign affairs office sent 300 anti-virus packs to overseas Nantong merchants. In the packs are medicine and health products, such as chloroquine phosphate and ganoderma capsules, which will help boost the immune system and prevent infection.