Guangzhou medical supply companies resume production

Companies involved in manufacturing supplies for preventing and controlling the novel coronavirus in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, have all resumed production according to the local authority for small and medium-sized companies.

A total of 294 companies in the southern Chinese city have realized a combined daily production capacity of 6 million masks, over 20,000 pieces of protective clothing and more than 10,000 infrared thermometers.

"We have issued a series of preferential policies to support companies to resume production as soon as possible, encouraging them to purchase new equipment, expand production lines and capacity," said Ye Huadong, director of the Guangzhou Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Bureau.

According to Ye, authorities in Guangzhou have given 7.4 million yuan ($1.06 million) in financial support for companies involved in production of medical supplies for preventing and controlling the disease.

"Also, we will issue a series of financial policies to support other SMEs to resume production," Ye said.

According to Ye, China Construction Bank and the Bank of Guangzhou have agreed to issue special credit funds worth 50 billion ($7.2 billion) and 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) respectively, to support about 2,000 SMEs in resuming production.