East China's Fujian province introduces an array of measures to stabilize foreign trade and boost foreign investment during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. [Photo/Xinhua]

As of Feb 26, all 100 of Fujian's largest foreign trade enterprises had resumed production, according to Zhong Muda, deputy chief of the Fujian Department of Commerce, at a news conference held in Fuzhou on Feb 27.

Zhong noted that Fuzhou, Xiamen and Quanzhou have stepped up efforts to stabilize foreign trade while continuing to strengthen epidemic prevention. In Quanzhou, 4,242 foreign trade firms had resumed work as of Feb 24, accounting for 97.6 percent of the city's total number.

Zhong said that the novel coronavirus outbreak has impacted Fujian's foreign trade, and the government will do its utmost to facilitate foreign trade and investment and support economic development.

Supportive measures have been rolled out to encourage qualified commercial and trade companies to resume normal operations as soon as possible. The Fujian government also implemented supportive policies related to urban distribution, epidemic prevention, recruitment, and employee training to help gradually resume operations, according to Zhong.

Matchmaking meetings for governments, enterprises and banks were also held to provide financial support to local firms, especially for small and medium-sized companies. A total of 20 banks and more than 40 companies have registered to take part.

Meanwhile, the provincial commerce department will prioritize the stability of industrial chains and supply chains related to international trade, including production, logistics, ports, shipping and international markets.

Zhong stressed that efforts will be made to strengthen trade financing, export credit insurance, facilitate trade, and develop diversified markets, with the aim of delivering more tangible benefits and confidence to the province's foreign trade enterprises.

Additionally, the provincial commerce department will strengthen the connection between industries and trade to enhance the competitiveness of Fujian's foreign trade market.

Zhong said that new business forms and platforms in foreign trade such as cross-border e-commerce will be promoted, and imports and exports will be further expanded.

The government will offer support to enterprises in resuming operations as soon as possible and ramp up efforts to increase the international market share of Fujian companies.