On Feb 17, Zhanjiang issued the Policies to Support the Stable Development of Enterprises in Zhanjiang in Response to the Epidemic of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia to help enterprises and the public resume work.

Focusing on the four aspects of stabilizing the employment of enterprises, reducing the burden on enterprises, increasing financial support, and optimizing government services, 10 new measures that are more targeted, more supportive, and more practical have been put forward.

The document is of great significance to promote the effective response of the city's enterprises to the epidemic situation and to achieve steady economic development throughout the year.

All enterprises that have been transformed to produce emergency materials, such as medical protective clothing, medical masks, and medical alcohol, to the government for epidemic prevention and control purposes will be given an ex ante reward according to no more than 70 percent of the invoice amount, with a maximum reward amount of up to 5 million yuan ($713,093.83) available for a single enterprise.

For small, medium, and micro enterprises affected by the epidemic and having difficulties in production and operation, insurance premiums and housing provident funds for employees can be repaid within three months after the epidemic is resolved.

Tax incentives will also be carried out. Value-added tax (VAT) will be exempted for taxpayers that provide public transportation services, living services, and express delivery services.

Cash, goods, and imported materials that meet the requirements of public welfare donations for the epidemic can be deducted. Free donations that meet the requirements that are used to respond to the epidemic can be exempted from the VAT, consumption tax, urban maintenance and construction tax, education surcharge, as well as local education surcharge.

Imported drugs and medical devices used for epidemic prevention and treatment will be exempt from the VAT and consumption tax.

For taxpayers that have suffered from major losses due to the epidemic and taxpayers who have difficulty in paying taxes, they may be given a reduction or exemption of property tax and urban land use tax, as appropriate.