Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi province, has signed 32 projects online with a contract value of 60.75 billion yuan ($8.69 billion) since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic in China, according to Taiyuan investment promotion bureau on Feb 16. 

While strengthening its epidemic prevention and control, Taiyuan has been focusing on developing new industries such as medical testing, artificial intelligence and the digital economy. 

Officials say it has been signing and handling projects online, to ensure the smooth progress in expanding investment and project construction. 

The 32 projects cover industries, research and development, technology and people's livelihoods, with industrial projects accounting for 90 percent of the total investment. 

In addition, Taiyuan is planning 36 major projects involving new investment and has 82 projects under discussion. 

Of these, 43 projects are expected to be constructed or be operated within six months, with an estimated investment of 93.61 billion yuan.