Workers in Putian, East China's Fujian province, work around the clock to produce non-medical protective clothing. [Photo by Wei Peiquan/Xinhua]

East China's Fujian province introduced a series of measures to support the resumption of production by enterprises and reduce the impact of the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) epidemic, according to local media reports on Feb 7.

Twenty-four new measures will help enterprises in a variety of ways, providing financial support and tax breaks.

The government will increase credit support for enterprises in the region and encourage banks to allocate special funds for epidemic prevention and control. For small and medium-sized enterprises having difficulties repaying loans, the government will reduce tax burdens and lower interest rates.

Loans with low interest rates will be guaranteed to key companies on the frontlines of epidemic prevention and control efforts.

A total of 500 million yuan ($71.55 million) in low-interest loans will be allocated to enterprises severely affected by the NCP outbreak.

The government will also lower financing costs and provide inclusive financial services for small and micro enterprises. Financing costs will decrease by 1 percent year-on-year.

In addition, companies' operating costs will be cut. Small and medium-sized enterprises currently leasing State-owned properties will have their rent waived or halved for about three months.

The Fujian government has also stated that more support will be given to firms that improve efficiency and production, and it plans to provide subsidies to enterprises manufacturing medical supplies to help combat the NCP outbreak.

Incentives will also be offered to online shopping and e-commerce platforms involved in international trade.

The government said that it will return 50 percent of unemployment insurance paid by enterprises last year to encourage them not to lay off workers.

More services involving credit financing, tax and administrative fee cuts, talent, employment, and legal consulting will also be provided to help enterprises resume production.