Local businesses are resuming operations with aid of two associations -- the Zhuhai Enterprise Association for Foreign Economic Cooperation and Zhuhai Duty Free Enterprises Group – which are working diligently on epidemic prevention and acquiring medical supplies.

The enterprise organization, for instance, learns through WeChat groups what health-protection supplies are needed by companies and also assists them in finding qualified manufacturers.

It also helps enterprises apply for letters of entrustment for the purchase of prevention-and-control supplies and transport permits from the city's anti-epidemic work group, and bureaus of commerce and transport.

As of Feb 18, the association had purchased 100,000 masks for more than 30 enterprises including Zhuhai Singyes Energy-Saving Technology and Guangdong Zhaobang Intelligent Technology. Apart from that, it also assists in production, recruitment, and capital acquisition.

Sixteen trucks loaded with medical supplies arrive in Zhuhai on Feb 17 [Photo provided by Zhuhai Duty Free Enterprises Group to Zhuhai Daily]

Zhuhai Duty Free Enterprises Group, meanwhile, has purchased seven shipments of medical supplies from overseas. On Feb 4, it was entrusted by the Standing Committee of the Zhuhai Municipal Party Committee with the mission, and a task force integrating trade, commerce, and supply resources around the globe was set up the same day.

The group has sent purchase teams to Hong Kong, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, and Brazil, while contacting customers and friends in Singapore, Chile, the US, and Canada for masks, protective suits, and goggles.

Medical supplies bought in regions like Hong Kong and North America have already arrived in Zhuhai, with more to come from the UK, US, Japan, Turkey, and Costa Rica.

The largest purchase so far was transported to the city Feb 17 on 16 trucks, each with a load capacity of 10 tons, via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. On the other hand, international communities have also provided support despite tight supplies, price rises, and transport difficulties.