Local authorities in Taicang, a county-level city in Jiangsu province, rolled out 15 new policies and measures on Feb 7 to support the development of foreign trade companies amid the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak.

The move is meant to ease financial burdens on small and medium-sized enterprises, guarantee the smooth production and transportation of goods, help foreign trade companies enter overseas markets, and streamline customs clearance procedures.

Enterprises engaged in cross-border e-commerce will enjoy a 30-percent discount when buying export credit insurance, and half the insurance fee will be covered by government subsidies.

Foreign trade companies who have made reservations at overseas fairs but failed to attend due to the novel coronavirus outbreak will receive a government subsidy equal to half the cost of attendance.

Also, the commerce bureau will provide force majeure certificates for exporters to guarantee their interests and help cut losses. Other support measures include temporary online applications and free delivery of certificates.

In addition, Taicang customs will set up green channels for the import of medical supplies. Importers of medical equipment can use certificates issued by the National Medical Products Administration to pass clearance and hand in other required documents later.

Lastly, payment of all customs taxes from January can be delayed until February 2.