China to further support work resumption of foreign enterprises, projects

China's top economic planner urged economic regulators at all levels to further support the work resumption of foreign-funded enterprises and projects and stabilize foreign investment.

Development and reform authorities should contact foreign-funded firms and help them solve their difficulties in work resumption, according to a circular issued by the National Development and Reform Commission.

Accurate assistance will be offered to key foreign-funded companies while the call for the coordinated work resumption of industrial chains will be actively responded to.

The circular required local authorities to make regular visits to foreign-invested firms and projects to gain insight into the situation of production, operation and investment while addressing the concerns of firms and chambers of commerce through strengthened communication.

Projects that have started production will be aided in terms of logistics, materials and the return of employees to resume capacity at the earliest time. Construction of projects in progress will be secured while support will be offered to projects in the early stage to complete procedures remotely and start early operation, according to the circular.

China will simplify procedures for the establishment of projects, fully implement the negative list mechanism of foreign investment access, protect the legitimate rights of foreign-funded projects and ensure foreign firms and projects enjoy supportive policies equally with domestic businesses.

The country will revise the catalog of industries that encourage foreign investment, stressing the promotion of high-quality development of the manufacturing sector and tapping the potential of the central, western and northeastern regions to take over industrial relocation.