Officials examine imported medical supplies in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

The government of Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province rolled out 12 measures on Feb 14 to help foreign trade companies weather the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) outbreak.

The measures, which will be in effect until June 30, include the import of essential supplies, expanded credit, and tax and financial subsidies.

For companies involved in the import and production of supplies for curbing the NCP outbreak, subsidies and a special approval channel at the local customs will be provided.

For foreign trade companies unable to attend overseas economic fairs and exhibitions, the government will offer subsidies to cover part of the expenses.

Financial institutions are encouraged to provide full support amid the outbreak, including loans with lower interest rates and re-lending programs for small and micro-sized foreign trade businesses.

Companies who made declarations in January can pay their taxes before Feb 24. Those who should have paid taxes before Feb 9 can now wait until Feb 24, without overdue fines.

Companies that are having difficulties paying taxes because of the novel coronavirus epidemic can apply for deferrals of no more than 3 months.

Officials said local customs has also established an online self-service platform to apply for and print certificates. For affairs that do not allow self-service, they can be handled through postal delivery.

In addition, companies who failed to fulfill their international trade contracts due to the epidemic can apply free of charge for force majeure certificates at the Nantong branch of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.