The chief of Dobroesti (third from right), Romania, receives essential supplies donated by Nantong merchants on April 1. [Photo/ntfabu.com] 

Nantong merchants in Romania donated a batch of medical protective items to the Dobroesti government on April 1 to help the locals in their fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

At the receiving ceremony, the chief of the commune expressed his gratitude for the support from the Romania branch of the Association of Nantong Merchants Abroad, and showed his confidence that the country will win the battle with help from China.

Romania has been the first stop for many Nantong merchants who have started businesses abroad. Dozens of Nantong-funded firms are currently operating in the country, most of which are engaged in the home textiles trade.

As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases keeps increasing, the local government and medical institutions have suffered severe shortage of essential supplies.

Huang Zhongyuan, chairman of the Romania branch of the Nantong merchants association, learned about the situation and immediately contacted other Nantong merchants to collect money and search for supplies of enquired goods.

"I've been living and running a business in Romania for more than 20 years. For me, it is a home away from home," said Huang.

Huang and his colleagues eventually collected more than 140,000 yuan ($19,782) and delivered a batch of medical protective items to the Dobroesti government.

"It is far from enough, but we've been doing our best to help the locals fight the epidemic," Huang said.