Commercial service sectors restore in Nansha

Guangzhou’s Nansha district put forward a proposal on March 19 to encourage consumption in retail and catering stores and purchase of products made in the district, supporting business enterprises and restoring confidence in overcoming obstacles.

Affected by the COVID-19 epidemic, Nansha’s downtown hot spot Wanda Plaza had shortened its business hours, and even all dining areas were closed.

However, the latest classification of epidemic prevention and control divisions in Guangzhou suggests that Nansha district is a low-risk area and can fully restore production and normal life.

The resumption rate of local wholesale and retail, accommodation and catering industries has now reached 100 percent, according to the local commerce bureau. All the enterprises have resumed production in an orderly manner.

Current visitor flow has recovered to 50 percent more than that of the same period last year. “It’s really tiring to eat at home, so the family came out to have a sumptuous meal,” said a diner at a Hakka cuisine restaurant in Wanda Plaza.

The district encourages cadres of all units to take the lead in eating or shopping through take-out service, and in buying homegrown products.

Many restaurants still have great confidence in the gradual recovery. On the one hand, they look forward to “retaliatory consumption” by the residents, and on the other hand they are grateful to the local departments for their help.

“It will get better when summer comes. Now all the people are patient and spend the hard time together,” said a manager of a western-style restaurant.

The Nansha Commerce Bureau issued a preferential policy for enterprises that are adhering to operations during the outbreak, as they play an important role in stabilizing people’s morale and the economy.

Business management enterprises above 50,000 square meters will receive a special support of 100,000 yuan ($14,094.23). And a one-time reward of up to 300,000 yuan will be given based on operating time, resumption of work, and rent-free conditions.

In addition, the district introduced supportive measures for the development of the living service industry.

Newly established brand companies are able to get a one-time settlement award of 300,000 yuan. Commercial facility operating companies that introduce such enterprises will also be subsidized at a rate of 40 yuan per square meter per month.