The output value of industrial enterprises above designated size in Yizhou district in Hechi was 1.04 billion yuan ($160.35 million), a year-on-year increase of 17.25 percent, as of March 17, Hechi Daily reported.

The added value of industrial enterprises above designated size in the district increased by 12 percent and its growth rate in the first quarter will likely reach 24 percent.

Yizhou has attached great importance to both COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control and economic development, optimizing local business environment to help companies resume operations since the outbreak of the pandemic.

It has set up seven special work groups and launched 66 supportive measures and 43 policies to offer support related to employment, finance and taxation. It has also set aside loans worth 658 million yuan for companies that need help resuming operations and ensuring stable production.

The district has exempted 80.01 million yuan worth of social insurance contributions by companies and reduced contributions of 877 companies by 56.37 million to relieve their financial burdens.