Liu Zewu, Deputy Director of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Guangzhou Sub-council, said the council has issued 106 force majeure certificates to protect foreign companies from legal damage arising from the novel coronavirus epidemic, covering a total contract value of more than 8.2 billion yuan. 

“The outbreak has delayed production for some companies, as quarantine measures kept laborers and logistics officers from returning to work. Such documents can help partly or completely waive, or delay fulfilling the obligations of litigants.”

The council issued the first force majeure certificate for a German-funded company in Huangpu on February 3rd and helped the company avoid a $12-thousand fine per day for demurrage and delay in delivery.

Voices

Dr. Harley Seyedin, President of AmCham South China, said no suspected and confirmed cases had been reported in the members of the Chamber.

“According to our survey, 98 percent of the members are going to continue with the investment in Guangzhou. Some of them see new opportunities will be arising and they are interested in investing in many areas.”

Seyedin added the Chamber has been working close with the Foreign Affairs Office, CCPIT Guangzhou Council and the Department of Commerce, addressing problems such as travel restrictions during the outbreak.

Arafat Al-Harahsheh, Chairman of the Arab Businessmen Forum in China, also indicated that the Forum’s members are all healthy and safe. “Some of our members are gradually getting back to work in Guangzhou. And many of them are about to come back to the city.”

Author: Jasmine

Editor: Keane, Simon