In short term, the coronavirus outbreak in China is posting a temporary negative impact on the operation of domestic enterprises and logistic industry et cetera.

The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Fiji, Qian Bo further adds, at this point, it’s still too early to exactly quantify the impact.

“However, in the long run, as the toughness and resilient nature of the Chinese economy, the sustaining development momentum remains unchanged,” Ambassador Bo said.

“The Chinese government has been taking the most comprehensive and rigorous prevention and control measures with a high sense of responsibility for people’s health.

“It was just a few days ago, World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have again confirmed their confidence in the Chinese economy.

“On January 20, IMF increased China’s 2020 economic growth forecast to six per cent in the latest World Economic Outlook.

“As China ranks the fourth of foreign visitor source country for Fiji, the coronavirus outbreak and Fiji’s border ‘lock-down’ measures to visitors from China will definitely lead to the reduction of the number of Chinese tourists.

“As a result, certain related sectors and industries such as accommodation, catering in Fiji will be affected proportionally.

“According to our survey, the primary concern of Chinese companies in Fiji is that Fijian work-permit holders are refused to re-enter Fiji according to the ‘lock-down’ policy.

“Many management and technical experts went back China for family reunion in mid or late January, but when they are set to return they suddenly found that they are blocked outside Fiji.

“That led many Chinese companies in Fiji struggling to get by.

“As the border ‘lock-down’ is posting negative impact on all stakeholders, and is affecting investment from China, the Chinese embassy expects that the Fijian side would take this into account seriously while reviewing its border ‘lock-down’ policies. “

When this edition went to press queries sent to Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism remained unanswered.

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