Jinan, capital of Shandong province, recently unveiled 17 policies to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises cope with the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak, according to local media reports.

The policies are meant to bolster enterprises by alleviating their financial burden, ramping up support for technological innovation, and optimizing government services.

The city will return half of all unemployment insurance premiums paid in the previous year to employers that lay off fewer or no workers.

Also, enterprises whose operations have been disrupted due to the epidemic can apply for deferments on the payment of social insurance premiums and taxes.

Meanwhile, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises leasing State-owned property in Jinan will have their rents waived for two months.

Landlords are also encouraged to reduce or waive rents for enterprises leasing their property, and their losses will be partly covered by the government.

More efforts will be made to ensure a stable supply of water, electricity, natural gas, and refined oil products for enterprises.

In addition, green channels will be set up on provincial highways to ensure that bulk commodities and raw materials arrive at their destinations smoothly.

Furthermore, the local government will continue to optimize government services by setting up a special organ to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises overcome difficulties amid the epidemic.

It will also shorten the amount of time required to receive subsidy funds and provide enterprises with free legal assistance.