Nippon Television Network:
We know that Zhejiang province has very deep economic and trade ties with countries abroad. With ever-increasing vaccination rate, will there be any specific policies put in place to expand overseas exchange?
Zheng Shanjie:
Thank you for your question. Recently, everyone is paying attention to this matter. known for its export-oriented economy, Zhejiang's "degree of extroversion" is over 50%. Our province has relatively closer contact with abroad. Following the arrangements and requirements by the central leadership, while strictly forestalling the inbound transmissions, we also continue to maintain foreign personnel and economic and trade exchanges. Let me give you some figures. Since the beginning of this year, we have 1,100 ships come in and out of our maritime ports, of which 12,300 crews have changed shifts at our ports, accounting for one-fifth of the country's total. The number of overseas flights landing at our airports was 181, with approximately 16,000 inbound passengers. The above-mentioned inbound individuals followed the "14+7" health management measures (14-day centralized quarantine and medical observation and seven days stay-at-home health observation) in accordance with China's requirements. Of course, we also arrange them three nucleic acid tests during the process, according to medical requirements.
However, for foreign nationals who work in important economic and trade research and technical cooperation, we will use fast-track facilitation measures for them to enter China if necessary, which is also known as the "7+7" model. Vaccination is so far one of the most effective ways to prevent and control the epidemic. Zhejiang province was one of the first provinces to promote COVID-19 vaccination. Currently, we also actively push forward pertinent work. As scheduled, by June, 40% of permanent residents in Zhejiang will be vaccinated. We are also committed to conducting COVID-19 prevention and control on an ongoing basis while promoting healthy economic and social development, and keep abreast of the situation and strengthen cooperation. In line with the new adjustments made to policies on persons entering China and supplies for epidemic prevention and control, we will make relevant changes to improve our work in a timely manner. For example, according to the requirements for guaranteeing and organizing newly added overseas flights, we will strengthen our work to manage quarantine places for travelers arriving in China, and provide attentive services for them, to further facilitate international exchanges. Thanks.