Jordanian businessman Mohanad and his family return to Yiwu, Zhejiang province on Feb 12. [Photo/WeChat account: Yiwu_shangbao]

Foreigners are returning to Yiwu, a major small commodity hub in East China's Zhejiang province, to prepare for a new year of business. They have voiced strong confidence in the measures the city has taken to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, local media reported on Feb 17.

"I strongly believe that the Chinese government will triumph," said Mohanad from Jordan. He previously left Yiwu for the Spring Festival vacation and returned on Feb 12 when transportation resumed, despite many of his friends advising him to stay in Jordan longer.

"I have lived in the city for 20 years and started from the bottom to earn my wheels, houses, and a restaurant. The city is, for me, a home away from home," he said.

On Feb 17, Mohanad donated medical supplies and food to support police officers fighting on the frontlines. He also communicated with Yiwu’s foreign chambers of commerce and foreign communities, updating them on the city’s progress in curbing the epidemic and reopening markets.

Mohanad told local media that many foreigners are waiting for international flights to be resumed and he expects most people to return after Feb 20.