Expats laud moves to heal economy

‘China does great job in prevention, control’

Angiola Rucci, a senior manager at Triumph Asia Co, Ltd, an Italy-based event planning company, has been busy shuttling between exhibition venues in Shanghai, as five events are lined up in the east China metropolis this month.

“Exhibition projects of many companies at home and abroad got postponed or cancelled due to the pandemic.

“However, our business in China has been back on track. In August alone, we have five projects in Shanghai,” said Rucci, who had to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival at Tianjin.

In compliance with China’s epidemic control regulations, Rucci and some 200 passengers on the flight NO942 from Italy to Tianjin underwent quarantine after arriving at the Tianjin Binhai International Airport.

She said many of the passengers on board were foreign employees returning to work in China.

As soon as she finished the quarantine on Aug 14 and tested negative, she left for Shanghai.

A day later, she waltzed her way at the launch venue of a modern motorcycle in red and black under the limelight.

Maria Criscuolo, chair and CEO of Triumph Group International, the parent company of Triumph Asia Co, Ltd said, the company’s staff are returning to China, adding that she is confident about the Chinese market and the company’s business in the country.

“China has done a great job in epidemic prevention and control. Special entrances and lounges have been assigned for inbound passengers at the airport,” she said.

The mother of a oneyear-old baby has been able to attend online meetings while looking after her child during the quarantine.

“In addition to three meals a day, we were provided with abundant fruit and vegetables. They also prepared a baby bed for me,” Rucci added.

Elena Faoro, 41, who was on the same flight with Rucci, said in fluent Mandarin that she has been working and living in China for 17 years.

She volunteered as an online interpreter for other inbound passengers and helped them communicate with medics at the quarantine site.

“The attendants and medics always responded promptly to our requirements, and tried their best to help everyone solve problems,” Faoro said.

She said quarantine staff took their temperatures, helped them buy daily necessities, delivered three meals a day on time, disinfected the corridors and regularly removed garbage.

“I read books, did indoor exercises and dealt with the company’s business during quarantine,” said Faoro.