The people of Hubei and Wuhan, the then-epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in China, have made enormous efforts and sacrifices as well as a significant contribution to the COVID-19 response in and beyond China, said Wang Yi, Chinese state councilor and foreign minister, at the press conference of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) on Sunday.

Wang, on behalf of the diplomatic service, paid a high tribute to the heroic people of Hubei and Wuhan.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has also been actively involved in the epidemic containment work in Hubei and Wuhan, including dispatching working groups, raising anti-epidemic supplies and coordinating the reception of international assistance.

As the economic and social order in Hubei has been basically restored, the MOFA will give full play to its advantages and provide impetus for the province's development in the post-epidemic era, said Wang, which will include exploring ways to green light the channels for essential personnel to support the resumption of work and production of foreign-oriented enterprises in Hubei, and creating more opportunities to revive international exchanges and cooperation there.

"The Foreign Ministry would love to hold a special promotion event to showcase the new Hubei and Wuhan that have emerged stronger from COVID-19," said Wang. "This will be a major opportunity for the world to know more about Hubei and give more support to Wuhan."