"Thanks to the improvement in logistics, a certain amount of production capacity has resumed. Continuous output is extremely important for chemical production, as disruptions will also increase safety and environmental protection costs," Wu said.

"We believe more corporations will restart their production as the spread of the contagion is brought under control. And measures adopted by these key enterprises will accumulate experience for all companies during their operation and COVID-19 prevention," said Zhang, vice-mayor of Shanghai.

Wu from the Shanghai Commission of Economy and Informatization said following the resumption of production of automobiles and related key parts and components, the city will gradually promote other enterprises in key sectors, such as biomedicine, electronics and information, machinery, shipbuilding and marine engineering, advanced materials and consumer products, to restart their operations.

Zhu Xingxin contributed to this story.