BELGRADE — China will overcome the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak thanks to its technological and economic strength, as well as the heroism of its medical staff, Ivan Vukovic, mayor of Podgorica, the Montenegrin capital, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Vukovic recalled that Podgorica has recently responded to a call to help the Chinese province of Sichuan, with which the capital of Montenegro has developed strong ties in recent years.

"In accordance with its financial possibilities, the city of Podgorica estimated that the funds earmarked through donations (to Sichuan Charity Federation) in the amount of 10,000 euros will represent a modest contribution and donation addressed to our friends in Sichuan...as an expression of solidarity and support to friends who needed our assistance," said the mayor.

Vukovic believed that for China the consequences of the coronavirus crisis will prove to be transitory, despite the global outbreak and its economic and social impacts.

"I am more than convinced that, based on its scientific, technological and economic strength, the People's Republic of China will manage to cope with the current challenges and consequences of this outbreak, which will be short-term and manageable," he said.

Vukovic said that the doctors in China are making superhuman efforts in treating the large number of persons infected with COVID-19. "I would call this an act of heroism," he said.

Vukovic said that the impacts of this outbreak are still unpredictable, although "historical experiences with similar large shocks suggest that the short-term economic damage may be considerable."

"While investors are risking their portfolios, market volatility could be expected, in particular in sectors deemed to have the largest exposure, such as trade, tourism, luxury goods and cars," he said.

Vukovic said that the "Chinese economy is far from fragile and less dependent on trade than it was back in 2003 during the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak."

"The risks related to the COVID-19 epidemic are significant and frightening, but they are not likely to materialize for now, especially if one assumes the presence of constant and adaptive domestic and international responses and solutions. The economic consequences of this epidemic will probably be significant but transitory," he concluded.