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Chinese Authorities Step in to Assist Evergrande

After the heavily indebted Chinese real estate company Evergrande warned in a statement on Friday evening that it may not have enough funds to repay its debt of approximately $300 billion, Chinese authorities quickly moved to address their problems.

– Given the current liquidity status of [Evergrande] Group, there is no guarantee that the Group will have sufficient funds to continue fulfilling its financial obligations – stated Evergrande’s announcement on Friday, which also added that creditors may demand accelerated repayment ‘in the event that the Group is unable to meet its guarantee obligations’.

Evergrande indicated that it had received a request from creditors to pay approximately $260 million. It is worth noting that they have already missed a payment of $82.5 million due on November 6, and as of today, they have a 30-day grace period for payment.

According to Business Insider, the government of Guangdong province, where Evergrande’s headquarters is located, stated that at Evergrande’s request, it would send a working group to the company to oversee risk management, strengthen internal controls, and maintain normal operations, all to ‘protect the interests of all parties and maintain social stability’. Guangdong also invited the president of China Evergrande Group, Hui Ka Yan, for the same reason.

Returning 'to Normal'

The Chinese real estate industry remains shaken by Evergrande’s debt crisis, and investors are concerned whether the repercussions will affect global real estate markets. Additionally, part of the Chinese population that has already purchased these properties is worried about whether Evergrande will be able to deliver them.

However, alongside the authorities of Guangdong, the People’s Bank of China, the banking and insurance regulator, and its securities regulator have sought to reassure the market that all risks can be contained, also commenting on this in statements sent on Friday. The state banking and insurance regulator stated that it would enhance support for guaranteed rental housing. Similarly, the securities regulatory agency stated that all consequences of Evergrande’s crisis can be ‘controlled’ and that they will continue to support its financing.

– The problem with Evergrande is mainly caused by their poor management and reckless expansion. The short-term risks caused by one real estate company will not jeopardize fundraising in the medium and long term – stated the People’s Bank of China, adding that the sale of apartments, land purchases, and financing have already returned 'to normal' in China.

In light of all the events last week and early this week, Evergrande’s shares on the Hong Kong stock exchange fell by 12 percent on Monday, reaching their lowest levels in the last 11 years.