Government to meet certain businesses to discuss supporting solutions

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the meeting with representatives of businesses on August 8

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made the statement at the online meeting on August 8 between the government, provincial authorities, and over 1,000 representatives of businesses and business associations after hearing out their difficulties during the pandemic.

The event took place amid the continuing disruptions caused by COVID-19, especially the Delta variant, which has forced many cities and provinces in Vietnam to order social distancing measures, affecting business activities and workers. However, due to proactive policies from the government, economic development remained overall positive in the first seven months.

At the meeting, government leaders highly appreciated the contributions of businesses to the country’s COVID-19 battle, including their contributions to the national COVID-19 vaccine fund.

According to a report from the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), as of July, the country had about 840,000 businesses in operation. It has been admitted, however, that since the fourth wave of the pandemic, especially with the emergence of the Delta variant in July, has resulted in an overcast business picture.

The latest wave seriously impacted industrial parks and export processing zones, especially those in southern economic hubs, interrupting the supply and production chains as well as employment.

Vu Tien Loc, chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) urged more conducive regulations to create more favourable conditions for businesses to continue business activities.

Representatives of business associations proposed authorised ministries and agencies to fast-track the disbursement of the VND26 trillion ($1.13 billion) supporting package to support businesses, especially those hit hard by the pandemic. They also proposed more drastic measures in trade promotion and expansion of export markets to allow businesses to tap into more opportunities from free trade agreements.

Specifically, Nguyen Hoai Nam, deputy general secretary of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), said that the pandemic has been affecting seafood processing and export, especially in the southern region. He urged authorised agencies to quicken vaccination for fishermen and other member businesses while issuing comprehensive support policies and guidance to prevent any closures.

Meanwhile, Tran Trong Kien, chairman of the National Tourism Advisory Board (TAB), said that the most important thing for the tourism industry in the upcoming time is to have more areas without COVID-19 infections and connect them with one another. Another vital task is to prepare for the reopening to the world when Vietnam achieves sufficient vaccine coverage.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with representatives of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam

Representatives of the South Korean, Japanese, US, and European business associations highlighted the Vietnamese government’s support policies. They expressed expectations that the government would continue COVID-19 vaccination on a wider scale and ensure supply, especially labour, for foreign-invested enterprises. They also requested more favourable conditions for foreign expats to enter Vietnam.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai said that the government has been issuing financial and fiscal policies to support businesses such as exemption and reduction of tax, interest rates, reduction of electricity, water, and telecom prices.

In the upcoming time, the government will continue to have flexible fiscal and financial policies to support businesses. The deputy prime ministers asked ministries, agencies, and cities and provinces to gather ideas from businesses and then propose timely and appropriate supporting policies.

Government always accompanies businesses amid COVID-19: PM

Tax cuts proposed to support businesses rocked by pandemic

Economic uncertainty weighs on Vietnamese businesses

More effective pandemic bailout actions urged to avoid further trickling support