Vietnam not let COVID-19 hold back its pace: former VCCI leader hinh anh 1Illustrative image (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam is spreading a message among domestic and foreign business community that the country will not let COVID-19 to hold back its pace of development and Vietnam has been and will continue to be the top destination for investors, said Vu Tien Loc, President of the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC).

Speaking at an online meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh with businesses and localities on September 26 on measures to support them amid COVID-19, Loc, who was President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in the previous tenure, held that the adjustment of COVID-19 response strategy from no COVID-19 to safely and flexibly adapting to and effectively controlling the pandemic is a sound and timely decision.

The amendments in vaccine strategy as well as efforts to increase supply and speed up injection speed as well as the definition of prioritised groups have brought about encouraging results, he said.

The business leader held that this is a firm foundation for the Government to launch a process of loosening social distancing, recovering the stagnant production and business activities, and creating a “golden time” for the rescue of enterprises. “If we re-open any slower, we will have to pay a more expensive price,” stated Loc.

However, Loc said that opening the door does not mean neglecting safety. The Prime Minister has directed the Ministry of Health to coordinate with ministries, sectors and the business community as well as experts to draft a guidance on safely and flexibly adapting to and effectively controlling the pandemic.

Loc suggested that no additional licences or new business conditions should be created during this process.

Vietnam not let COVID-19 hold back its pace: former VCCI leader hinh anh 2An overview of the meeting at the Government headquarters. (Photo: VNA)
In order to assist enterprises in quickly switching to the safe operation amid COVID-19, thus completing the dual targets, Loc proposed that economic forces be given greater presence in the National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control, and the committee be renamed National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control and Economic Recover to reflect the dual targets.

He added that the same change be made to the steering committees in all localities./.
VNA