New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Wendy Matthews talks with customer at zero-dong supermarket. (Photo: New Zealand Embassy) Hanoi (VNA) - Azero-dong supermarket was opened on June 20 to support 1,500 workersof the Thang Long Industrial Zone in Hanoi who have been financiallyaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The shop, lasting for two daysover the weekend, is a joint-initiative between the New Zealand Embassy in Vietnam,the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) and the International LabourOrganisation in Vietnam (ILO).
Each customer who visits thezero-dong supermarket, operated by the Trade Union of Thang Long IndustrialZone, is allowed to choose a package of groceries worth around 200,000 VND forfree. Items on the shelf included essential goods such as rice, eggs, cereals,vegetables, noodles, and protective products like face masks, and handsanitiser.
This initiative, funded by theNew Zealand embassy, aims to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 among 1,500workers in Dong Anh district of Hanoi, whose jobs and incomes have beenadversely impacted by COVID-19.
“This project demonstrates thestrong partnership between New Zealand and Vietnam,” said Ambassador WendyMatthews at the opening ceremony.
“This project is a practicalinitiative to help ease the economic impacts of COVID-19 on Thang Long workersand their families."
Vietnam and New Zealand are celebrating 45 years of diplomatic relations this year. Over that time NewZealand has worked closely with Vietnam to develop shared prosperity andstability, drawing on the best of New Zealand’s knowledge and skills./.
VNA
