From 1 October 2021, Ho Chi Minh City eased curbs and social distancing measures. Business activities were allowed to resume, including government agencies, foreign commissions, medical facilities, manufacturing and trading facilities, offices, sporting services, education, and outdoor events will be allowed to resume - subject to certain conditions. Domestic flights have also resumed on 1 October, with those localities that have relaxed pandemic prevention and control measures, under a four-phase plan. Public transportation in the city was allowed to resume operation, with limited capacity, from 5 October.
With these new positive gradual steps towards an economic re-opening of the economy in Vietnam, CCIPV’s office in Ho Chi Minh City has finally re-opened. However, the challenges posed on the business community are still of great significance.
As such, we remain active alongside our strategic partner, EuroCham Vietnam, which since its inception has become the single largest and most influential European businesses’ voice in the country.
EuroCham Vietnam has been invested in high-level engagement with the Vietnamese authorities to raise the business community issues as well as to propose solutions to support both its members, its staff, and the environment in which the European companies operate.
Among the several actions taken by EuroCham, it is important to highlight the ambitious fundraising “Breath Again” campaign launched with an aim to support Vietnam during its fourth wave outbreak of COVID-19, encouraging its members to donate funds to purchase much-needed medical equipment for Vietnam’s hard-pressed hospitals.
As the economy re-opens, EuroCham continues to advocate for the swift and safe re-opening of companies, as was the case in the province of Dong Nai, as well as in Binh Duong, where a meeting with the People’s Committee was held to discuss the current challenges facing businesses as the province re-emerges from lockdown and re-starts normal commercial operations.
There, EuroCham had the chance to pinpoint its main requests: accelerated vaccination, reform of the ‘three-on-site’ model in light of its impact on workers’ mental health, create and regulate a travel bubble, introduce a ‘vaccine pass’ to allow frictionless travel, and seamless circulation of goods.
Stay up to date with the updates on COVID-19 control measures in Vietnam, as well as on the travel restrictions in and out of the country.
Source: CCIPV / EuroCham Vietnam, Vietnam Briefing
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