Associations seek Government support to import COVID-19 vaccines
 

Various Vietnamese associations have stated their desire to seek the Government’s support to facilitate import procedures of COVID-19 vaccines from a firm operating in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).


This proposal was made by the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (LEFASO), the Electronic Enterprise, and Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City.

It comes after the four associations recently sought vaccine sources from the UAE’s Royal Stratergic Parker Group, with the Vietnamese Embassy in the UAE also working alongside the group to verify its ability to supply the vaccine doses.

Representatives from the various associations put forward the suggestion that the Government and the Ministry of Health preside over negotiations with the group, or alternatively designate a qualified Vietnamese importer who can facilitate the procedures.

The purpose of the move is to secure sufficient doses in order to vaccinate workers employed at factories based in industrial zones, especially those in pandemic-hit areas to maintain production activities for exports.

The recent resurgence of COVID-19 has forced 90% of businesses to suspend their production activities, a factor which is anticipated to impact the confidence of importers regarding the Vietnamese market, especially those who have placed orders from local firms.

Export prospects to the US and EU markets are anticipated to contribute to GDP growth this year and over the coming years providing that the pandemic is brought under control, according to industry experts.