Hanoi stands firm on safe and flexible adaptation to Covid-19 for economic recovery

Hanoi stands firm on pursuing safe and flexible adaptation to the Covid-19 pandemic for socio-economic development and effective control of the situation.

Overview of the group discussion. Photos: The Hanoi Times

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung gave the remarks at a group discussion among National Assembly deputies held today [October 21], which is part of the second session of the 15th NA.

“More drastic actions are needed to effectively address the concern of businesses,” Dung said, referring to Hanoi's recently held dialogue between the city’s leaders and the foreign business community.

Dung noted the highlight in Hanoi’s efforts against the pandemic was the participation of the entire political system and the high awareness of the public in this regard.

As one of the country’s pandemic epicenters in the fourth outbreak, Dung said Hanoi has enforced anti-Covid-19 measures in a flexible manner and in line with the actual situation.

“The priority is to protect people’s health and safety of the capital city,” Dung stressed.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung.

Anticipating the influx of people from other provinces/cities returning to Hanoi as universities are set to reopen, Dung expected the local authorities to maintain restriction measures in place and speed up vaccination for the remaining unvaccinated groups.

At the discussion, NA deputy and Director of the municipal Department of Health Tran Thi Nhi Ha said Hanoi is facing a high risk of outbreaks once it reopens.

“The influx of people from other provinces coming back to Hanoi would put huge pressure on the healthcare system,” Ha added.

To further mitigate risks from the pandemic, Ha called for the Government to soon draft the vaccination strategy for 2022, focusing on the expansion of vaccine administration for children.

Director of the municipal Department of Health Tran Thi Nhi Ha.

“Vietnam should continue to enhance public health capabilities and raise public awareness on the significance of  Covid-19 countermeasures,” she continued.

Deputy Hoang Van Cuong suggested as Vietnam is shifting its Covid-19 strategy to safe adaptation to Covid-19, localities should be more flexible in their approach to deal with cases of infection and avoid large-scale isolation, if possible.

Cuong noted the agricultural sector has shown its significant role during the pandemic by spearheading growth and providing sufficient basic necessities for the people.

Deputy Hoang Van Cuong.

“There should be stronger measures from the Government to continue promoting agricultural development and further boosting farm produce exports,” Cuong said.

Noting the Government’s GDP growth target of 6-6.5% for next year as feasible, Cuong said the economic recovery would be a gradual process as many businesses continue to face severe hardship.

“Without Government supports, enterprises would not be able to overcome the pandemic and thrive afterward,” he added.