The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) has worked with ambassadors from the European Union on providing additional Covid-19 vaccine supplies for Vietnam.
An overview of the press conference. Photo by Hanoitimes
The information was shared by EuroCham Chairman Alain Cany at a press conference held on September 9 shortly after the meeting between the European business community in Vietnam with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
"The EU has so far donated 10 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine for Vietnam through the COVAX dose-sharing mechanism," Cany said.
"Germany announced it would donate five million doses to Vietnam," he added. "France would donate 700,000 doses and some other countries are going to send some 3-4 million more doses to support Vietnam."
At the meeting with EU ambassadors, EuroCham had put Vietnam on the priority list of developing nations to receive vaccine donations.
Speaking at the press conference, French Ambassador to Vietnam, Nicolas Warnery said that EU partners are supporting Vietnam in the fight against Covid-19.
"We’re trying to help Vietnam have more vaccines for local people, especially workers," he said. "This is an important factor to help businesses resume operation."
The EuroCham chairman also revealed that the current Covid-19 outbreak and restrictions have forced 18% of orders from European firms in Vietnam to move to other countries, 16% are considering doing so, but no one is looking to leave the country.
The EuroCham Business Climate Index is now recording the lowest sentiment in more than a decade. If lockdowns, social distancing and travel restrictions continue for much longer, new investment projects could be put at risk and companies could consider relocating elsewhere in the region,” Cany warned.
The EuroCham Chairman, nevertheless, stressed European businesses hold high hopes for Vietnam’s prospects, which has been only strengthened by the strong commitment and support that the Vietnamese government has shown.
Cany also noted what EuroCham members needed at the moment was a clear roadmap out of the current measures; one which resolves roadblocks to their commercial operations and gives them a predictable path on which to plan the reopening of their businesses.
One of the most pressing issues is the need for electronic vaccination passports to ease the free movement of vaccinated people both within and into Vietnam. Cany added, “In particular, we urge the government to create a fast-track process for foreign business leaders, experts, and their families returning to Vietnam.”