The first quarter of the year has seen a total of 4,240 enterprises register to halt operations due to the negative impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, representing a sharp increase of 36% in comparison to the same period last year.

In line with the figures, the number of unemployed workers who have subsequently applied for unemployment insurance now totals over 13,200. 

Throughout the reviewed period, the majority of Hanoi's growth targets fell short in comparison to last year’s corresponding period. 

Despite the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) increasing by 3.72%, the rise is lower when compared to the same period from previous years, resulting in many businesses scaling back production or looking to suspend operations.

As a way of removing hurdles for businesses while simultaneously boosting production and business activities, the capital has deployed a range of drastic solutions aimed at mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic.

This has been done alongside striving to accelerate reforms relating to administrative procedures, improving product quality, and diversifying business support services.