PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked ministries and localities to facilitate conditions for foreign businesses to enter and work in Vietnam as the latest coronavirus outbreak has gradually been under control in the country.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc requested simpler visa procedures for foreign
investors wishing to enter and work in Vietnam. (PhotoL VGP) 

The visa granting process should be simplified in favour of the investors, PM Phuc told permanent members of the Cabinet and leaders of cities and provinces at a meeting on August 27.

However, he reminded the designated agencies to strictly follow regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control to nip in the bud any possible spread of the virus in the community.

The PM assigned the Ministry of Health to devise a detailed plan on the matter. He also requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange flights to repatriate Vietnamese citizens left stranded overseas, as well as to bring foreign businesses to Vietnam “in a flexible way to avoid an overload at concentrated quarantine facilities”.

Vietnam has yet to open the door for foreigners, except for specialists, business executives and highly skilled workers. These foreign individuals are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine period and a virus test before returning to work normally.

Over recent months, Vietnam has permitted large numbers of specialists and business executives from countries like the Republic of Korea, Japan, Russia and China to Vietnam, and some of them have tested positive for the virus.

Like Vietnamese returnees, these foreigners have been placed in quarantine as soon as they landed in the country, therefore posing no virus threats to the community.

Also at the meeting, the PM reminded ministries and localities, especially the health sector, not to underestimate the resurgence of the virus as it has been evolving in a complex manner regionally and globally.

As the epidemic is yet to come to an end, the government chief asked the designated agencies to uphold the spirit of “co-living with the epidemic” in order to adopt the best preventive measures.

The Prime Minister emphasized the continued implementation of proposed measures, including wearing face masks and avoiding large gatherings in public, while stepping up contact tracing and testing to early detect and quarantine suspected cases.

Continued efforts should be made to fulfil the dual goal of epidemic prevention and economic recovery at the same time, said Phuc.  

He urged local leaders to impose sanctions on those who intentionally violate COVID-19 regulations. In addition, he requested border provinces to cooperate closely with border guard forces to control the border and prevent illegal entrants.