In a meeting between representatives of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council and National Assembly chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, Chris Helzer, Nike global vice president of trade, said he was glad to see some factories in southern Vietnam reopen after the pandemic disruptions.

As the vaccination rate rises and Vietnam shifts to a new period of Covid-19 adaptation, the reopening process would happen on a larger scale with more factories and better productivity, allowing the country to get back on its feet, he said.

Helzer said the reopening process should be simplified and balanced between different areas and localities. He said he believed that Vietnam can bring the pandemic under control without resorting to long-term social distancing measures.

A representative of agricultural firm CropLife Vietnam agreed with the government’s switch to a strategy that adapts to the pandemic. He said Vietnam should outline plans to reopen the economy and foster businesses' faith in investing in the country.

Ted Osius, president and CEO of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, applauded Vietnam's efforts in supporting the people and businesses through the pandemic and affirmed that U.S. businesses support Vietnam's dual goals of fighting the pandemic and ensuring economic growth in tandem.

NA Chairman Hue said Vietnam was indeed switching to a coronavirus strategy focusing on adapting safely to the disease and. He said Vietnam wishes that businesses continue to share their experiences in fighting the pandemic while balancing the fight with socioeconomic interests.

Vietnam is also looking at policies and strategies to jump start socio-economic activities that could be applied nationwide, Hue said, adding that he hoped U.S. businesses could facilitate the completion of such a policy framework.