Ministry proposes US$843 million bailout package for businesses during COVID-19

The Ministry of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs has proposed the Government issue a VND20 trillion (US$843 million) bailout package to soften the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
ministry proposes us$843 million bailout package for businesses during covid-19 hinh 0
Shops close their door due to COVID-19 pandemic in a local street in Hanoi.

Under the proposal, an employee will be allowed to borrow VND100 million (US$4,200) and a producer or a small business will be allowed to borrow VND2 billion (US$84,470) with an interest rate of 3.96% annually, half of the current borrowing interest rate for poor households. The loans must be repaid within 12 months.

The ministry also submitted three solutions to help businesses survive during the pandemic.

To fund each of the solutions, the budget of each locality would be paid in advance to lend to local businesses and the amount will be refunded from revenue when liquidating businesses' assets, the ministry said.

The ministry added that if the refund was not enough, the locality could report to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc for further consideration.

The first solution is businesses that have at least 30% of their employees or at least 100 employees temporarily suspended from work due to difficulties triggered by the pandemic would be allowed to borrow money to pay salaries, social, health and unemployment insurance for employees.

The State budget would cover the interest on the loans for a maximum of three months per business. If approved, the support will be implemented between April and December.

Secondly, businesses that are forced to let go at least 10 percent of their employees or at least 50 employees due to the pandemic could borrow money to pay job-loss allowance for employees.

Thirdly, employees whose businesses dissolved or went bankrupt would receive the job-loss allowance. The ministry said about 55,000 -110,000 employees would lose their jobs due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The money to pay for job-loss allowance is estimated at about VND530 billion – 1.06 trillion (US$22.3 - 44.7 million).

The ministry also suggested the Government issue a policy to temporarily halt or exempt unemployment insurance payment for both businesses and employees.

It recommended exempting tuition fees for students who are members of COVID-19 infected families. In addition, a reduction of 15-20% of tuition fees in the school year of 2020 for all students to share the burden with parents nationwide should be applied, the ministry said.

Another proposal was made to extend the tax finalisation of 2019 and exempt taxes incurred in the first six months of 2020 for all private and public educational institutions.

VNA

Other News

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

For biofuels, particularly E10, to develop successfully, stronger and more coordinated policies are needed, especially pricing mechanisms capable of creating a sufficiently attractive gap between E10 and mineral-based petrol, an expert has said.

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

The 12th Africa Forum for Investment & Commerce (AFIC 12) opened in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, on May 9, drawing around 2,000 participants, including officials, economists, businesses, financial and development organizagtions from 43 African countries and international partners, including Vietnam.

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

The exhibition, which runs until May 9 at the Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition, showcases advanced products and technologies across a range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, drug manufacturing machinery and equipment, medical devices, hospital and clinic services and dental equipment.

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Leading the charge in this massive building spree is the new central city square in the core of the Thu Thiem new urban area. Spanning more than 20 ha, it’s the crown jewel of the Central Square and new administrative center complex.

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

The country’s stable political and economic environment provides a critical foundation for long-term sourcing strategies. At the same time, Vietnam has demonstrated a strong ability to scale up manufacturing, supported by a continuously expanding industrial base capable of meeting both high-volume demand and increasingly complex technical and quality requirements.

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

The update by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to its Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on April 10, officially setting out import conditions for Vietnamese pomelos, is regarded as a major milestone in market access efforts.

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

The circular economy is no longer just a policy choice. It has become an inevitable trend for delivering sustainable and green growth, sharpening competitiveness at home and abroad, and meeting Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It is now a prerequisite to sustain long-term economic expansion, particularly in industrial production and supporting industries.

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Vietnamese fresh produce and processed foods are increasingly recognised for their quality, with items such as cashew nuts, coffee and spices gaining popularity among Middle East consumers. In 2025, Vietnam’s farm produce exports to the UAE exceeded 445 million USD, up nearly 24% year-on-year.