(VOVWORLD) - A cash assistance program and faster provision of relief for people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are among proposals submitted by experts at an online consultation hosted by the National Assembly in Hanoi on Monday.
 The consultation hosted by the National Assembly on September 27, 2021, attracts more than 80 representatives from Vietnam and foreign organizations. |
Terence Jones, acting UNDP Resident Representative, said the Government has taken timely action with several aid packages worth billions of USD to help affected people but there is evidence that the support is neither large enough, nor broad enough in scope, to protect vulnerable households from income loss resulting from lockdowns and social distancing.
He recommended a cash assistance program of 5% of quarterly GDP be disbursed as quickly as possible over the final months of 2021 which will have a much larger impact on total private consumption and national output.
Can Van Luc, a member of the National Advisory Council on Financial and Monetary Policies, said the implementation of fiscal aid and social security packages remains sluggish, which has partly affected the effectiveness of support of enterprises and people, he noted.
Asian Development Bank Country Director Andrew Jeffries suggested greater focus be placed on promoting digital transformation and an inclusive and sustainable digital economy.
 National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue speaks at the consultation. |
National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said the experts’ comments will help Vietnam craft better policies for next year.
“The National Assembly needs to fine-tune institutions, particularly in green growth, innovation, and digital transformation. Supervision should be reinforced to make policy implementation more transparent and effective,” he said.
The National Assembly plans to organize an annual socio-economic forum starting next January with its debut focusing on post-pandemic economic recovery.