A worker manufactures face masks at a factory in Hanoi (Photo: VnExpress)

Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee's Secretary Nguyen Thien Nhan said: “We encourage the local production of goods instead of importing goods from abroad and promoting trade, tourism, and investment cooperation with partner countries. We will resume economic activities with each country between May and December, starting with the other ASEAN countries.”

Economists say Ho Chi Minh City needs several support packages and two support programs - a short-term program to help businesses restore production and a long-term program to help businesses restructure their manufacturing and trade. The city will give special attention to small and medium-sized enterprises because they account for 97% of the city's total business.

Dr. Ho Duc Hung said:“We have created a set of criteria to support businesses. We categorize businesses into several groups to provide specific support.”

Hanoi provides production space to 3,600 businesses to conduct production activities in industrial clusters. The city also deploys preferential mechanisms and policies to support businesses in technological research and innovation.

Bac Lieu province is focusing on public investment projects which contribute to its growth target and increasing Vietnam's total investment capital. The province is restructuring its livestock industry by region and building production models to find stable consumer markets for livestock and aquatic products.