Hanoi (VNA) –ꦍ Amid increasingly complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vietnamese Government’s Resolution 68 on a support package worth 26 trillion VND (1.13 billion USD) for affected employees and employers, is a bright spot, according to an official from the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Resolution No 68 on 12 policies to support pandemic-hit employees and employers was issued in the context of the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic that have spread on a large scale, affecting many industries and fields. Both employees and employers that are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can gain access to the Government’s support package from July 8. In an interview granted to press, André Gama, Social Protection Programme Manager at the ILO Vietnam, said the new resolution should be viewed as an investment in stabilising the economy, household income, and workers’ life. The financial support can help families sustain their purchasing power, thus helping maintain the economy and serve post-pandemic recovery. It is time for Vietnam to review its existing aid packages, particularly those done via the social welfare and social insurance systems, to seek measures for improvements so that Vietnam will be better prepared for future crises, the official recommended. Regarding the simplification of related procedures and conditions for accessing the 26 trillion VND package, André Gama affirmed it is a correct and important move. Based on his experience, complicated administrative procedures make it harder for people to complete paperwork such as the confirmation of their occupations. Hence, it is difficult for them to receive the assistance they need. During the implementation of administration reform, there is also a need for continuous review of the number of procedures removed to see whether more are necessary, said the ILO official. He concluded that it is a correct way to ensure that people in need will be supported and no one is left behind in this pandemic./.