Vietnam is gradually opening up its economy now that its vaccination coverage is on the rise, said Patrick Haverman, Deputy Resident Representative of the UN Development Program (UNDP) in Vietnam. According to Haverman, the UNDP recently released two reports on the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on Vietnam’s vulnerable households and the disbursement of the Government’s second relief package for those affected by COVID-19. He suggested Vietnam should stimulate growth and generate more jobs and income by starting a larger cash assistance program for poor households without fear of greater inflation or a negative impact on the balance of payments. This program should be launched as soon as possible, Haverman said, adding that it’s best to have it immediately reach children under six, those over 60, non-pension beneficiaries of social allowances, and the disabled.

Source: VOV5