Directive 11/CT-TTg 2020 on urgent tasks and solutions to overcome difficulties for production and business, and ensure social security in response to the Covid-19 epidemic.

DIRECTIVE

REGARDING URGENT TASKS AND SOLUTIONS TO ADDRESS DIFFICULTIES IN PRODUCTION AND BUSINESS, ENSURE SOCIAL SECURITY, AND RESPOND TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

With the decisive involvement of the entire political system and the high efforts and determination of the entire Party, people, and army, the work of preventing, controlling, and managing the acute respiratory disease caused by the new strain of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has achieved important initial results. The Central Party Secretariat, the Government, and the Prime Minister have promptly directed all levels and sectors to focus on implementing many tasks and solutions for epidemic prevention and control decisively, synchronously, and effectively with the spirit of "fighting the epidemic like fighting an enemy," treating and rehabilitating all infected people, preventing further spread, and receiving high praise from the people nationwide and the international community.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve in a complex and unpredictable manner, spreading increasingly widely, posing a risk of outbreaks in many countries and regions around the world, and significantly impacting the global economy and many countries and major partners of Vietnam. Domestically, the Covid-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of economic and social life. Import and export activities, circulation, transportation of goods and passengers, and many service sectors such as healthcare, education, food and beverage, accommodation, entertainment, especially tourism, have been noticeably affected. Some industries and production sectors have initially been impacted, with some experiencing temporary labor shortages, disruptions to the supply chain of raw materials and inputs, causing stagnation in production and business activities. Many businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises and those in areas affected by the pandemic, have had to scale back production and business or temporarily cease operations.

In this context, given the situation with many Vietnamese people returning and international visitors arriving from epidemic areas and from many countries with unclear information about the disease, we must not be complacent. We must continue to focus intensely and decisively implement epidemic prevention and control measures, doing a good job of quarantine to prevent the spread of the disease and its impact on the health and lives of the people; at the same time, we must immediately have specific and effective solutions to overcome difficulties for production and business, ensure social security, and make the utmost effort to achieve the set socio-economic development goals.

To focus on preventing and mitigating the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, removing obstacles to production and business, implementing socio-economic development tasks, ensuring social security, security, safety, and the health of the people, the Prime Minister requests Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities, Chairmen of Boards of Directors, and General Directors of state-owned economic groups and corporations (hereinafter referred to as central and local ministries and agencies) and urges the business community and people nationwide:

I. GUIDING SPIRIT FOR ACTION

1. Thoroughly understand the guiding spirit of the Central Party Secretariat in Document No. 79-CV/TW dated January 30, 2020, the directives of the Prime Minister in Directive No. 05/CT-TTg dated January 28, 2020, Directive No. 06/CT-TTg dated January 31, 2020, Directive No. 10/CT-TTg dated February 25, 2020, and other telegrams from the Prime Minister; resolutely implement the disease prevention and control measures outlined in the directives of the Government, the Prime Minister, and the National Steering Committee, as well as local steering committees for COVID-19 prevention and control.

2. Focus on implementing the "dual task" of both preventing and controlling the epidemic and developing the socio-economic sector. Absolutely no complacency, negligence, or irresponsibility is allowed in directing the prevention and control of the Covid-19 epidemic, given the current outbreak and spread of this dangerous disease in many countries; appropriate plans and solutions must be in place to respond to all situations and avoid being caught off guard. At the same time, immediately implement support measures for individuals and businesses affected by the epidemic, contributing to overcoming difficulties in production and business activities and ensuring social security; strive to achieve the highest possible results in fulfilling the socio-economic development goals and tasks for 2020 as set out in the Central Committee's conclusions and the resolutions of the National Assembly and the Government.

3. Focus on analyzing and evaluating the limitations and shortcomings of the economy, of each industry, sector, and business area belonging to all economic components to accelerate the restructuring, reorganization, and recovery process, boost production and business activities, compensate for and minimize the damage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, aiming to build a more independent, self-reliant, and sustainable economy with resilience and adaptability to external and internal fluctuations, especially non-traditional security challenges, climate change, natural disasters, and epidemics. At the same time, prepare the necessary conditions to seize opportunities and attract investment and external resources from many countries and regions to serve national development.

II. SPECIFIC TASKS AND SOLUTIONS

1. Remove obstacles and facilitate access to capital, credit, finance, taxation, trade, and electronic payments.

a) State Bank of Vietnam:

– Timely direct and guide credit institutions to balance and fully and promptly meet the capital needs for production and business; accelerate administrative procedure reforms, shorten the time for reviewing loan applications, and improve customers' access to loans; promptly apply support measures such as restructuring repayment terms, considering waiving or reducing interest rates, maintaining the same debt classification, reducing fees, etc., for customers facing difficulties due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic (primarily through a credit support package of approximately 250 trillion VND).

– The Ministry of Finance shall preside over and coordinate with the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant agencies to urgently propose appropriate credit policies to alleviate difficulties for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and report to the Prime Minister in March 2019.

– Continue to implement solutions to promote cashless payments; programs to waive or reduce electronic payment service fees to directly support service users, especially online payment fees for public administrative services.

– Immediately submit to the Prime Minister a specific decision on piloting the use of telecommunications accounts to pay for low-value services (Mobile Money services).

b) Ministry of Finance

– Submit to the Government for promulgation a Decree on extending the deadline for paying taxes and land rent for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and report to the Government and the Prime Minister in March 2020.

– Urgently submit to the Government proposals for tax, fee, and charge exemptions and reductions to alleviate difficulties for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

– Review and propose to competent authorities solutions regarding taxes and state budget expenditures, primarily a support package of approximately 30 trillion VND to help alleviate difficulties for production and business, ensure social security, and respond to the Covid-19 pandemic, to be submitted to the Prime Minister in March 2020.

c) The Ministry of Information and Communications should focus on researching and promptly developing solutions to promote the development of digital technology businesses in e-commerce, digital economy, transportation, delivery, fintech, electronic payments, etc., in the digital environment; and at the same time, request all levels and sectors, and urge the business community and the people to strongly implement these applications in economic and social life.

d) The Vietnam Social Security agency shall preside over and coordinate with relevant agencies to guide the implementation of the temporary suspension of social insurance contributions for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic until the end of June or December 2020, and shall not charge late payment penalties in accordance with its authority and the provisions of the law.

d) We propose that the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, within its authority, consider and provide guidance on appropriate timing for paying trade union fees, contributing to alleviating difficulties for businesses and organizations affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

2. Review and reduce administrative procedures and costs for businesses.

a) The Ministry of Transport shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to immediately direct and guide business units to reduce administrative procedures and reduce logistics costs for maritime, air, road, inland waterway, and rail transport, etc., and report to the Prime Minister in March 2020.

b) Ministry of Finance

– Instruct tax and customs authorities to consider not conducting periodic inspections in 2020 for businesses that show no signs of violations, in order to allow businesses to focus on resolving difficulties and maintaining production and business operations; at the same time, to prevent businesses from taking advantage of this policy to violate the law.

– Urgently report to the Government in March 2020 to submit to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly a draft Resolution adjusting and increasing the personal income tax deduction for dependents, contributing to reducing the tax burden for citizens.

– Prepare the draft resolution of the National Assembly on some corporate income tax policies and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and submit it to the Government in March 2020.

c) The Government Inspectorate and the Inspectorates of Ministries, sectors, and localities shall strictly implement Directive No. 20/CT-TTg dated May 17, 2017, of the Prime Minister, and shall not conduct inspections outside of the planned schedule, except in special cases as assigned.

We request that the State Audit Office and relevant agencies create favorable conditions for localities, businesses, and people in this difficult context.

d) Ministries, departments, and localities:

– Within their scope and area of ​​management, review and issue, within their authority, reductions in fees and charges for those affected by the epidemic, or propose fee and charge reduction plans and submit them to the Ministry of Finance before March 15, 2020 for compilation and processing.

– No price adjustments were made in the first and second quarters of 2020 for input goods for business production that are subject to state-regulated pricing within the managed sector.

– Focus on restructuring administrative procedures at levels 3 and 4, integrating them with the National Public Service Portal to significantly reduce costs and facilitate convenience for citizens and businesses.

3. Facilitating production and business activities, promoting exports and imports.

a) Ministry of Industry and Trade:

– The Ministry of Industry and Trade shall preside over and coordinate with the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Construction, and other relevant agencies to review and report on the current situation and needs of input materials, propose solutions to diversify and ensure sufficient supply for domestic production; forecast domestic and international market demand; take measures to ensure the supply of raw materials for production and business, and develop plans for organizing production, distribution, circulation, and supply of goods to meet consumer needs; consolidate the domestic market, support the removal of difficulties for retail activities; and report to the Prime Minister in March 2020.

– Implement measures to boost exports, improve the effectiveness of trade promotion, diversify export and import markets, and find new markets; actively exploit opportunities from free trade agreements (FTAs); prepare the necessary conditions and proactively implement plans and solutions for exporting goods to the EU market after the EVFTA comes into effect (from mid-2020), and report to the Prime Minister in March 2020.

– Strengthen inspections and strictly handle cases of smuggling, trade fraud, hoarding, creating artificial shortages, counterfeit goods, and imitation goods on the market, especially essential items in epidemic prevention such as face masks, hand sanitizer, and medical supplies.

– The Ministry of Industry and Trade, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and relevant units, will continue to ensure smooth customs clearance and promptly resolve difficulties and obstacles in import and export activities; and coordinate and support border provinces to facilitate customs clearance of goods.

– Coordinate with localities to strongly develop production areas, industrial parks, and economic zones to be more proactive in securing domestic raw material supplies; propose appropriate preferential policies, primarily for the textile, garment, and footwear industries and other sectors heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic; establish mechanisms to encourage domestic production of components and intermediate products to replace imports.

b) The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shall preside over and coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and relevant agencies to focus on promoting the production and processing of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products; implement specific measures to reduce pork prices; propose solutions to strengthen traceability for agricultural products to boost official exports to China and other countries; research opportunities and transform business methods for consumption and export of key agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products; and submit the report to the Prime Minister before March 20, 2020.

c) The Ministry of Finance shall direct tax and customs authorities to expedite the implementation and reform, simplifying administrative procedures for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, such as customs clearance, tax refunds, tax payment extensions, etc.; promptly rectify and strictly handle acts of exploiting disease control policies to create difficulties for businesses in customs clearance and import/export activities, and report to the Prime Minister in March 2020.

d) The Chairpersons of the Boards of Members and the General Directors of state-owned corporations and enterprises shall proactively implement solutions to overcome difficulties, encourage innovation and creativity, and strive to achieve the highest possible results in successfully fulfilling the production and business plan objectives and tasks for 2020, contributing to the promotion of related industries and sectors and the implementation of socio-economic development tasks. The State Capital Management Committee at Enterprises and relevant Ministries and sectors shall strengthen guidance, supervision, inspection, and monitoring of the implementation of the 2020 plan of state-owned corporations and enterprises, with the aim of creating all favorable conditions and promoting the development of production and business.

4. Urgently restore and develop the tourism and aviation industries.

a) The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will intensify the implementation of national-level tourism promotion activities; coordinate with tourism professional associations to develop and implement a domestic tourism stimulus program; strengthen communication, promotion, marketing, and development of new products to attract international tourists, especially tourists from regions unaffected by the epidemic; and at the same time focus on strongly developing domestic tourism in all regions of the country.

b) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall preside over and coordinate with the Ministries of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Public Security, Finance and other relevant agencies to expand the scope of consideration and improve the procedures for issuing electronic visas, and propose visa fee exemption for tourists traveling on package tours until the end of 2020, primarily for regions and countries without outbreaks, and report to the Prime Minister in March 2020.

c) The Ministry of Transport shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to develop specific solutions to overcome difficulties for the aviation industry; review and handle, in accordance with the law, the reduction of prices, fees, charges, and costs of the aviation industry; and coordinate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to accelerate the progress of establishing direct air connections with key markets.

d) The Ministry of Finance shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to urgently put the Tourism Development Support Fund into operation.

d) The Ministry of Information and Communications shall preside over and coordinate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and other ministries, sectors, localities, and news agencies to strengthen communication on safe tourism and the image of a friendly and responsible nation, linked to the positive results in the prevention and control of the Covid-19 pandemic, which have been highly appreciated by international organizations and the international community.

5. Accelerate the implementation and disbursement of investment capital and improve the business environment.

a) Ministries, central and local agencies should urgently complete investment procedures and allocate all state budget investment capital plans for 2020 by March 2020; accelerate the implementation and disbursement of the remaining public investment capital plans for 2019 and 2020 (including ODA capital); focus on directing and promptly completing and putting into use large and important infrastructure projects, maximizing their design capacity and socio-economic efficiency. Ministries, sectors, localities, and state-owned corporations and companies are required to regularly inspect and take measures to resolve difficulties and obstacles to ensure the progress, volume, and quality of projects.

b) Ministry of Planning and Investment:

– Chair and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies to prepare for the nationwide online conference of the Government on accelerating the disbursement of public investment capital in March 2020; clearly outlining the responsibilities of organizations and individuals, especially the heads of departments, in implementing and disbursing according to the plan.

– Regularly monitor and evaluate the implementation of the 2020 public investment plan, promptly provide guidance to resolve difficulties and obstacles to accelerate implementation and disbursement, ensuring that all remaining public investment capital from 2019 and planned capital for 2020 is disbursed; impose strict penalties for delays.

– The Ministry of Industry and Trade shall coordinate with ministries, central and local agencies to urgently submit to the Government a program to reduce regulations, conditions, and procedures that hinder production and business activities in the period 2021-2025; implement solutions to improve the business environment and attract domestic and foreign investment to take advantage of development opportunities, especially seizing the opportunity of shifting investment flows from other countries.

c) Ministry of Transport:

– The Ministry of Transport, in coordination with the Ministries of Planning and Investment, Finance, and other relevant agencies, shall research and propose to competent authorities the conversion from public-private partnership (PPP) investment to public investment for key projects, such as the My Thuan – Can Tho expressway project and component projects of the investment project to build several sections of the North-South East Expressway in the 2017-2020 period; consider the application of investor designation and contractor designation, ensuring strict adherence to legal regulations to accelerate project implementation progress, and report to the Government before March 15, 2020, for submission to competent authorities as prescribed.

– Urgently complete procedures and accelerate disbursement, implement large-scale, important public investment projects with widespread impact, creating momentum for socio-economic development such as the Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai International Airport Expansion projects, the Long Thanh International Airport construction project, the North-South Expressway (Eastern section) phase 2017-2020…; delays like those experienced recently must not be allowed to continue.

d) The Ministry of Industry and Trade shall focus on directing the early completion of large-scale industrial projects, contributing to creating momentum for growth, including the Thai Binh 2 Thermal Power Plant Project, the Long Phu I Thermal Power Plant Project, the Song Hau I Thermal Power Plant Project, gas-fired power projects, renewable energy projects, and the power transmission system; accelerate the progress of developing the national power development plan for the period 2021-2030 with a vision to 2045; handle, within its authority, or promptly report to competent authorities for resolution, any obstacles encountered during implementation; and ensure there is no electricity shortage for production and daily life during the period 2021-2025.

d) Ministries, sectors, and localities shall continue to promote the simplification and reduction of administrative procedures and business conditions, promptly resolve difficulties and obstacles, and create all favorable conditions for production and business, especially regarding land, investment, construction, credit, taxes, customs, etc.; have specific plans to accelerate the implementation of solutions to improve the investment and business environment and enhance competitiveness in accordance with the spirit of Resolution No. 02/NQ-CP dated January 1, 2020 of the Government; and publicly announce the handling of administrative procedures for citizens and businesses to know and monitor implementation.

6. Focus on resolving labor-related issues.

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, in coordination with relevant agencies and localities, is urgently focusing on addressing and resolving labor-related issues and reporting to the Prime Minister in March 2020 on the following matters:

– Assess the labor and employment situation in businesses; diversify communication methods and solutions to boost employee morale; develop appropriate training support plans and provide assistance to workers who have been laid off or lost their jobs due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

– Current situation and solutions for managing foreign workers in Vietnam at the local level, especially those coming from or traveling through epidemic areas; plans to support businesses in finding alternative labor sources in case of shortages of foreign workers and experts.

7. Strengthen information and communication.

The Ministry of Information and Communications, in coordination with the Central Propaganda Department and under the leadership of other ministries, departments, and localities:

– Direct media agencies to promptly provide official, public, transparent, and objective information on the results of Vietnam's COVID-19 prevention and control efforts; promote the dissemination of solutions implemented by the Government, ministries, sectors, and localities in proactively, synchronously, and decisively preventing and responding to the evolving pandemic, and focusing on overcoming difficulties, promoting production and business, ensuring social security, health, and the livelihoods of the people.

– Strengthen communication on the themes of "Living Safely" and "Vietnam is Safe," affirming that Vietnam is a safe destination and always creates favorable conditions for domestic and international tourists and investors.

III. IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION

1. Central and local ministries and agencies shall focus on thoroughly understanding and promptly developing specific action programs and plans, and directing agencies, units, officials, civil servants, and employees under their management to immediately implement the tasks outlined in this Directive; effectively guide, publicize, and mobilize the business community and the people regarding mechanisms, policies, and solutions to support and overcome difficulties in production and business, and ensure social security in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in accordance with the spirit of this Directive; absolutely avoid granting favors, causing difficulties and inconvenience to people and businesses; proactively coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to handle arising obstacles, and periodically report on the implementation situation and propose solutions monthly to the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Government Office before the 20th of each month for compilation and reporting to the Government and the Prime Minister.

Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities, chairpersons of boards of directors, and general directors of state-owned corporations and companies are directly responsible to the Government and the Prime Minister for the implementation and results of this Directive.

2. We propose that the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, professional associations, social organizations, and people's organizations take measures to encourage all economic sectors and people's strata to enthusiastically overcome difficulties, compete in labor and production, and strive to successfully complete the tasks of 2020.

3. The Ministry of Planning and Investment shall preside over and coordinate with ministries, sectors, and localities to monitor, urge, and summarize the implementation of the tasks and solutions outlined in this Directive; report to the Government at the monthly regular Government meeting and promptly report to the Prime Minister on any arising issues.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment and other ministries, sectors, and localities regularly monitor the socio-economic situation closely; review and assess the impact, effects, and extent of damage caused by the epidemic in various fields; and propose appropriate and timely solutions and countermeasures to the Government and the Prime Minister.