Labour ministry proposes second virus relief package worth VND18.6 trillion

It said the package should focus on support for enterprises and human resources development.

Loans will be provided to help small and medium-sized businesses, cooperatives, and household businesses restore and sustain their operation, thereby maintaining and creating jobs.

In a note to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, MOLISA said an estimated VND15 trillion will be lent to thousands of production facilities and workers at an interest rate of 3.96%.

The remaining VND3.6 trillion will be spent on supporting workers in difficult conditions through direct cash.

Those eligible for the assistance include workers who are currently renting houses and/or taking care of children under 6 but have lost their jobs or have had their contracts temporarily suspended due to the coronavirus.

The Vietnamese government already issued a social welfare package worth VND62 trillion (US$2.67 billion) in April to support those most vulnerable to the pandemic, including the poor and people on welfare benefits.

As of August 10, local authorities have approved nearly 16 million eligible people with a total amount of VND17.5 trillion (US$754.8 million).

The State Treasury has disbursed nearly VND12 trillion (US$517.5 million) to provide support for 12.5 million people and 13,700 household businesses.