Workers operate machines at the Hòa Khánh Industrial Zone, Đà Nẵng City. — Photo baochinhphu.vn

ĐÀ NẴNG — Businesses in the central city of Đà Nẵng have called for support from the Government to help cope with the economic impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

A majority of firms at a meeting with city leaders in the central region's economic and tourism hub on Wednesday said they need help from the State, asking for extended credit lines and a delay on making social security payments.

“Our teachers have been on leave for a few months now and we have received no instruction on how to proceed with social security payments,” said Lê Thị Nam Phương, director-general of Sky-line education group, saying it would be a big help if her group could delay the payment until June or September.

Hà Đức Hùng, chairman of the city’s young entrepreneurs association, said businesses, more than ever, must support each other. Hùng asked the city to help firms connect and find ways to work together. Meanwhile, firms must continue to seek new markets and improve efficiency as long-term measures, he said.

Võ Minh, director of the city’s branch office of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), said the central bank is aware of the difficulties businesses are facing. The central bank has been in talks with commercial banks to develop a support scheme that will see interest rates slashed and credit lines extended as early as next week.

For the time being, the SBV has allowed businesses to delay payments due between January 23 and March 31 without affecting their credit rating.

Cao Trí Dũng, chairman of the city’s tourism association, said the city may consider declaring itself as a safe destination if there are no new infections by mid-March. Tourism promotion campaigns, in co-operation with nearby provinces of Huế and Quảng Nam, could then be resumed.

The city’s tourism department has been working with domestic and international airlines to ensure flights to and from non-infected destinations continue uninterrupted.

Hồ Kỳ Minh, deputy chairman of the city’s People Committee, said Đà Nẵng must stay ahead in both fighting the virus and developing the local economy, stressing they are both top priorities for the city.

Minh promised Đà Nẵng will implement the SBV’s support scheme as soon as possible. Firms were told to contact the city’s leaders if they encountered any difficulties in working with banks and tax authorities. — VNS