Hanoi holds dialogue to address difficulties for FDI enterprises

“Conference to solve difficulties for foreign-invested businesses in Hanoi during the COVID-19 pandemic” was held by Hanoi authorities on the morning of October 19 in the presence of Politburo member and Secretary of Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung.

Politburo member and Secretary of Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung speaking at the event. (Photo: DUY LINH/NDO)
Politburo member and Secretary of Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung speaking at the event. (Photo: DUY LINH/NDO)

At the conference, Hanoi informed foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises about the city’s socio-economic situation and the results of solving difficulties for enterprises during the pandemic as well as solutions to remove difficulties for enterprises in the near future.

According to Politburo member Dinh Tien Dung, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted all aspects of socio-economic life. Hanoi's gross domestic product posted growth of only 1.28% in the first nine months of 2021, much lower than the set plan. The number of newly registered enterprises decreased by 12%, the number of dissolved enterprises increased by 22% while the number of enterprises suspending operations rose by 12% over the same period last year.

He said that despite negative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, FDI enterprises have maintained their confidence and optimism about the city’s business environment and invested about US$1.28 billion in Hanoi in the first nine months of this year.

He noted that Hanoi is making every effort to implement measures to control the pandemic and support enterprises in recovering production and business activities.

The Hanoi Department of Taxation has extended the payment deadlines for about VND22 trillion (US$972.5 million) in VAT, corporate income tax, personal income tax and land rent for more than 31,000 taxpayers.

The National Assembly and the Government of Vietnam are currently considering and will soon issue more tax exemption and reduction policies to continue assisting businesses and people, Dung noted.

The Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment received proposals and recommendations from more than 500 FDI enterprises in Hanoi. The city leaders also responded to questions raised from enterprises regarding tax, social insurance, vaccines, the issuance and renewal of work permits for experts and foreign workers, among other issues.

For the content beyond the city’s authority, the city will report to the Government to support businesses as soon as possible.