Employees at work at an apparel firm. Four associations have written to the Government asking for help with the import of the Covid-19 vaccine after they accessed a vaccine supply source in the United Arab Emirates - PHOTO: VNA

HANOI - Four industry associations have written to the Government asking for help to import the Covid-19 vaccine after they have found a vaccine supply source in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association, the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association and the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCMC need the Government to negotiate with the Royal Strategic Partner in the UAE to facilitate import procedures, the local media reported.

On July 13, the Vietnamese Embassy in the UAE worked with the Royal Strategic Partner to confirm the supply of the Covid vaccine.

Though the Ministry of Health has offered guidance over vaccine import, as it has not been done before, there will be some obstacles over import procedures, negatively affecting the import process, according to the four associations.

The four proposed the Government and the Ministry of Health either help them negotiate with the UAE firm for the purchase or appoint an eligible Vietnamese importer to do vaccine import procedures.

They expect the Government and the relevant agencies to create the most favorable conditions for them to access the vaccine in early August so that their employees at industrial parks can get vaccinated, helping maintain production amid the fast spread of the coronavirus.

Due to the unpredictable trajectory of the pandemic, over 90% of firms have suspended their operations due to the spike in infections, causing disruptions to supply chains.