[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Eun-mo] Local American, British, and European business organizations have expressed reluctance to the Vietnamese government's request for support in securing COVID-19 vaccines.
According to local media VN Express on the 6th, during a recent online meeting hosted by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Adam Sitkoff, director of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), expressed difficulties, saying, "Please understand that globally, vaccine demand greatly exceeds supply, making it difficult to import vaccines." He added, "We support the Vietnamese government's vaccine fund creation, and 88% of our member companies are willing to pay to receive high-quality vaccines," emphasizing, "However, transparency regarding vaccine supply plans and schedules must be a prerequisite."
According to local sources, AmCham and its member companies are requesting the U.S. government to prioritize sending leftover vaccines to Vietnam. VN Express reported, citing foreign media such as the Associated Press, that the U.S. already has a considerable amount of leftover vaccines as 63% of adults have received at least one dose.
The British and European chambers of commerce also voiced their difficulties. Christopher Jeffrey, chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce, stated that vaccine manufacturers already have relationships with various governments and are overwhelmed with orders, saying, "(The private sector) realistically cannot individually import large quantities of vaccines." However, the British Chamber added that it is continuously consulting with the British government to enable Vietnam to procure vaccines through COVAX (the WHO's global vaccine distribution initiative). Alain Carney, chairman of the European Chamber, said it is difficult for the private sector to independently secure vaccines and that cooperation with the Vietnamese government is necessary.
The Vietnamese government has allocated a budget of $1.1 billion (1.2317 trillion KRW) to secure a total of 150 million vaccine doses and has requested support from private companies to help secure vaccines.
Meanwhile, according to Vietnamese health authorities, since the fourth wave of local infections began on April 27, there have been 5,460 confirmed cases. In Bac Giang Province, where many Korean companies' factories are concentrated, 2,989 cases have been reported. Bac Ninh Province, home to Samsung Electronics' mobile phone factory and many suppliers, has seen 1,061 infections. The capital Hanoi has reported 434 confirmed cases, and Ho Chi Minh City has had 355 positive cases.
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