Vietnam spends nearly US$2 billion on COVID-19 fight

ABO/NDO - Vietnam spent VND45.6 trillion (nearly US$2 billion) from its budget on pandemic prevention and control and supporting people who face difficulties due to COVID-19, as of October 15, according to the Ministry of Finance.

Of the amount, VND22.9 trillion came from the central budget, which was used for procuring vaccines, funding pandemic prevention and control efforts as well as assisting vulnerable people to cope with the pandemic effects.

Residents in the northern province of Phu Tho are vaccinated against COVID-19.

The remaining VND22.7 trillion was sourced from the local budget for the work.

As of October 15, the total budget revenue reached 83.2 percent of the estimate, with 79.3 percent from domestic revenues, up 5.9 percent year-on-year. Revenue from import-export hit 104.8 percent of the estimate while that from crude oil surpassed estimate by 135.6 percent.

The total value of taxes, land rental fee, fees and charges that were exempted, reduced or extended to support people and businesses in line with the Government’s Decree 52 was about VND95.1 trillion.

Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc said that despite difficulties in balancing the state budget due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has implemented synchronously and flexibly monetary solutions to ensure that debts are paid in full and on time in accordance with commitments and the assigned 2021 estimate.

He said the country has the ability to secure capital for regular spending, investment, social security policy as well as defence and security tasks.

(Source: NDO)