Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - TheMinistry of Industry and Trade has called for no increases in theelectricity price until the end of the second quarter at the earliest tosupport businesses amid the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

Thiswas the highlight of the ministry’s Directive No 06/CT-BCT issued on March 11 tofight the COVID-19 pandemic and to remove difficulties for businesses.  

Inthe directive, the ministry asked the Electricity of Vietnam and other agencies not to increase the prices of inputs forproduction until the end of the second quarter.

Thismeans electricity and fuel prices won't increase until July at theearliest.

Previously,Prime Minister NguyenXuanPhucalso asked for electricity prices not to be increased to supportfirms hit hard by the pandemic.

Themost recent increase in retail electricity prices was on March 20, 2019, whenthe power price soared averagely 8.6 percent to 1,864.44 VND (0.08 USD)per kWh.

Theministry also called for the construction of big power projects to be hastenedto create an impetus for growth, including Thai Binh2, Long Phu 1and SongHau 1thermopower plants, renewable energy projects and power transmissionsystems to ensure there would be no power shortage in 2021-25.

Inthe directive, the ministry also mentioned solutions to support business andproduction in overcoming the difficult time.

Theministry asked the Domestic Market Department to ensure an adequate supply ofnecessary goods at stable prices nationwide, especially in localitiesheavily affected by the pandemic.

Enhancingmarket monitoring was the top priority, the ministry said, adding that anyprice speculation would strictly be handled.

Simplifyingadministrative procedures and deregulation would also be sped up tosupport businesses.

Theministry plans to work with other ministries and agencies to ensureadequate raw materials for domestic production.

Inaddition, focus will be placed on removing barriers to facilitate cross-bordertrade.

Notably,incentive policies will be raised, first for the garment and textile, footwearand other industries which are suffering a great deal.

Theministry also plans to work with the State Bank of Vietnam topromote cashless payment and implement zero-charge programmes for onlinepayment of public services./.