Linking the Southeast region of Vietnam and Challenges from the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The article analyzes the achievements and limitations in regional linkages in the Southeast region of Vietnam in the current period. This is the region with the highest economic growth rate, infrastructure, as well as attracting foreign investment capital of the country. The Government of Vietnam, as well as the local authorities of the 6 provinces in the Southeast, have had many policies to promote regional linkage, in order to create a driving force for the growth of each locality as well as the whole region economic ship of the country. In the context of the Covid-19 epidemic, the Southeast is the epicenter of the 4th outbreak (June 2021), which has profoundly affected economic development in the region. Along with anti-epidemic policies (especially the closure of production and business establishments in the areas, blockade in localities) have greatly affected economic activities, as well as regional linkages of the country area. These pose significant challenges, but also require the Government and local authorities to make efforts and improve operating methods to promote regional connectivity in the context of the “new normal”.