Article by Mr. Đinh Hồng Kỳ published on the online news site of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) – Business Forum, dated August 27, 2021.
Special Opportunities from COVID-19
This article aims to share the positive aspects that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought—and will continue to bring—in both the present and the future.
The Rise of the Online Economy
Even before the pandemic, the development of the online economy had already been discussed and anticipated globally. However, prolonged social distancing—as we have experienced and continue to experience—has accelerated this transition, helping both supply and demand sides adapt and gradually form new habits in participating in the digital economy.
People have become accustomed to buying, ordering, trading, and using services such as education, fitness, healthcare, and media through online platforms.
Extended periods of social distancing are reshaping behaviors and establishing a new norm, embedding online engagement as an essential and routine part of daily life.
Prolonged social distancing, as has occurred and is still ongoing, is causing both consumers and suppliers to gradually adapt and form new habits in participating in the online economy.
A wide range of life-serving sectors such as cinema, media, and the arts will transform in line with the trend of digitalization across internet platforms.
In business operations, the prolonged period of working online from home has helped make online communication a routine. People will increasingly replace traditional face-to-face meetings with online conferences. Undoubtedly, a wave of virtual stores, virtual offices, virtual showrooms, and virtual exhibitions will emerge after the pandemic, making operations more convenient, cost-effective, and safer.
New lifestyle and investment demands emerge
History has shown that strong innovation is often born and developed during times of crisis. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the growing demand for green, eco-friendly products will influence investment trends toward environmental protection and human health safety. Across the globe, businesses are being forced to reinvent themselves, pivot strategically, and explore new directions—creating products that are renewable and moving toward a circular economy.
“The Suburban Home” – An Emerging Trend in the Real Estate Market
The COVID-19 Pandemic: Transformative Opportunities and Shifting Trends
“The Suburban Home” – A Rising Trend in the Real Estate Market
The outbreak of COVID-19, which resulted in mass fatalities in densely populated urban areas, will leave a lasting impression in the memories of at least one or two generations. After the pandemic, the desire to live in the suburbs, by the sea, or in the mountains—places with clean air, low population density, and closeness to nature—will become a growing trend not only among the wealthy but also among the general population. As a result, real estate investment will gradually shift toward suburban areas and nature-friendly provinces.
A Shift in Tourism Preferences
Tourism habits are also undergoing a significant transformation. Travelers will likely avoid crowded and noisy tourist destinations and instead seek out eco-tourism spots on remote islands, untouched beaches, or highland regions.
The Workforce Returning to the Countryside
The wave of urban workers fleeing to the countryside during the pandemic has caused a loss of labor for businesses in major cities. However, this shift could have a positive long-term effect by reducing population pressure in urban centers, easing the burden on urban infrastructure, and enabling a redistribution of the labor force toward rural development. This migration may encourage investors to be more confident in building factories, business facilities, and developing real estate in rural areas.
Before the pandemic, there were concerns that concentrating development resources in major cities would create imbalances. Now, the pandemic is contributing to a more balanced economic development between urban and rural regions.
A Shift in Government Operations
The pandemic has served as a test of leadership—like fire refining gold—revealing both competence and weakness in leaders from central to provincial levels. While many leaders have demonstrated dedication and sacrifice, others have exposed their lack of capacity and unwillingness to take responsibility, leading to serious consequences.
The reshuffling of management teams in various provinces and the disciplinary actions taken against negligent officials during the crisis are testament to this reality. The pandemic has become a filter to eliminate underperforming public servants and lay the groundwork for a more capable administrative workforce in the post-pandemic era.
Moreover, public administration was forced to move toward digitalization during the pandemic. This shift will make government operations not only more efficient but also more transparent, helping to prevent corruption.
Clearer International Relations
The pandemic has also helped Vietnam to better recognize its true international friends. Countries such as the United States, Japan, and those in Europe promptly and generously provided millions of doses of vaccines, medicines, and medical equipment to Vietnam without conditions during its time of need—reinforcing ties and redefining meaningful global partnerships.
2 million doses of Moderna vaccine supplied by the United States to Vietnam through COVAX
People Becoming More Compassionate
In recent days, in Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding areas, amid the pain caused by the pandemic affecting relatives, colleagues, neighbors, and more, we have witnessed many touching stories of help and kindness from benefactors in Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces, as well as the selfless sacrifices of frontline doctors and nurses, volunteer groups, and the military.
The kindness of benefactors has timely encouraged the people through the pandemic.
“Determined to fight to the end” expresses the strong will of the doctors and medical staff at Cho Ray Hospital while working in the treatment area for severe COVID-19 patients.
In every family, bonds of love and affection grow deeper as life hangs more precariously than ever before. Wealth and fame now seem fleeting. Whether rich or poor, powerful or ordinary, everyone feels united as if on the same small boat navigating stormy seas. Health and life can be taken away at any moment, regardless of who they are.
These ties will strengthen human relationships so that after overcoming the pandemic, family, social, work, and partnership relationships will adopt higher, more noble standards of living—becoming more compassionate and altruistic.
Clean environment and hygienic lifestyle
The COVID-19 pandemic has had clear positive effects on the living environment. The air is cleaner, oceans and rivers less polluted, and nature and wildlife are making a comeback.
People’s habits have changed after the pandemic. Simple actions like hand washing, wearing masks, and personal hygiene—which were often neglected in underdeveloped areas—will become good habits. People are more aware of caring for their health and maintaining clean living spaces.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought much suffering to humanity but has also taught us many lessons. It has given us positive motivation to move forward.
