IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON TRADE ACTIVITIES AND HOUSEHOLD ECONOMICS IN THE SOUTHWEST BORDER REGION OF VIETNAM

Abstract

Although there are a lot of agricultural production and active trading between the Vietnamese and Cambodian communities in the southwest region that borders Cambodia, all economic activity has declined since the COVID-19 outbreak. The article discusses the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on commerce and household economic activities in the Southwest border region, based on the result of a survey conducted in 2023 among 800 households in the four border provinces of Long An, Dong Thap, An Giang, and Kien Giang. Results indicate that since the pandemic, there have been obstacles to cross-border trade, farmers' ability to go back and forth across border areas for agricultural output has been restricted, and numerous service providers have shuttered, worsening the situation of the border economy. There has been a notable decline in household economics. Moreover, the reopening of border gates between the two nations due to the outbreak has resulted in non-standard restrictions that have hindered the recovery of commercial activity. Based on this finding, the study suggests that in the near future, governmental changes and remedies will be required to revive the home economy in the Southwest border region.