South Korean-owned Shinhan Bank bought 16.5 tonnes of watermelons from Vietnamese farmers distressed by the epidemic outbreak and its effect on exports, and gifted them to its employees. — Photo courtesy of Shinhan Bank

To help farmers who have been hit by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic’s adverse impact on exports, especially to China, the country’s largest buyer of farm produce, South Korea’s Shinhan Bank Vietnam Ltd. has bought 16.5 tonnes of watermelons from them and gifted them to its employees.

The fruits were distributed among its nearly 3,300 employees across the country on February 25 and 26.

The country’s agricultural exports have been seriously affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Though the Tan Thanh International Border Gate in Lang Son Province reopened on 20 February after being closed since January 30, Vietnamese agriculture has yet to overcome its difficulties.

Overland exports to China remained sluggish as of February 23.

Shinhan Bank initiated the "Empowering Vietnamese Agriculture" programme to send a message of solidarity and encourage everyone in the community to join hands.

Shin Dong Min, the bank’s CEO in Viet Nam, said Shinhan is always willing to support the Vietnamese economy during the ups and downs in its growth journey.

“We would like to share the burden with Vietnamese farmers in this challenging time.” — VNS