Let shippers deliver food, says Grab
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Delivery app Grab wants food delivery services resumed in Hanoi since they help reduce the number of people gathering to fulfill various needs.
“Since Hanoi authorities have been limiting the number of people at supermarkets and retail locations to lower the risk of contagion, services like GrabFood, GrabMart and GrabExpress have provided valuable assistance,” it said in a proposal, referring to its food, retail and parcel delivery services.
They could help meet the city’s desire to ensure adequate supply of essential goods, it said.
It assured its delivery people would meet social distancing requirements and it would limit delivery to essential items.
Hanoi on Saturday ordered five ride-hailing and delivery platforms, Grab, Gojek, Be, MyGo and FastGo, to suspend their services, but still let other delivery platforms operate.
Grab said the decision was inconsistent with the city’s policies and feared could cause unfair competition.
Hanoi began a 15-day social distancing order starting 6 a.m. Saturday amid rising coronavirus concerns in both the capital and nationwide.
It has recorded over 900 cases in the latest wave.
Questions & Answers
Q.Why does Grab believe its services should be resumed in Hanoi?
Why does Grab believe its services should be resumed in Hanoi?
Grab argues that its delivery services reduce the number of people gathering, which is helpful given Hanoi's limits on supermarket and retail numbers. It also believes these services can ensure a supply of essential goods.
Q.Which specific Grab services are mentioned in its proposal to Hanoi authorities?
Which specific Grab services are mentioned in its proposal to Hanoi authorities?
Grab's proposal specifically refers to its GrabFood, GrabMart, and GrabExpress services. These cover food, retail, and parcel delivery, which it considers valuable assistance.
Q.What reason did Grab give for its concern about the suspension order?
What reason did Grab give for its concern about the suspension order?
Grab expressed concern that the decision was inconsistent with the city's policies. It also feared the suspension could lead to unfair competition, as other delivery platforms are still operating.
Q.What measures did Grab assure it would take if services were resumed?
What measures did Grab assure it would take if services were resumed?
Grab assured that its delivery personnel would meet social distancing requirements. It also stated it would limit deliveries to essential items only, aligning with public health needs.
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