From the Formosa environmental disaster, we are increasingly aware of the lesson of respecting the people.

On the afternoon of June 30, the Government Office held a press conference to announce the conclusion on the cause of the recent marine environmental disaster in the North Central provinces. The culprit has been identified. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Corporation bowed his head and admitted his mistake, pledged to compensate and not repeat violations of Vietnam's laws on environmental protection and water resources.

Although it was not expected, the environmental disaster with its immediate consequences and long-term ramifications has occurred. The losses are many, difficult to measure. But besides the losses, there are gains. The most obvious is the Lesson called Formosa...

Meeting to announce the cause of fish deaths in 4 central provinces.

Nearly 3 months after the mass fish deaths and serious deterioration of the marine environment and ecosystem in the North Central provinces, the relevant ministries and branches have concluded the cause of this environmental disaster. The conclusion shows caution, objectivity, and integrity, in accordance with international practices and Vietnamese culture.

The Vietnamese often say: Hit the one who runs away… Once the conclusion is clear, right and wrong are clearly distinguished; the person who caused the disaster has bowed his head, admitted his mistake, committed to compensate, overcome the consequences and promised not to repeat the offense, then it is impossible to ignore it, nine out of ten. But the commitment must be fulfilled, the promise must go hand in hand with action. The Vietnamese people are tolerant, generous, and forgiving, but with someone who says he doesn’t keep his word, then, among the thirty-six strategies, Hung Nghiep Formosa or anyone else, should choose the strategy… run away!

What does the lesson of Formosa remind us?

We are increasingly aware of the lesson of respecting the people. Large projects in dangerous and important areas must be discussed in the National Assembly, seeking the opinions of the people and scientists; we must respect well-founded, far-sighted and national-interest opposing opinions.

Handling environmental incidents and disasters requires a systematic and careful approach, but also requires timeliness, dynamism and determination, with the safety of the people as the top priority. People look at the way the government handles incidents to evaluate and score public servants. Don't let people feel alone in similar incidents. People are witnesses, active and effective members in the process of monitoring and investigating incidents.

Through many years of opening up, integrating, and calling for investment, we have reaped many sweet fruits, but there have also been many times when we have had to swallow our pride and accept the bitter fruits. The consequences of these bitter fruits are not just immediate, or a day or two, but have consequences for many generations, in many fields.

Not only the economy, but also culture, environment, the future of the race, the survival of the nation and people. Seeing only the immediate benefits, the benefits of individuals, of small groups of power, and neglecting the responsibility of citizens and public servants, will easily be manipulated by partners, causing great harm to the community and the country.

One individual or a small group of people with power, greed and ignorance, can cause the whole community to suffer the consequences. If from the beginning, those who have the power to decide on investment, sensitively and responsibly, would say no to Formosa, a partner that has caused many environmental scandals, then the disaster would not have happened.

In calling for investment, a basic principle that has been repeatedly emphasized by the highest leaders of the Party and Government is not to develop or grow at all costs. Although we need capital to exploit potential, solve the problem of employment and growth, we must firmly reject heavy industrial projects that consume electricity, have outdated technology, and pose a potential risk of environmental destruction; and be cautious with projects carried out in dangerous areas, at borders, and at seaports.

By allowing untrustworthy partners to occupy vulnerable positions without control and supervision, we have paved the shortest path for the Trojan Horses, the modern-day Trong Thuys, to easily penetrate and climb high to carry out their deep and dangerous plans.

In the development process, external resources are important, but the decisive factor is still internal resources. Once the entrepreneurial spirit and self-reliance are ingrained in every Vietnamese person, domestic resources are unlocked, promoted, and multiplied. We are completely proactive in "using our own strength to liberate ourselves", not depending on the outside, not worrying about being called Formosa or similar names./.

According to VOV