Prime Minister: Transparent use of Formosa compensation money

The Prime Minister requested ministries and branches to be transparent in the use of Formosa's $500 million compensation.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc mentioned the Government's announcement of the cause of the environmental incident in the central provinces when speaking at the opening of the second working day of the Government's online meeting today.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chairs a regular Government meeting. Photo: VGP

In response to some opinions that the announcement of the cause was delayed, the Prime Minister emphasized that "it took a long time because we had to ensure sufficient scientific basis".

"The Government appreciates the coordination of all levels and sectors in the fight against Formosa's violations," said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

With the amount of 500 million USD that Formosa committed to compensate, the Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to preside over, together with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, to develop a draft support policy, submit it to the Government as soon as possible for decision and timely implementation.

This includes support policies for offshore fishermen; environmental restoration; and direct support for fishermen.

“How much support for fishermen, how much support for offshore fishing, how much for the environmental protection fund... will be announced specifically and transparently to effectively use the compensation money from Formosa,” said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also emphasized that we require Formosa to seriously handle this incident, commit to not letting it happen again, and will monitor Formosa to properly fulfill its commitments.

Economic development goes hand in hand with environmental protection

In front of ministries and 63 localities attending the online meeting, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc also emphasized that economic development must go hand in hand with environmental protection, not ignoring the environment for the sake of the economy.

“We must protect people's living environment, for example, projects on the Hau River must also be closely monitored, and the Hau River environment must be protected,” said the Prime Minister.

Several provinces and cities affected by the above environmental incident also spoke at the meeting this morning.

Leaders of Thua Thien - Hue reported that inshore fishing and local tourism services have been affected and are facing difficulties.

The province proposed that the Government support fishermen to switch to offshore fishing, export labor, restore tourism...

According to Vietnamnet.vn