Protecting living environment, people's health - top goal of Vietnam: spokesperson
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang has reiterated Vietnam's consistent stance that protecting the living environment and people's health is always the top goal, without sacrificing the environment for economic growth, in response to the information that some US congressmen sent a letter of protest to the Taiwanese (China) authorities saying Vietnam's handling of the Formosa case was not satisfactory.
Fishermen and border guards collect and bury dead fish washed ashore in 2016. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang has reiterated Vietnam's consistent stance that protecting the living environment and people's health is always the topgoal, without sacrificing the environment for economic growth, in response to the information that someUS congressmen sent a letter of protest to the Taiwanese (China) authoritiessaying Vietnam's handling of the Formosa case was not satisfactory.
The official stated that Vietnam is determined to eliminatesprojects that cause environmental pollution, ensure the quality of the livingenvironment, protect biodiversity and ecosystems, and build a green, circular,and environmentally friendly economy.
According to her, immediately after a marine environmentalincident taking place in four central provinces of Vietnam in 2016, the Party,Government, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers drastically directed relevantministries, sectors and localities to work on the case, investigate the causes and deploy concerted solutions to tackle the incident and stabilise the lives of people in the affectedareas.
In the face of clear scientific evidence, the Hung NghiepFormosa Ha Tinh iron and steel company limited accepted responsibility forcompensating damages according to regulations, and apologised to the people andGovernment of Vietnam.
Under the PM’s assignment and direction, the Ministry ofNatural Resources and Environment (MONRE) established a supervisory council andan inter-sectoral supervision group to monitor Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh’s work to address the consequences of the marine environmental incident in the four central provinces.
Between July 2016 and now, the council and group have closely monitored and conducted periodical and irregular inspections of thecompany’s implementation of its environment protection commitments, the spokesperson said, adding that the PM alsoissued a decision approving a scheme on determining the damage, providing compensation, supporting the restoration of production, and ensuring social security forpeople affected by the marine environmental incident in Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, QuangTri, and Thua Thien – Hue provinces.
Hang said according to the MONRE’s latest report, after six years of conductingthe inter-sectoral monitoring mechanism, the company’s remedy of violations hasbeen completed and its commitments on environmental protection have been fullyimplemented. Currently, the firm’s production activities as well as the livesof people in the area have returned to normal./.
After 2 years actively implementing measures to overcome the marine environment incident, seawater quality and the marine environment has been restored.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) on July 24 confirmed that Formosa Ha Tinh had finally met national standards on sewage, three years after causing the country's biggest environmental crisis ever.
The Hoa Phat Group has surpassed Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh to become Vietnam’s largest steel producer after it produced 2 million tonnes of crude steel in the first quarter of this year, a 60 percent increase year-on-year.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
Fishermen and border guards collect and bury dead fish washed ashore in 2016. (Photo: VNA) 
