Many South Korean Companies Violate Vietnam Environmental Protection Rules

Fish die due to water polluted with toxic substances discharged by industrial plants in Vietnam

Fish die due to water polluted with toxic substances discharged by industrial plants in Vietnam

A number of South Korean companies have been found to show poor implementation of law on environmental protection, discharging untreated wastewater and solid water into the environment, the Vietnam Investment Review (VIR) has reported.

by KTT, July 20, 2016

A number of South Korean companies have been found to show poor implementation of law on environmental protection, discharging untreated wastewater and solid water into the environment, the Vietnam Investment Review (VIR) has reported.

The latest case was detected at South Korean TTB Vina MFG Co., Ltd located in the northern province of Bac Giang when local authorities imposed a fine of VND210 million ($9,407) on the company for environmental violations.

Inspection results showed that toxic substances in the company’s wastewater samples were ten times higher than the permitted levels.

The local authorities set 10 days for the fine payment and will carry out coercive measures after the deadline.

The South Korean company will have to take appropriate measures to mitigate environmental consequences and improve its existing wastewater treatment system.

Starting operation in September 2006, TTB Vina MFG specializes in costumes manufacturing. Its products are exported to South Korea and Europe.

Earlier, Korean Em-Tech Vina Co., Ltd., which specializes in manufacturing mobile speakers, headphones, and electronic components in the central province of Nghe An, was accused of discharging untreated wastewater into the environment.

After the environmental protection violations at Taiwan-invested Formosa Hung Nghiep Ha Tinh Steel Corporation recently, Vietnamese economists have called the government for tougher requirements of environmental protection in foreign-invested projects.

Earlier at the announcement of the latest Vietnam Annual Economic Report, Nguyen Duc Thanh, head of the Vietnam Institute for Economic and Policy Research (VEPR) under Hanoi National University, said the Formosa case would leave uncountable damage to the affected region and long-term consequences to Vietnam.

Famous economist Pham Chi Lan said that Vietnam should never sacrifice environment for short-term economic growth and the government must review all foreign direct investment (FDI) projects nationwide for environmental protection