PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc orders stricter measures to prevent massive scrap imports. (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Illegal scrap importers will face prosecution as part ofthe efforts to prevent massive scrap imports to Vietnam, said Prime MinisterNguyen Xuan Phuc at a meeting on July 25.
As the congestion of imported scrap materials at seaports is currently a greatpublic concern, PM Phuc asked relevant ministries and sector to prevent the massiveimports of scrap, which have silently been turning Vietnam into the world’sindustrial landfill and causing harm to both the life of people and theenvironment.
The PM ordered concerned agencies to investigate and deal with stagnantunclaimed scrap containers which are occupying large spaces at Vietnameseports.
TheMinistry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) was requested to clarify theimpacts of each kind of scrap so as to construct a list of qualified scarp forimport into Vietnam.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport must join hands with the Ministry ofFinance and other ministries and localities to destroy or remove scrap containers.
PM Phuc stressed that it is pertinent to review all valid permits for shipmentsof scrap materials, and that there will be no more new licences approved forscrap importers.
A close scrutinisation of scrap re-exports will be carried out by the Ministryof Industry and Trade.
The latest report from the General Department of Customs shows that in thefirst five months of the year, Vietnamimported more than 2 million tonnes of steel scrap, worth 744 million USD. Thehighest imports came from Japan, with 564,000 tonnes worth 200 million USD.
The congestion of imported scrap materials at seaports has affected theoperation capacity of ports and shipping companies, slowing down their flow ofgoods.
A large volume of scrap imports are currently stuck at ports in Ho Chi MinhCity. As of June 26, up to 4,480 containers of scrap materials had been stuckat the ports under the Saigon Newport Corporation’s management for at least 30days. Up to 3,464 of the containers are at Cat Lai Port.
Meanwhile, 737 containers have been stored for more than 90 days and 507 othershave stayed for between 30-90 days at ports in northern Hai Phong city.
About 20 percent of the imported scrap is paper, and the rest is plastic andother types of scrap materials, according to the MoNRE.–VNA
VNA
