State firms told to repay $1.5bn

HA NOI — Government inspectors have found that VND 30.7 trillion ($1.5 billion) was "wrongfully spent" by several major State-owned corporations.

During a press conference yesterday, Ngo Van Khanh, the Government Deputy Chief Inspector, said that from January to March, inspections were carried out at a number of State-owned corporations and institutions. These included Viet Nam National Chemical Corporation (Vinachem), PetroViet Nam, Viettel Telecom, Song Da Corporation and Ho Chi Minh City National University.

One of the conclusions of the inspectors recommended the return of VND 3,712 billion ($ 1.8 million) to State coffers.

In their report to the Prime Minister, the inspectors also asked that authorised agencies look into the alleged unauthor-ised spending of VND 27,000 billion ($ 1.3 billion).

Complaints by citizens increased during the second half of February and March, although many of the cases had been handled in a fair manner, consistent with regulations by local authorities.

During the inspections management of land use and construction investment in the northern province of Tuyen Quang and southern provinces of Ben Tre and Tien Giang were also scrutinised.

The inspectors have asked local authorities, particularly the chairmen of People's Committee, to co-operate with investigations and to facilitate the democratic process on a daily basis.

They emphasised the need to handle unsettled complaints, as they have become a hot-button issue in local communities. — VNS