Vietnam to Raise Fines for Firms Violating Environmental Rules

Vietnam’s government has issued Decree 155/2016/ND-CP stipulating fines in the environment sector with the highest up to VND2 billion ($88,495), the government said on its website. Under which, individuals and organizations which violate regulations on environmental protection, environment-affected assessment, environmental pollution, waste management, and biodiversity protection. Accordingly, people who break law on environmental protection will be strictly punished, the maximum fine will reach VND1 billion to individuals and VND2 billion to organizations. Vietnam has tightened control over environmental protection since the beginning of the new cabinet since April 2016. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has affirmed to strictly punish any people or companies which violate law on environmental protection. The tough move, which is unlike those in the previous terms, has received strong public support. (Baochinhphu.vn Nov 24)