Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai supplied information on the use of chemicals imported by Taiwanese Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh steel company, which the public has been suspicious of a link with the mass fish deaths in the north central region recently, at a cabinet meeting yesterday.
According to Mr. Hai, the company has imported 384 tons of 103 types of chemicals since last year, which has been permitted for use. Of these, 224 tons have been imported this year.
The purpose of the chemical import reported by the company is for metal surface cleaning, disinfection and cooling system. So far the company has used 51 tons and there are 284 tons in stock.
Answering reporters’ question about the safety of these chemicals, Mr. Hai said that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has been inspecting to make clear if Formosa used these chemical safely and in accordance with environment regulations. Inspecting results will be reported to the Prime Minister.
Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan said that they could not make an answer about this issue till they find out the causes of the fish death because it depends on scientists' opinions. The ministry will immediately inform the media right after receiving any information about that.
