What do you think about the protests in recent days that have led to fires, looting and attacks on foreign factories?

In recent days, Vietnamese people and workers have spontaneously held demonstrations in industrial zones to protest China’s placement of the Haiyang Shiyou 981 oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. The demonstrations started peacefully, but over the past three days, starting in southern Binh Duong province and followed by several other localities, many workers in these zones and surrounding residents, incited by rioters, became enraged and attacked foreign companies. The riots have caused serious concern from foreign investors and damaged the image of the country as a safe investment destination that we have worked tirelessly to build for many years.

What is the Vietnamese government doing to prevent riots in the coming days?

Local authorities and relevant entities, under the direction of the government, have reacted immediately upon news of the riots. Firstly we are taking strong measures to protect foreign investors, as well as their assets. Secondly, we arrested ringleaders and rioters to put a halt to the escalating tensions. As of now, the situation has calmed but tensions remain and could get out of control again unless strong preventative actions are taken.

Government bodies have also warned Vietnamese people not to riot and called for them to behave responsibly and protect investors and businesspeople for the sake of the nation and its people.

What has the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) done in the capacity of the state’s investment management body?

We have sent documents to planning and investment departments and management authorities of industrial parks and economic zones asking that they take all necessary actions to protect investors and dissolve protests. The MPI has also requested every province and city to establish a special authority with a public hotline responsible for taking calls from people and foreign companies. This authority will be available at all hours of the day and every day of the week. Additionally, local authorities will work with trade unions, business associations and enterprises to put their minds at ease, while educating people to protect foreign enterprises. People must understand that when they join riots against foreign investors, however patriotic their intentions, they are hurting Vietnam and its people as the country has invited them to be here.

More importantly, we want Vietnamese people to understand that they should protect Chinese people and companies in Vietnam as well. Even though the Chinese government has illegally placed the oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, Vietnam still wants to maintain its positive relationship with Chinese people and businesses, which contribute to the development of the country and are protected under Vietnamese law. There will be no investors in Vietnam, Chinese or otherwise, if they don’t feel safe and secure. We must maintain Vietnam as a safe investment destination.

Given recent developments, what message would you like to relay to foreign investors?

What I want to say to foreign investors is that the recent riots were very unfortunate. The Vietnamese government has applied all measures and forces to stop rioting and is calling on foreign investors, international organisations and foreign business associations to provide us feedback and support our nation in this time of difficulty. We are also asking them to be fair in their reporting on the riots and also our efforts to ensure their safety here.