A round-table discussion on controlling and preventing corruption was held in Hanoi on May 17 by the Government Inspectorate in co-ordination with the Swedish embassy in Vietnam.

The meeting focused on combating corruption in the field of mineral exploration and its management.

According to statistics, over the past four months, Vietnam has granted an additional 100 certificates for mineral exploration on top of the more than 3,800 valid certificates already granted by provinces and centrally-run cities. The country has detected numerous violations and fined many businesses a total of VND12 trillion for illegally exploiting minerals.

Participants at the discussion stressed the need to exploit natural resources more efficiently to ensure sustainable development and social welfare.

They also pointed out shortcomings in the exploitation of natural resources in recent years that have caused environmental pollution and workplace accidents.

Delegates voiced concerns over corruption in this field and offered some signs that indicate possible cases of corruption.

(VOV)