Following media reports of the Binh An Fish Joint Stock Company’s many debts to local fish providers in the Mekong Delta, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked the People’s Committee of Can Tho City to look into Bianfishco’s operations.
The People’s Committee has also been asked to offer solutions to resolve the issue and send a report to the Prime Minister before March 25.
Tran Van Tri, who took over as Director- General of the Binh An Fish Joint Stock Company (Bianfishco) from his wife Pham Thi Dieu Hien, said at a press conference recently that his wife had gone to Singapore for medical treatment.
Tri said that up to now, the company owes local farmers VND261 billion (over US$12.5 million) and has promised to sell factory and other real-estate assets to repay debts by March.
The company has also to pay over VND3 billion in February salaries to 1,200 workers.
The People’s Committee of Can Tho City has set up an inspection team to keep an eye on the company.
In case Bianfishco cannot pay up its debts, workers’ rights will be considered first, fish-breeders will be considered second and bank debts will come last.
Apart from declaring workers’ salaries and fish-breeders debts, Bianfishco has not as yet declared its bank debts.