Jail term of 6-7 years proposed for former deputy minister in solar energy case
A prison sentence of six to seven years was proposed for former Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Hoang Quoc Vuong for "abusing position and power while performing duties" in a solar power case.
Former Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Hoang Quoc Vuong at the court hearing on April 21, 2025. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Hanoi People’s Procuracy on April 23 proposed a prison sentence of six to seven years for former Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Hoang Quoc Vuong for "abusing position and power while performing duties" under Article 356, Clause 3 of the Penal Code, in a solar power case.
Former head of the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) Phuong Hoang Kim was also expected to face the same jail term for the same charge.
Meanwhile, prison terms ranging from three to six years were proposed for 10 others.
According to the Procuracy, wrongdoings in implementing the Thuan Nam solar power project are very serious, undermining the operations of state agencies.
Vuong was accused of abusing his power and position, deliberately directing the drafting team to formulate Government Decision No. 13 in a way that expanded the eligibility for the preferential electricity price of 9.35 US cents/kWh.
Regarding civil liability, the Procuracy proposed that the judicial panel order three companies that unlawfully benefited from the policy to repay the funds to Vietnam Electricity (EVN).
According to Procuracy, the Government issued Resolution No. 115/NQ-CP issued in August 2018, which introduced special mechanisms to support the socio-economic development of the south-central province of Ninh Thuan. The resolution stipulated that projects with a combined capacity of 2,000 MW, approved by the Prime Minister, would be eligible for preferential electricity pricing until the end of 2020.
The MoIT was tasked with drafting Decision No. 13 on the mechanism to encourage solar power development in Vietnam.
During this process, Vuong allegedly instructed the drafting team to expand the scope of benefﷺiciaries, resulting in two solar power plants receiving the preferential rate unlawfully and causing EVN to incur losses of over 1.04 trillion VND (approxima🥂tely 42 million USD)./.
The Petrovietnam Power Corporation (PV Power) has proposed the implementation of the Lam Son Clean Energy Production Complex project, with an investment of nearly 4 billion USD in Ninh Thuan province.
The south-central coastal provinces of Phu Yen and Ninh Thuan have become attractive destinations for investors operating in the energy industry thanks to great potential for renewable energy development.
In Vietnam’s case, she said, President Ho Chi Minh demonstrated his strategic vision by founding the revolutionary press a century ago. The late leader understood the press's role not only as a means to reflect the country’s realities but also as a powerful tool to strengthen national unity and inspire the resistance wars and national construction process.
In recent interviews granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporters in Mexico, prominent figures reflected on the press’s legacy and its global influence.
VietnamPlus e-newspaper of the VNA clinched an A prize in the “Outstanding Press Product” category for its immersive 3D multimedia project, “Epic of Reunification,” a groundbreaking blend of storytelling and technology. The VNA won another A prize for its eye-catching exhibition booth.
Today, the press for foreign service has evolved into a distinct, irreplaceable force, bridging Vietnam with the world and portraying a nation that is stable, peace-loving, and fully integrated into the international community.
At a review conference held on June 21, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh praised the province’s scientific, coordinated, and flexible approach. He noted that the early completion reflects the strong commitment of local authorities, the business community, philanthropists, and residents in improving housing conditions for disadvantaged groups.
The VNA delegation, led by General Director Vu Viet Trang, actively participated in the event, engaging in both professional and diplomatic activities.
In the context where AI dominates and produces vast volumes of content, the only sustainable path forward for journalism is to focus on high-quality content and core values. Journalism must redefine its mission - not to report the fastest, but to provide the most profound and trustworthy value.
Granma and the VNA have great potential for cooperation, especially in sharing content regularly, so that VNA products are published on Granma platforms and vice versa, thereby helping Cuban and Vietnamese people access true information and gain a deep understanding of each other's country and people.
During his stay in China’s Guangzhou city from 1924 to 1927 to prepare for the establishment of a Communist Party to lead Vietnam’s revolution, President Ho Chi Minh founded “Thanh nien” newspaper and released its first issue on June 21, 1925.
Vietnam and Cambodia are hoped to strengthen their robust collaboration across various sectors, particularly in resolving remaining border issues to transform the border area into a zone of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
The strategic product, managed and operated by the Vietnam News Agency Digital Media Centre (VNA Media), is an official channel for popularising the Party and State’s information and documents as well as delivering mainstream and trustworthy news to both domestic and international audiences through various kinds of multimedia formats.
Since President Ho Chi Minh founded Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has become the voice of the people. During the resistance war against the colonialists, journalists took great personal risks to inspire patriotism and the will of rising up against foreign invaders.
The total investment exceeded 319 billion VND (12.2 million USD), including over 261 billion VND from the state budget and 57.5 billion VND mobilised from businesses, organisations, and individuals.
The Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang is intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as part of the country’s goal of having the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning lifted.
Throughout its 80-year history, the VNA has remained at the forefront of information dissemination. It has consistently delivered timely, accurate, and objective reports on both domestic and international events, serving the Party’s leadership, the State’s management, and the public’s demand for official news.
With strong support from local authorities, businesses, organisations, and residents, the province has successfully built or repaired 10,707 homes for disadvantaged households, including war veterans, families of martyrs, ethnic minority people, and low-income residents.
Throughout its resistance against colonialists and imperialists, Vietnam developed a revolutionary press that has served as a benchmark for just and legitimate causes worldwide.
Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic is regarded as a cultural ambassador of Austria, with prestigious conductors like Mahler and Karajan who shape its legacy. Its New Year’s Concert, broadcast to over 90 countries annually, stands as a global symbol of classical music excellence.
