Controversial opinions surrounding the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation into hot rolled coils (HRC) imported from China. Photo: Internet

Regarding the dossier requesting an investigation to apply anti-dumping measures on imported hot-rolled steel (HRC) from China from two domestic manufacturing enterprises, Mr. Chu Thang Trung, Deputy Director of the Trade Remedies Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) said that the Ministry has received a proposal to initiate an anti-dumping investigation of import products from China and India.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Law on Foreign Trade Management, domestic steel manufacturing enterprises have the right to submit documents to initiate investigation an act of dumping or signs of causing damage to the domestic production industry.

"Immediately after receiving the application documents from businesses, based on regulations and procedures, the authorities will evaluate the validity of the documents (lasting 15 days)". Mr. Chu Thang Trung stated and added that, representatives of domestic manufacturing industries must submit additional dossiers in case of being requested. Once the application is complete and valid, the application will be evaluated within 45 days.

On that basis, it is recommended that the Ministry of Industry and Trade initiate or not initiate an anti-dumping investigation, the investigation period after initiation will last from 2 - 6 months (maximum 8 months).

During the investigation process, the investigation agency will specifically notify relevant parties to provide sufficient evidence for a comprehensive and fair review and then draw a reasonable conclusion. Even after initiating the investigation, no measures have been taken regarding imported goods.

A representative of the Trade Remedies Department said that the investigation process will be carried out publicly and transparently and the appropriate documents are fully notified to information channels. The Ministry of Industry and Trade as well as the Trade Defense Agency must public information to press agencies and businesses, and at the same time proceed fully in accordance with the provisions of Vietnamese law and the World Trade Organization.

Talking to the press, Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan said that the right to request an anti-dumping investigation and submit dossiers belongs to businesses. Given the above incident, he said there are two controversial opinions: for and against the investigation and application of anti-dumping measures.

On the part of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, it will comply with the provisions of the Law on Foreign Trade Management, regulations related to processes, procedures, stages of receiving documents, researching documents, evaluating validity...

The investigation process is carried out strictly and the investigation results may or may not be applicable. Thus, there needs to be sufficient basis and evidence to demonstrate whether an anti-dumping investigation should be applied or not.

"The Ministry of Public Works is reviewing and continues to request the parties to provide more documents, but has not yet reached a conclusion or final decision on whether to investigate or not" - Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan informed.