26 September 2008 - Vedan International claims that its monosodium glutamate manufacturing facility in Dong Nai, Vietnam, as of today 26 September 2008, is still in operation.
The Dong Nai plant has been under investigation since mid-September for having discharged wastewater into the Thi Vai River via purpose built pipes concealed 9m under the water. The Vietnamese Government said at the time that it would order Vedan to stop operations at the facility during its investigation.
According to a comment received from the company "no charges have been made against nor sanctions have been imposed on Vietnam Vedan as of 25 September 2008 in respect of such findings or any other possible violation of the environmental laws of Vietnam".
Vedan's chairman, Yang Tou-Hsiung, said: "The Company will co-operate with the relevant authorities in Vietnam in respect of further inspection on the Environmental Issues and will use its best endeavours to protect the interests of its shareholders. Further announcement will be made by the Company on any significant development regarding the Inspection and the possible impact on the Company and its subsidiaries in such circumstances if so required in compliance with the requirements of the Listing Rules".
Trading in the shares of the company were halted yesterday and were resumed at 9:30 am (Hong Kong time) on 26 September 2008.