Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to submit a report as a reference to make a decision whether to go ahead with a plan to host the 18th  Asian Games (ASIAD 18), said Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Nguyen Van Nen.

At a press conference on April 1, Minister-Chairman Nen said ASIAD 18 is not only a large sports event in Asia , but also one of great significance.

To date, Vietnam has yet to make a deposit for the organisation of ASIAD 18, he said, adding that previously, two countries returned their ASIAD host position.

Regarding the plan to restructure communications groups, Nen said the Government has approved a proposal of the Ministry of Information and Communications on the separation of mobile telecommunication in the Vietnam Post and Telecommunication Group (VNPT), in preparation for the equitisation of the firm as scheduled.

According to Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Bac Son, Mobifone will be detached from the VNPT.

Accordingly, Vinaphone and Mobifone will become two separate mobile telecommunication suppliers in the market, he added.

Mentioning information on the alleged bribery involving Japan Transportation Consultants, Inc. (JTC) and the railway sector of Vietnam , Nen said the Government as well as the Prime Minister have directed relevant ministries and sectors to engage in the investigation of the case.

If detected, violations will be strictly settled in accordance with the law, said Nen.

Authorised agencies of Vietnam will also work closely with the Japanese side in the investigation, he added.-VNA