VietNamNet Bridge - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked provincial People’s Committees to simplify procedures for giving aid to fishermen who cannot afford to put to sea because of the recent 31 per cent fuel increase.

The PM made the request in a message sent to local governments yesterday stating that the number of fishermen receiving Government fuel subsidies was still small.

This meant few boats had put to sea because of "red tape" involved in procedures to receive the grants. Therefore, the message said, fishermen were still suffering losses.

In his message, Dung partially attributed the situation to cumbersome procedures fishermen have to complete before getting a subsidy.

He said some localities had even set up their own extra conditions and forced fishermen to complete extra duties.

Dung asked city and provincial People’s Committees to direct relevant offices to help fishermen complete these procedures.

The message said procedure must be simple, realistic and take into account the education level of fishermen.

PM Dung asked the Ministry of Finance to co-ordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and cities and provinces to get the job done.

The message also asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to help fishermen address difficulties in raising and consuming tra catfish.

(Source: VNS)