Directive No. 02/2008/CT-NHNN on Strengthening Security Protection Work, Safeguarding Assets, and Fire Prevention and Control within the State Bank System

DIRECTIVE

On Strengthening Security Protection Work, Safeguarding Assets, and Fire Prevention and Control in the State Bank System

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In recent years, security protection work for safeguarding assets and warehouses, as well as fire prevention and firefighting at agencies and units under the State Bank system has always been given appropriate attention by the State Bank Leadership. However, according to the assessment of competent authorities, there have been notable new developments in the situation of public order and social safety recently with the activities of criminal gangs, professional ruffians, and individuals involved in organized crime groups previously dealt with showing signs of resurfacing in some major cities. Many theft and robbery gangs operate more sophisticatedly and recklessly, resulting in several attacks on commercial banks. Regarding fire incidents in 2007, according to statistics from the General Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security, there were 2,628 fires nationwide. Grasping promptly the developments of various types of crimes as well as fire situations across the country, in 2007, the State Bank closely coordinated with the Ministry of Public Security to protect state assets entrusted to the State Bank for management.

To meet current requirements and implement the Prime Minister's Directive on anti-terrorism work in the new situation, the Governor of the State Bank requests the heads of units under the State Bank to carry out the following tasks:

1. Mobilize all cadres, civil servants, and employees to participate in national security protection and anti-terrorism efforts. Organize effective propaganda and education to enhance awareness and vigilance among cadres and party members; prevent malicious elements from exploiting opportunities to cause confusion and negative impacts on political security, public order, and social safety, as well as foreign relations of the Party and the State; while guiding public opinion to denounce and expose the plots and tactics of enemy and bad elements aimed at undermining national security and terrorist activities.

Security and order protection, asset and warehouse security work, and anti-terrorism efforts must prioritize prevention, actively grasp the situation; detect plots early, forecast possible scenarios to develop plans for struggle, handling, and neutralizing terrorist and sabotage plans, preventing passivity and surprise.

2. The Organization and Cadre Affairs Department shall take the lead in coordinating with the heads of units within the State Bank system to ensure sufficient staffing for dedicated security personnel, including those replacing those who retire according to regulations and during holidays and annual leave.

The allocation of security forces for daily patrols and guarding shall be arranged by the unit heads to ensure adequate capacity for protecting security and asset safety of the agency or unit around the clock. Shifts should not exceed eight hours, and additional shifts may be arranged up to four hours per day if necessary, with overtime pay provided according to regulations. Civil servants and employees without security expertise shall not be assigned security duties.

Unit heads shall regularly inspect and urge security forces to effectively perform patrol, guard, and control duties over people and vehicles entering and exiting the premises, ensuring security and asset safety; focusing on strengthening measures outside regular working hours, on holidays, and during festivals. Remind staff to properly organize files and documents, turn off electricity, lock and seal safes and storage room doors, and office room doors during festivals. Strictly prohibit organizing cooking, incense burning, candle lighting, and worshiping in office rooms.

3. Complete internal regulations, rules, and plans for security protection work; fire prevention and firefighting (PCCC); disaster prevention and injury prevention. Strengthen local firefighting forces to ensure proactive implementation and resolution of PCCC issues at the facility. Establish cooperation protocols between members of the PCCC Steering Committee; define functions, responsibilities, and powers of the PCCC team; cadres, civil servants, and employees must be trained in PCCC skills and proficient in using firefighting equipment.

Before constructing or renovating facilities within the premises, representatives of the local PCCC force must participate in providing opinions and acceptance inspections.

4. Conduct inspections of PCCC safety conditions, promptly identify and rectify any loopholes, deficiencies, and violations that could lead to fires or explosions. Pay special attention to safety measures in managing and using electricity, gasoline, gas, and flammable and explosive materials. Inspect the quantity and quality of PCCC systems and firefighting equipment already installed, and timely supplement, repair, and replace any missing or damaged equipment to ensure quality, so that when a fire or explosion occurs, the local forces and equipment can handle it effectively.

5. Coordinate with the police and local authorities to arrange accommodation for security guards outside the premises, build watchtowers for security guards outside the perimeter fence according to the model prescribed by the Ministry of Public Security. Do not place the security guard duty post and the target security guard duty post at the same location. Develop plans for cooperation in protecting security and order, asset and warehouse safety between the target security guard force and the premises security guard force.

6. The heads of units under the jurisdiction of the State Bank of Vietnam regulated by Joint Circular No. 14/TTLB dated November 4, 1992 of the State Bank - Ministry of Home Affairs "on security and asset protection work for state assets managed and preserved by the banking sector" (Joint Circular No. 14/TTLB) shall organize to review and evaluate the advantages, difficulties, and obstacles encountered during the implementation of Joint Circular No. 14/TTLB, propose points for supplementation and amendment, and submit reports to the State Bank before April 15, 2008 (Management Bureau) for consolidation and reporting to the joint ministries.

7. The Management Bureau of the State Bank of Vietnam shall take the lead, in collaboration with relevant departments and bureaus at the Central State Bank, to coordinate with units under the Ministry of Public Security to compile opinions from various units and draft a new circular to replace Joint Circular No. 14/TTLB, to be submitted to the Governor of the State Bank before May 30, 2008.

8. This Directive shall take effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette.

The Director of the Office of the State Bank of Vietnam and the heads of units under the State Bank of Vietnam are responsible for organizing the implementation of this Directive.

 GOVERNOR

(Signed)

Nguyen Van Giau