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Vietnam prosecutors support Grab appeal against Vinasun

By Rajiv MenonVietnam
1 min read
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Prosecutors in Ho Chi Minh City have appealed a verdict ordering Grab to pay compensation to domestic taxi firm Vinasun. They want the appeal court to quash the order requiring the Singapore ride-hailing firm to pay VND4.8 billion ($206,000) in compensation for alleged losses and reject all of Vinasun’s demands. Grab violated a pilot transport ministry scheme and government decree for ride-hailing services, according to the verdict.

But the prosecutors argue this is groundless since Grab is a passenger transport firm licensed by competent authorities under the pilot scheme and its activities did not violate the law.

They also dismiss the contention that Grab had caused Vinasun losses of nearly VND42 billion ($1.81 million) as one-sided with no practical or legal basis since it was based solely on an assessment by the court-appointed Cuu Long Inspection Company.

“In reality, Vinasun’s decline in revenue involves many factors such as the corporate governance capability and the government’s policies and laws.”

“Therefore, Vinasun’s demand for compensation from Grab is completely groundless.”

They say Grab’s business activities are legal and Vinasun’s decline in revenues and profits have been partially due to consumers switching to Grab as they found the ride-hailing firm’s services to be superior to those provided by Vinasun and other traditional taxi firms.

“Grab did not violate the law, there is no causal link between Grab’s allegedly illegal activities and Vinasun’s losses, Grab is not at fault.”

Vinasun filed the suit against Grab at the HCMC People’s Court in June 2017, accusing it of abusing the Ministry of Transport’s pilot scheme and committing violations.

The trial began last February, but was adjourned several times before the court last December accepted parts of Vinasun’s demands and ordered Grab to pay the compensation. Grab has appealed.

Questions & Answers

Q.

What is the primary reason the prosecutors are appealing the court's verdict against Grab?

A.

Prosecutors argue that Grab is a lawfully licensed passenger transport firm and did not violate the law or the pilot scheme. They believe the claim of Grab causing Vinasun's losses is unfounded and lacks practical or legal basis.

Q.

On what grounds do the prosecutors dismiss Vinasun's claim of substantial losses due to Grab?

A.

Prosecutors contend Vinasun's loss assessment, based solely on a single inspection company, is one-sided and without practical or legal basis. They suggest Vinasun's revenue decline results from various factors, including its own corporate governance and government policies.

Q.

When did Vinasun originally file its lawsuit against Grab and for what alleged reasons?

A.

Vinasun filed the lawsuit in June 2017, accusing Grab of misusing the Ministry of Transport's pilot scheme. It claimed Grab committed violations and caused it significant financial losses.

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