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The authorities discover illegal transportation of diamond and gold worth VND15 billion from Hong Kong to Hai Phong in July, 2021. Source: Customs Magazine

The fight against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeiting in the first half of 2021 saw positive results, reported the National Steering Standing Committee 389.

At border gates, Customs, Border Guard and Police have been strengthening coordination in Covid-19 pandemic prevention and fighting against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeiting. As a result, many violation cases, illegal cross-border trade and transportation lines of contraband goods have been destroyed.

The National Steering Committee 389 identified that, although smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeiting have been reduced, they have been at potential risk of scale, nature and scope.

Minister of Finance asked the Steering Committee 389 of ministries, agencies and local governments and authorities to strictly follow programmes, plans and directions of the Government, the Prime Minister, and the National Steering Committee 389 on fight against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods.

To develop specific measures, programmes and plans in the fight against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods in accordance with the complex situation of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as when the Covid-19 pandemic is controlled.

To identify methods and tricks of the subjects of smuggling, commercial fraud, production and the business of counterfeit goods to effectively prevent them and create conditions for production and business development.

To control, detect, prevent and handle cases of trade fraud, counterfeiting and intellectual property right infringement for essential commodities, medical products for the anti- Covid-19 pandemic.

To focus on political and ideological education, strengthening inspection and examination of officials who show negative signs, protect and give hand to smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeiting, ensuring internal purity and integrity to successfully complete tasks.

To strengthen inspection, examination, control and handling of violations on the land border, sea and domestic market, especially once the pandemic is suppressed.

To closely work together in information sharing, patrol and control to prevent violations in a timely manner.

To promote communication and dissemination on experiences in the fight against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeiting, to spread the example of good people and good deeds to encourage people to denounce acts of smuggling, trade fraud, production and the trading of fake goods.

In addition, Ho Duc Phoc asked the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee 389 to advise the National Steering Committee 389 to improve the efficiency of management and operation, and to actively guide, inspect and urge the activities of the Steering Committee 389 of ministries, agencies and local governments and authorities in the fight against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeiting.