Since the start of this year, a total of 9,843 cases of smuggling, commercial fraud and trading in fake goods have been dealt with, an increase of 12% against last year. The vast majority, 9,331, were commercial frauds.  Over 168 billion VND in fines were imposed for these violations.

Shoppers at a local supermarket

These figures were released at a meeting on Thursday which was chaired Mr Ho Ky Minh, the municipal People’s Committee Vice Chairman cum Head of the city’s Steering Board for Combating Smuggling, Commercial Fraud and the Production and Trading of Fake Goods.

It was also reported that, during this year, stronger measures were taken to ensure local market price stabilisation, especially during public holidays.  Also, a closer collaboration between relevant local agencies was secured in order to promote the fight against smuggling, trade frauds and fake goods.

Vice Chairman Minh remarked that the city will host many important events next year, including the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival and the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week.  He therefore stressed the need for relevant agencies to safeguard local security and food safety and hygiene, and maintain stable market prices. 

In particular, importance should be attached to promoting local supply-demand links and ensuring sufficient supplies of essential goods before, during, and after the Tet Festival, as well as developing plans for implementing market price stabilisation programmes for next year. 

Greater efforts will also be made to stop such illegal acts as transporting prohibited items and debauched cultural products, trading in fake consumer goods, trafficking in timber and rare animal species, and conducting fraudulent gasoline trade frauds. 

In addition, special attention will be paid to avoiding tax collection losses from local hospitality service providers.