A total of 54,199 cases of smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods were detected and handled across the country in the first half of this year, down 25.05% compared with the same period last year.

Of which, 5,243 cases were involved in illegally transporting banned and smuggled goods, a decline of 53.72%; 47,781 cases in commercial fraud and tax fraud, a decrease of 4.72%; and 1,019 cases in counterfeit goods and intellectual property violations, a drop of 90.61%.

Cracking down on smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods helped add nearly VND3,728 billion to the State budget.

The figures were released at the Thursday online conference to review the performance of the National Steering Committee for Anti-smuggling, Counterfeit Goods and Trade Fraud (National Steering Committee 389) in the first six months of the year and identify its tasks for the rest of the year.

The virtual event was presided by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh, Head of the National Steering Committee 389. Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Le Quang Nam chaired the event at the city’s broadcasting bridge point.

In his remarks at the event, Vice Chairman Nam informed that in the first half of the year, the city branch of the National Steering Committee 389 inspected 1,244 cases of smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods. VND96 billion worth of fines was levied on 1,028 cases, whilst many banned goods, goods of unknown origin, and goods infringing upon intellectual property, valued at tens of billions of VND, were confiscated.

Mr. Nam suggested the national government promulgate regulations on the management of enterprises after licencing, especially for enterprises that have been established for a long time, but without incurring taxes, as well as promulgate regulations on allowing the destruction of confiscated goods.

In his closing speech at the event, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh acknowledged and praised the National Steering Committee 389 for its great efforts in the fights against smuggling, commercial fraud and counterfeiting goods in the first 6 months of the year.

In addition to pointing out some shortcomings and limitations in the National Steering Committee's  performance, the Deputy Prime Minister asked the agency of ministries, branches and localities to do well in capturing and forecasting the situation, and strengthen the fight against smuggling, commercial fraud and counterfeit and poor quality goods, especially before, during and after the Tet Festival 2023.

Reporting by QUYNH TRANG - Translating by M.DUNG