The inspection will be intensified to fight against smuggling. — Photo vietq

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — The Prime Minister has ordered concerned ministries and organisations to intensify efforts to stop smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeiting in anticipation of the 2015 Tet (Lunar New Year) celebration.

In Document No 2118/CD-TTg issued last Tuesday, the Prime Minister explained that smuggling, trade fraud and the manufacture of counterfeit products remained serious and complicated problems in numerous localities throughout the country and were expected to worsen with the anticipated increase in consumer consumption during the Tet holiday.

Checks and inspections are to be carried out at border gates, border economic zones, cargo regrouping areas near the border and wholesale markets, as well as roads, railways, airports and harbours.

The inspection will focus on provinces such as Cao Bang, Lang Son, Quang Ninh and Lao Cai. Also included are Son La, Lai Chau, Dien Bien and Hai Phong, as well as Ha Noi, HCM City, Ha Tinh and Quang Tri. Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Long An, Tay Ninh and An Giang were likewise listed.

Concerned ministries and organisations were told to pay particular attention to products such as drugs, weapons, firecrackers and harmful cultural products, as well as violent toys and gasoline. Also listed were beer and other alcoholic drinks, tobacco, wildlife and consumer goods.

Penalties on violations must be strictly enforced, the document said. The Ministries of Health and Agriculture and Rural Development must take charge of carrying out quarantine checks on food, fruits, beverages, cattle and poultry to ensure hygiene and safety.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will team up with concerned organisations to ensure sufficient supply of essential goods and prevent any kind of shortage, especially during the Tet holiday, while carrying out inspections on listed prices to prevent speculation and unreasonable price increases. — VNS