Minister of Finance Dinh Tien Dung has asked for enhanced price management to prevent any sudden cost hikes before, during or after the Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays in the beginning of February.

Under Directive No 06, close watch would be placed on the market’s supply and demand developments. Price fluctuations in the domestic market are common, especially on goods and services which are in demand around Tet. The finance ministry will monitor prices and introduce timely measures to keep them stable.

Management would be increased to prevent significant rises in transportation fees, the directive said, stressing that any firms or individuals taking advantage of the higher travelling demand around the holiday to push up fees to unreasonable levels would be strictly handled.

The directive will also increase measures against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods before, during and after Tet.

The Viet Nam Directorate of Market Surveillance has also asked provincial and municipal market watch departments to strengthen market control until February 22.

Focus will be placed on preventing the transportation of banned products like imported tobacco, liquor, confectionary products and firecrackers.

In addition, food hygiene and safety management will be increased, especially at wholesale markets, supermarkets, frozen warehouses and street food vendors. — VNS