The prevalence of contraband and counterfeit goods remains the society’s pressing issue that needs to be wiped out without delay for the creation of a healthy market and protection of customers’ interests.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Head of the National Steering Committee on the Prevention and Control of Smuggling, Trade Fraud and Fake Commodities, was speaking at a ceremony held in Hanoi on November 28 to mark the Day for Fighting Fake Goods (November 29).

He asked the Market Surveillance Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade to increase sense of responsibility among officials and strengthen inspections to prevent negative phenomena.

Deputy Minister Tran Quoc Khanh reported the agency has so far uncovered nearly 64,000 violations, up 12.3 percent against the previous year, and collected 187 billion VND (8.7 million USD) in fines.

Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Anti-Counterfeiting and Trademark Protection (VATAP) Le The Bao said production and business of contraband and fake commodities have become more sophisticated with impacts on health and domestic production.

He proposed perfecting the legal framework and enhancing the coordination between law enforcement agencies, businesses, and the press to raise public awareness of the issue.-VNA