Vietnam is determined to take further measures against trade fraud and foreign goods forging Vietnamese origin, and ensure lawful rights of enterprises, according to Mai Tien Dung, minister of the Government Office and head of the prime minister’s task force. 
Mai Tien Dung, minister of the Government Office and head of the Prime Minister’s task force.
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Dung said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has issued a directive on tightening state administration against trade fraud, aiming to boost the country’s efficiency in integrating into global economy, particularly in joining next-generation trade agreements and fulfilling Vietnam’s commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other FTAs.
More importantly, the directive provided guidelines to prevent trade fraud activities, in line with current efforts of protecting lawful rights of Vietnamese enterprises in practicing global trade.
According to Dung, Vietnam remains steadfast on dealing with trade fraud activities, especially in the context of growing global uncertainties.
At the meeting, representatives of enterprises said local authorities have frequently monitored trade activities, focusing on goods with high risks of trade fraud.
Enterprises requested the Ministry of Industry and Trade to issue clear guidelines as a basis to identify goods originated from Vietnam.
The Vietnam Textile Association, the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (LEFASO), and Wood & Forest Products Association of Vietnam shared the view that electricity consumption is an important factor to determine whether a facility is doing actual business or just importing goods for packaging.
Members of associations recommended Vietnam diversify export markets, while joint efforts from government agencies and business associations are needed to prevent trade fraud.
In a meeting in July, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh said goods and products prone to origin certificate fraud such as fisheries, agricultural products, textile, footwear, and electronic products would be put into watchlist for close supervision,
Trade protection measures are closely linked with the success of Vietnam’s integration in the future. Failure in preventing trade frauds would cause negative impacts on Vietnam’s credibility in the international fronts, as well as the domestic market, Anh added.
