Digital technology applications key to combating smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit: Deputy PM

A view of the national tele conference held in Hà Nội on August 8 to review the work against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang requested ministries, branches and localities promote digital technology applications to combat smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods in the context of strong e-commerce development.

Deputy PM Quang was chairing a national tele conference held in Hà Nội to review the work against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods in the first six months of 2024, and to set out the tasks for the last six months of the year.

Quang also asked ministries, branches and localities to review inadequate legal regulations related to combating smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods and send them to the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Industry and Trade and Ministry of Finance for handling.

Functional forces were also tasked to be more drastic and coordinate better in the fight against these crimes, with the role of leadership being emphasised. Ministries, branches and localities must strengthen inspection and supervision to detect legal loopholes.

Also, at the conference on Thursday, the Deputy Prime Minister hoped that the media would continue to innovate propaganda methods to raise public awareness about preventing and combating these type of crimes.

In the first half 2024, it was reported that the functional forces detected and handled more than 64,000 cases of smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods. This represents a 2.82 per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2023. The functional forces collected more than VNĐ6 trillion (US$240 million) for the budget, which is a 7.53 per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2023.

Of the total cases, there are 55,133 cases of trade fraud and tax fraud, down 9.7 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. Some 3,010 cases of counterfeit goods and intellectual property violations, up 8.55 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.

The authorities have prosecuted 650 cases with 1,912 subjects, which is a 44.25 per cent decrease in the number of cases and an 18.82 per cent decrease in the number of subjects compared to the same period in 2023.

However, challenges remain, such as lack of storage space for seized evidence and the need to update the legal framework to keep up with e-commerce developments.

The Deputy PM assigned the Office of the National Steering Committee 389 to develop a report and draft conclusion from the conference, with clear deadlines for completing tasks for the ministries and branches involved.

Participants at the conference also highlighted some significant challenges in the fight against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods. Specifically, localities are struggling with inadequate storage space for seized evidence and exhibits, which leads to delays in processing confiscated goods. The anti-smuggling efforts are hindered by the rapid pace of e-commerce development, with existing legal frameworks lagging behind technological advancements and new trading practices.

The recommendations from localities reflect a strategic approach to addressing the challenges in anti-smuggling and trade fraud.

They said shortening the time required to process infringing goods, particularly those transported by air, could help with quicker resolution of cases and reduce the impact of delays on both state resources and individuals involved.

Developing comprehensive regulations for the preservation and handling of seized exhibits and evidence is crucial. This will help prevent the loss, damage or deterioration of assets, ensuring that both state and personal assets are protected throughout the legal process. Updating and completing legal regulations to manage e-commerce more effectively is essential. This includes measures to prevent the trade of counterfeit goods, address products of unknown origin and mitigate tax evasion, according to participants. — VNS