Promoting the application of technology in the fight against smuggling

Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc, Permanent Deputy Director of National Steering Committee 389 made a conclusion at the conference. Photo: Quang Hùng

At the conference, after listening to the proposals and recommendations of sectors and members of the National Steering Committee 389, Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc, Permanent Deputy Director of National 389 Steering Committee, requested Permanent Office to collect and review the proposed contents and solutions of the sectors. In particular, there are solutions for struggling in the key areas, actual contents, critical areas, and basic tricks, then adding more solutions and implementing the work of anti-smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods effectively.

On the other hand, the coordination between competent forces needs to strengthen data connection and verify and fight against counterfeit and smuggled goods across borders; coordination in professional work between sectors and forces. In addition, conducting unscheduled inspections, focusing on the content of the case and sensitive areas concerned by the public, thereby enhancing the responsibilities of all levels, sectors and units.

Minister Ho Duc Phoc agreed with the difficulties and limitations discussed at the conference. For example, although the coordination between sectors achieved initial results, it still revealed many limitations.

Along with that, there were limitations on leadership and direction; there was no warehouse to temporarily seize material evidence or mechanisms and policies in the process of handling goods; there was no funding for the fight against smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods Minister Ho Duc Phuoc suggested that the Permanent Office of the National Steering Committee 389 should propose to competent authorities to complete and supplement promptly.

Emphasizing the critical tasks in the coming time, Minister Ho Duc Phoc asked ministries, sectors and localities to focus on the communication work. In particular, media agencies must coordinate with competent authorities to promptly and accurately report the situation of anti-smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods, as well as negative manifestations in the task performance of competent forces.

At the same time, it enhances the dissemination of legal policies, encourages people not to abet acts of smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods, and strengthens coordination in providing information on smuggling and trade fraud to the authorities... contributing to changing people's habits and warning consumers.

Secondly, proactively grasp the situation, properly assess the situation, identify outstanding and complex issues and operational methods; identify key routes, areas, fields and products related to trade fraud and counterfeit goods; promptly advise, propose, and have a coordinated plan to hit the ringleader and leader of the line, contributing to deterrence, prevention and strict handling of exceptional cases.

Thirdly, directing competent forces to promote the application of science and technology in the fight against smuggling, counterfeiting and banned goods. For example, building a database of inter-sector administrative processing or handling goods that don't have invoices and documents. For example, the General Department of Vietnam Customs and the General Department of Taxation has built a data center, thereby building AI tools to control electronic data.

Fourthly, widely publicizing email boxes and hotlines for timely receiving reports of violations.

Fifthly, implementing basic professional work ensures timely handling of smuggling, trade fraud, sale of banned goods, counterfeit goods, and poor quality goods, especially concentrated in airports and seaports.

The Permanent Office is requested to follow up on summarizing the situation, and results, and advising to issue directing documents and establish inspection; proactively coordinate with ministries and local authorities to promptly advise and reward collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements in the fight against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeiting.