New case

In 2019, the authorities were able to handle major cases of smuggling and selling of counterfeit products, a fact that was not possible in the past. The Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) identified 90,000 cases of trade fraud and smuggling, and issued nearly VND670 billion (US$28.96 million) in fines in 2019, up 7,700 cases and VND180 billion (US$7.78 million) in fines year-on-year, the governmental portal reported. Overview of the meeting. Source: Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance. During the year, the agency collected nearly VND500 billion (US$21.61 million) for the state budget, confiscated goods and products worth over VND170 billion (US$7.34 million) and destroyed smuggled and faked goods worth over VND120 billion (US$5.18 million). Tran Huu Linh, director general of the Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance, said at a meeting on January 13, that in 2019, the authorities were able to … [Read more...] about Vietnam authority identifies 90,000 cases of trade fraud in 2019

Lieut. Gen. To An Xo speaks at the press conference. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – As many as 218 cases of corruption and position-related crimes with 708 individuals involved were detected in the first quarter of this year, the Ministry of Public Security revealed at a press conference on March 28. Lieut. Gen. To An Xo , the ministry’s spokesman, said investigation agencies have stepped up investigations into economic and corruption cases, especially those under the monitoring of the Central Steering Committee for Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Phenomena. More than 1,500 cases with nearly 2,000 people involved were also found to have infringed upon the economic order in the first three months, according to the officer. Competent forces also detected over 8,900 cases related to social order with more than 20,200 individuals arrested, smashed 67 criminal rings and cracked over 1,800 gambling cases, with nearly 9,000 people involved. Besides, 7,266 … [Read more...] about Ministry of Public Security releases corruption, criminal case numbers for Q1

A cross-functional team will be set up to work on improving the prospects of the local real estate market. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued a document on solving real estate market problems and improving its prospects. An affordable housing project in Dong Anh District's Thang Long Industrial Park. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times The document, numbered 178/TTg-CN, aligns with Resolution 33/NQ-CP dated March 11, 2023, which provides solutions to develop a healthy, transparent, and sustainable real estate sector. Under the latest document, the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Treasury, the State Bank of Vietnam, and related agencies will set up a working group and work with developers to resolve existing problems and increase confidence in the property market. The Prime Minister has asked the Ministry of Construction to finalize the plan to build one million affordable houses for low-income buyers and workers in industrial parks in … [Read more...] about New regulation in place to boost Vietnam’s real estate market

Local authorities will maintain inspection works at key areas, including Noi Bai International Airport, Yen Vien train station, ports, wholesale markets and shopping malls. Hanoi’s Steering Committee for Combating Smuggling, Commercial Fraud and Counterfeit Goods, known as Steering Committee 389, has announced its plan to intensify efforts to combat smuggling and trade frauds before, during and after the 2021 Lunar New Year holiday. Local authorities would maintain inspection works at key areas. Under the plan, the city’s Steering Committee 389 will enhance inspection works at key areas, including Noi Bai International Airport, Yen Vien train station, ports, wholesale markets, and shopping malls. The committee is set to mobilize personnel and resources to set up checkpoints at roads, railways, airports to prevent movement of smuggled, fake and low-quality products into the country. This is particularly important for the control of banned items or items that … [Read more...] about Hanoi intensifies efforts to combat smuggling and trade frauds ahead of Tet holiday

The resolution is a necessary move to ensure sustainable development of Vietnam’s exports and lawful rights of local compliant traders. The Vietnamese government on December 31, 2019 issued Resolution No.119/NQ-CP with an aim to address rampant cases of origin fraud and illegal transshipment, in a move to show its determination to ensure fair trade with major partners. Illustrative photo. The resolution is a necessary move to ensure sustainable development of Vietnam’s exports and lawful rights of local compliant traders, particularly with the enactment of new free trade agreements such as the Comprehensive Progressive Trans – Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) in the context of the ongoing US – China trade war, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) said in a statement on its portal. Additionally, the resolution is expected to attract foreign investment in hi-tech projects with greater added value, helping local … [Read more...] about Vietnam government vows to combat origin fraud

Consul General of Italy in Ho Chi Minh City Enrico Padula realized that when Vietnamese people think about his country, all they know is the 3 Fs: food, fashion, and football. “Italian culture is surely more than that,” the diplomat said during an interview with Tuoi Tre News on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Italy. So what is 'Italy' in your mind? We are heading to a 'mixed' development. Culture, commerce, and sciences in Italy are indispensable. Because all are linked through time, that’s how our fashion segment has developed so successfully. And now, we have technology to join in the aggregate. For example, a car will have the mix of Italian technology and the Italian esthetics that we already have in our architecture and interior design. We are trying our best to introduce and promote the aggregate all together. I think this is one of the best ways to develop. I am sure that Vietnamese people highly appreciate this … [Read more...] about Italian culture more than just food, fashion, football: consul general

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered state agencies to prepare grand events and ensure safety with many foreign tourists expected to flock to one of the country's biggest festivals, Bangkok Post reported. Some 20 million people are expected to travel around the country between April 13 and 15 when the New Year is celebrated. The police have urged both Thai and foreign tourists to install their mobile app called "Tourist Police i lert u" to file complaints or call in an emergency. During Songkran, which falls in mid-April annually, crowds pack the streets for boisterous celebrations, which involves spraying water guns and hurling water off pick-up trucks. But to contain Covid, the government canceled celebrations for the last three years. … [Read more...] about Thailand expects 20 million travelers during Songkran holidays

The "We are ABLE" project aims to strengthen the ability of children from ethnic minorities, especially girls, to overcome the challenges they face. The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union on March 28 announced Phase II of the project "We are ABLE - Promoting Gender Equality and Girls' Education for Children in Ethnic Minority Areas of Viet Nam". The launching ceremony of UNESCO’s “We are ABLE” project occurred on March 28 in Hanoi. Photos: UNESCO Vietnam According to Christian Manhart, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam, the project is expected to contribute to the Vietnamese Government's new 10-year Strategic Plan for Education Development, the Strategy for Ethnic Minority Development, and the national commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 4 on education and Goal 5 on gender equality. In Vietnam, ethnic minorities are often disadvantaged compared to the majority population due to stereotypes and other cultural barriers. … [Read more...] about UNESCO continues fund for gender equality project in Vietnam

In 2022, two-way trade between Yunnan (China) and the bordering provinces of Vietnam is expected to reach US$3.25 billion. The provincial authorities of Vietnam's Lao Cai and China's Yunnan agreed on March 28 to take necessary measures to lift their comprehensive ties, especially trade. A truck that links Lao Cai and Yunnan Province passes the Kim Thanh II International Border Gate. Photo: The Hanoi Times "The comprehensive partnership between Lao Cai and Yunnan has improved tremendously in recent years, but it has not reached its full potential," said Hoang Quoc Khanh, permanent vice chairman of the Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee. Khanh suggested that Yunnan authorities further relax regulations and facilitate cross-border trade and travel between the two nations to improve bilateral relations. The Lao Cai official said Chinese authorities should restore trade and travel activities to pre-pandemic levels. He also urged the Chinese government to … [Read more...] about Lao Cai and Yunnan provinces agree to strengthen bilateral ties

Recent arrests of Vietnamese flight attendants for carrying undeclared goods and drugs require drastic action. Airline officials will face severe disciplinary action if illegal drug and merchandise trade is reported under their jurisdiction, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam. Passengers wait in line for registration and luggage check at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCM City. Photo: Huy Hung/The Hanoi Times The action is under the authority's Directive 1480/CT-CHK to prevent flight attendants and ground staff from illegally importing drugs and goods into the country, the authority said in a March 27 website notice. Aviation companies must improve education and training so that employees are aware of the harm and negative impact of smuggling on the nation and domestic economy, the authority added. "They also need to continue to screen those being employed. All those involved in flying must follow the rules," it said. All … [Read more...] about Business executives to face disciplinary action for failure to stop smuggling activities