Addressing a thematic meeting in Hanoi on May 14, Chinh first acknowledged efforts by relevant agencies, which have yielded some positive results in stabilising markets, protecting consumers, and maintaining public order.

However, he pointed to a series of serious violations uncovered recently, including counterfeit milk, medicine, food, and supplements in localities across the country, as well as rampant fake goods sold on social media.

In addition, he said, other negative market practices including hoarding, price manipulation, and fraudulence, have developed here and there that undermine public trust, reduce state budget revenue, and have widespread a negative impact on society.

Labelling the situation serious and pressing, the Prime Minister frankly stated that some agencies and localities have shown lax management and negligence, possibly due to a lack of responsibility, overlapping duties, or gaps in implementation. He raised a question of whether such shortcomings stem from irresponsibility or poor coordination.

The Government leader ordered strict accountability, demanding a review of responsibilities at both the organisational and individual levels. He also instructed relevant agencies and localities to propose clear tasks, solutions, and responsibilities to prevent, push back, and ultimately eliminate smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods.

It was reported that more than 34,000 violations have been handled in recent times nationwide, including over 8,200 cases of smuggling and illegal transport of banned goods, over 25,100 cases of commercial and tax fraud, and over 1,100 cases involving counterfeit or intellectual property-infringing products. Around 1,400 criminal cases have been initiated, involving more than 2,100 individuals.

It was also acknowledged that there are persistent challenges, as smuggling continues at border areas and maritime routes, involving high-risk items like drugs, fuel, and counterfeit consumer goods. Counterfeit production and trade remain widespread domestically and are growing rapidly on e-commerce platforms. Illegal invoice trading and tax fraud persist, with many violations going undetected.

PM orders swift action in fake powdered milk scandal

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 17 signed an official telegram, directing urgent measures to address the production and distribution of counterfeit milk products recently discovered by the police.