Vietnam remains steadfast on preventing trade fraud activities both in the local and export markets, ensuring the lawful rights of Vietnamese enterprises and customers, according Le Thi Thu Hang, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). 

Hang made the statement at a regular press meeting held by the MOFA on August 8 in response to question regarding Vietnam’s steps to tackle growing trend of foreign goods forging Vietnamese origin for later US exports. 

Recently, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved a proposal to enhance state supervision against trade fraud activities and request joint efforts from government agencies to deal with such violations, Hang added. 

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is drafting a set of criteria for products eligible to be classified as “made in Vietnam”. The draft circular regulates that made-in-Vietnam products should be originated or wholly produced in Vietnam, including agricultural products or natural resources. Otherwise, products should undergo final processing or manufacturing in Vietnam to fundamentally change the essential qualities of the products to be labeled as such. 

Additionally, Vietnam’s authorities have expanded cooperation and information exchange with other countries to prevent and timely tackle trade fraud activities. 

This was the second time that Vietnam has reaffirmed its commitment to act against unfair trade practices, especially in the context of escalating trade tensions between the US and China. 

Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh in a meeting on Wednesday said the country faces growing pressure in tackling origin certificate fraud, as a single case involving Vietnam would drag the country into trade conflicts.

As part of the joint effort, goods and products prone to origin certificate fraud such as fisheries, agricultural products, textile, footwear, and electronic devices would be put into watchlist for close supervision.