The information was announced at the online conference held by the National Steering Committee on Combatting Smuggling, Trade Fraud and Counterfeit Goods (National Steering Committee 389) on July 20.

According to the Steering Committee 389, more than 1,100 violation cases were prosecuted during the six-month period involving 1,372 defendants.

Smuggling and the illegal transportation of goods through borders remains very complicated and difficult to detect, particularly via unmarked trails, rivers, channels or springs in border areas.

Smuggled goods varied from essential consumption goods to goods imposed with high tax rates, wine, cigarettes, cosmetics, supplemented food, and prohibited goods such as drugs, among others.

Border Guard Deputy Commander Bui Duc Hanh said that the illegal trading of drugs, counterfeit money, firecrackers and apparel often occurs along the Vietnam-China border.

Meanwhile, the illegal trading of wood, wine and drugs has been reported along the Vietnam-Laos border and illegal trading of Vietnamese dong, foreign currencies, gold, cigarettes and sugar has been reported along the Vietnam-Cambodia border.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh said that favourable conditions must be created for enterprises to help enhance the competitiveness and quality of goods as well as reducing prices of goods to compete with foreign goods and offer more choices for consumers.

If domestic goods are of high competitiveness, the demand for smuggled and counterfeit goods will be reduced, Binh noted.

He also asked for strict punishment on violators while strengthening patrol and inspection along border areas.