Hanoi, May 14 -- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed a special task force be formed and a month-long nationwide crackdown launched to fight smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeits, low-quality goods, those with unverified origin, and intellectual property-infringing products. At a working session with ministries, central agencies, and relevant units on May 14, the PM noted that counterfeit production and distribution, smuggling, and origin fraud remain prevalent and complex across sectors. These issues, he warned, are affecting public safety, socio-economic development, consumer health and confidence, and the country's international image. Pointing to several causes such as authorities' weak leadership, lax management, outdated regulat...