The General Department of Vietnam Customs has approved a plan to accelerate the combat against smuggling and illegal transportation of gold and foreign currency.

Under the plan, customs agencies nationwide are requested to proactively monitor, detect and prevent smuggling and illegal transportation of gold and foreign currency via borders and strictly handle violations.

The smuggling and illegal transportation of gold and foreign currency has increased as a result of the price difference between gold and foreign currency  sold in Vietnam and  other countries, according to the department.

The plan was issued following a request from the Ministry of Finance, asking customs authorities to proactively and regularly coordinate closely with police, border guards, and market surveillance forces; and enhance inspection and investigation in order to timely prevent smuggling activities, trade fraud, and illegal transportation of goods across land and sea borders and other locations under the customs management areas.

Focus will be placed on fighting cases of smuggling and illegal transportation of gold and foreign currency.

Meanwhile,  customs agencies are also required to create conditions for production, trade and import and export activities via borders in line with regulations.