Brian Jeffrey
A team from the Vinh Phuc Provincial Market Surveillance Department engaged with local entrepreneurs in Tho Tang Town to evaluate the situation following reports of numerous shop closures.
On the afternoon of May 29, Nguyen Duc Trung, the Director of the Vinh Phuc Market Surveillance Department, informed VietNamNet that a team had visited Tho Tang Town (Vinh Tuong District) earlier that day to examine the widespread shutting down of local enterprises.
After their discussions, Mr. Trung prepared a report detailing the current state of commercial activities in Tho Tang.
As highlighted in the report, between May 27 and 28, VietNamNet noted that shopkeepers in Tho Tang Town closed their stores en masse. Through direct conversations with sellers and local officials, the reason behind this unusual behavior was revealed.
The closures were primarily triggered by an unverified rumor that a large-scale inspection team would soon assess invoices and the origins of products.
This rumor warned that those unable to provide such documentation would face tax penalties and confiscation of goods. Concerned vendors communicated with each other and collectively opted to close their shops.
In response, the delegation from the Vinh Phuc Market Surveillance Department, alongside the People’s Committee of Tho Tang Town and Vinh Tuong District, undertook outreach efforts to inform business owners about the ongoing clampdown on smuggling, trade fraud, fake products, and intellectual property infringements throughout Vinh Phuc Province.
“The delegation made it clear that inspections will focus solely on operations suspected of smuggling, counterfeiting, or food safety violations. Normal trade for general consumer goods will continue. Tax regulations will be enforced gradually, allowing time for adaptation,” stated Mr. Nguyen Duc Trung.
Upon receiving precise legal information and reassurances, merchants expressed their support for the directives from the government and the Prime Minister, as well as the policies set by provincial and district authorities.
By 9:30 a.m. on May 29, business owners reopened their shops, and normal trading activities resumed.
The Market Surveillance Department has also asked the People’s Committee of Vinh Tuong District and Tho Tang Town to continue raising awareness about compliance with legal business practices.
This initiative seeks to ensure that the public has a clear understanding of government policies and enhances their legal awareness and adherence.
Previously, as reported by VietNamNet, over the course of three days, more than 1,000 shops in the Tho Tang market area (Giang Market) had closed their doors simultaneously—an extraordinary event that starkly contrasted with the typically lively market environment of the town.
Duc Hoang
