Hanoi (VNA) - Minister of Finance Dinh Tien Dung has asked the sector to enhanceprice control and market management to prevent any sudden cost hikes before,during or after the Tet (Lunar New Year)holiday which lasts from February 2-10.

UnderDirective No. 06/CT-BTC, close watch would be placed on the market’s supply anddemand developments. Price fluctuations in the domestic market are common,especially on goods and services which are in demand around Tet.The finance ministry will monitor prices and introduce timely measures to keepthem stable.

Managementwould be increased to prevent significant rises in transportation fees, thedirective said, stressing that any firms or individuals taking advantage of thehigher travelling demand around the holiday to push up fees to unreasonablelevels would be strictly handled.

Thedirective will also increase measures against smuggling, trade fraud andcounterfeit goods before, during and after Tet.

TheVietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance has also asked provincial andmunicipal market watch departments to strengthen market control until February22.

Focuswill be placed on preventing the transportation of banned products likeimported tobacco, liquor, confectionary products and firecrackers.

Inaddition, food hygiene and safety management will be increased, especially atwholesale markets, supermarkets, frozen warehouses and street food vendors.-VNA