War against fake goods to clean up marketplace
( 2001-07-25 00:32 ) (1 )

In the special campaign against fake and shoddy products over the past two months, a total of 115,000 cases involving 1.8 billion yuan (US$218 million) have been uncovered.

Authorities concerned have also destroyed a total of 13,500 factories that produced fake goods and taken 567 suspects to court.

This information came from the second meeting of the leading group for the rectification and regulation of economic order.

The counterfeit commodities included drugs, foods, medical apparatus, cotton and agricultural machinery and materials.

Vice-Premier Li Lanqing said the crackdown against such fake products is now in full swing.

The campaign over the past two months has been welcomed by consumers, who have had their fill of shoddy goods.

At the same time, the crackdown on tax evasion by those engaged in illegal production has played a significant role in increasing the State's revenue, Li said.

Li warned that authorities concerned should not ease off in their efforts, since the campaign has achieved no more than initial success.

"The situation is still quite serious,'' Li said.

Over the following months, the crackdown will focus on fake goods which directly harm people's health, such as drugs, foods and medical apparatus.

The State Council hopes this will help consumers set their minds at rest while shopping, and in turn encourage domestic consumption and economic growth.

Li urges strengthening the quarantine of exported goods to ensure their quality.

Good quality and a good international reputation is of paramount importance in increasing export volume.

At the same time, the quarantine of imported commodities, and the crackdown on smuggling should also be intensified.

Li also urged strengthening the crackdown on sub-grade alcoholic spirits.

Internet cafes, electronic games arcades and audio and video product shops which are operating illegally should also be closed.

(China Daily by Dian Tai)