LAUSANNE--27 Apr--Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet/InfoQuestInter-ministerial body, Central Committee 127 (CC127), of the Government of Vietnam has extended its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SICPA ProductSecurity SA (SICPA) to research and deploy solutions against counterfeiting and illicit trade in Vietnam.The new agreement is the result of a detailed research and consultation process between SICPA and the Government of Vietnam which was defined in theinitial MoU signed between the parties last year on February 20, 2006. Since that time, plans are at an advanced stage to install a state-of-the-artbanderol printing plant under the authority of the Ministry of Finance. Banderols are a key component of what will be a nationwide infrastructureprogram to track and trace products that are vulnerable to illicit trade.The VIETRACE(TM) Program provides counterfeiting and illicit trade solutions for products which are manufactured, imported, and distributed inVietnam, as well as any other downstream activities affecting tax collection.This development follows the recent award to SICPA by the Government of Turkey of a contract for the installation of a nationwide track and traceinfrastructure programme covering all tobacco and alcohol products. This contract is part of a growing list of complementary projects being deployed bySICPA for governments worldwide, highlighting the company's global leadership in the field of integrated security solutions.Mr. Maurice A. Amon, Executive Co-Chairman of SICPA Holding said, "To date, co-operation in research and deployment of the "VIETRACE(TM) ANTI SMUGGLING &TAX ENHANCEMENT" program has been efficient and productive. We look forward to finalising our joint-venture negotiations with the Ministry of Finance PrintingCompany shortly and intend to have the deployment plan and architecture in place for implementation by year end."Vietnam's remarkable economic development over recent years, together with its geographical position bordering various countries, explains the growth inillicit trade. Research carried out by international organisations such as the WHO, cite figures ranging from 15% to 40% of tobacco and alcohol products inVietnam being subject to counterfeiting and smuggling.Note to Editors:Founded in 1927, SICPA is the leader in the field of security inks and integrated security solutions. SICPA is the world's leading manufacturer ofbanknote and value document security inks present on most currencies of the world.The globalisation of brands has triggered an unprecedented parallel market for illicit trade and counterfeiting. Recognising a growing need to protectgovernments against tax evasion and brand owners against brand erosion, SICPA Product Security SA is the provider of authentication solutions and integratedsystems to monitor products and secure their supply chain in order to protect the interests of governments and brand owners.Today, SICPA is established in 19 countries on five continents, has more than 1000 employees and products sold to more than 190 countries.For information:Mr Frank Barker, Managing DirectorSICPA Product Security S.A.Tel: +41-21-627-59-55Fax: +41-21-620-06-21Email: [email protected] SOURCE SICPA --Distributed by AsiaNet ( www.asianetnews.net )--