Asia PR News

LAUSANNE, April 27 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ –

Inter-ministerial body, Central Committee 127 (CC127), of the Government of
Vietnam has extended its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SICPA Product
Security 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 the
initial 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-art
banderol printing plant under the authority of the Ministry of Finance.
Banderols are a key component of what will be a nationwide infrastructure
program 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 in
Vietnam, 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 trace
infrastructure programme covering all tobacco and alcohol products. This
contract is part of a growing list of complementary projects being deployed by
SICPA 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 Printing
Company 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 in
illicit trade. Research carried out by international organisations such as the
WHO, cite figures ranging from 15% to 40% of tobacco and alcohol products in
Vietnam 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 of
banknote 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 protect
governments against tax evasion and brand owners against brand erosion, SICPA
Product Security SA is the provider of authentication solutions and integrated
systems 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 Director
SICPA Product Security S.A.
Tel: +41-21-627-59-55
Fax: +41-21-620-06-21
Email: Frank.Barker@Sicpa.com

SOURCE: SICPA