Firstly, I would like to thank the Ministry of Information and Communication and Health Bridge Viet Nam for organizing this important workshop.
Secondly, I would also like to thank all of you, the media participants, for attending – you are key partners in our tobacco control work!
I am sorry that I cannot be with you in person today.
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This workshop is very timely, given that Viet Nam is facing some important decisions about how best to protect people from the dangers of tobacco use.
And, we have just marked World No Tobacco Day, on the 31st of May, and Viet Nam National No Tobacco Week, from the 25th to the 31st of May.
This year’s global theme was “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”
The theme highlights the industry’s manipulative tactics to target young people and mask the dangers of their highly addictive products.
So, WHO very warmly welcomed the National Assembly’s comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products in November last year.
Now, we need the same courageous action on other tobacco products, in line with national and international targets, and the value that we know Viet Nam’s leaders and people place on health.
Just last month, General Secretary To Lam said the basic elements of a healthy culture include saying “no” to tobacco and other harmful substances.
And in his address to the World Health Assembly two weeks ago, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said: “Health is the most important asset of the people”.
Evidence from around the world shows that the best way to reduce smoking – to help people say “no” - is to use tax to increase prices.
In the coming weeks the National Assembly will consider a proposal to increase tobacco tax in Viet Nam.
When reviewing the Excise Tax Law revisions, we strongly urge lawmakers to be ambitious for Viet Nam’s health and development.
The higher the tax increase, the greater the health impact, and the more revenue can be generated to re-invest in other government priorities to accelerate sustainable development. Specifically, we recommend bringing in a specific tax of 15,000 Vietnamese Dong per pack by 2030, on top of the current tax.
Bold action to reduce tobacco smoking rates is urgently needed: because Viet Nam is currently not on track to achieve its target of reducing smoking among men to below 36% by 2030. And alarmingly, there are signs that tobacco consumption has risen again.
A significant tax increase would encourage existing smokers to quit and discourage young people from starting.
Tobacco tax is like a vaccine against the health harms of tobacco for young people – by stopping them from starting smoking, we are helping to protect them from the risks of tobacco use for life. In other words, increasing tobacco tax is an investment in the future.
As General Secretary To Lam said, “Protecting, caring for, and improving people's health is not only the task of the health sector but also the responsibility of each citizen, the entire political system and the whole society.”
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In the lead-up to these important decisions, we know the tobacco industry is spreading myths to block or delay tax changes.
Firstly, the industry claims that higher taxes – and therefore higher prices – will result in more tobacco being smuggled into Viet Nam.
This is not true.
The evidence and international experience show that smuggling is more influenced by enforcement capacity than prices.
Secondly, the tobacco industry claims that higher taxes will mean higher unemployment.
Again, not true.
When the price of tobacco goes up, people’s spending shifts to other products. Plus, the Government has more revenue to invest in other priorities.
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So let me conclude by making two requests to all of you, the journalists in the audience when you are covering these topics.
My first request is please do not fall for the tobacco industry’s lies – which are designed to protect their own profits and threaten to undermine Viet Nam’s health and development.
And my second plea, is to help policymakers and the public understand the benefits of strong action on tobacco, including a significant tobacco tax increase, for people’s health, and for your country’s future.
Thank you again for the opportunity to make these brief remarks today.
I wish you an excellent workshop, and look forward to your continued partnership in protecting the health of the people of Viet Nam.
Xin cảm ơn!