The target was reached at a conference held by the two agencies in Ho Chi Minh City on April 26 to discuss the furtherance of a two-phase project against this crime, focusing on preventive measures and international cooperation.

The first phase began in 2005 and is expected to end in 2007, while the second phase is to start in 2008 and last till 2010.

For the second phase, the Ministry of Public Security said it will expand coordination with international organisations such as Interpol and Aseanpol as well as Vietnamese embassies abroad in order to detect international criminal gangs suspected of involvement in human trafficking.

The ministry also unveiled a plan for stronger cooperation with neighbouring countries in the arrest and extradition of criminal suspects and rescue of victims.