As the National Assembly considers amending the Law on Special Consumption Tax in the second phase of its 9th session starting June 11, experts have called for a robust increase in tobacco taxes as the most effective measure to protect public health and reduce long-term harm, particularly among younger generations.

As average income continues to rise, tobacco products have become increasingly affordable and accessible to the community, warned Phan Thi Hai, deputy director of the Tobacco Harm Prevention Fund under the Ministry of Health.