The burgeoning development of cross-border tourism-trade activities between Vietnam and China has helped drive economic growth, create social changes and provide jobs for local people.

The view was shared by Duong Van Co, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Mong Cai city, the northern border province of Quang Ninh at a workshop jointly held by Mong Cai and its Chinese neighbouring city of Dongxing on December 13.

Co also said cross-border tourism and trade activities have also improved the spiritual life of ethnic people residing along the boundary, thus consolidating security, defence and social order and safety in the border area.

The operations, however, require the betterment of managerial work, he added.

Both Vietnamese and Chinese participants agreed that both cities own favourable conditions to promote their cross-border tourism and trade, adding that Mong Cai and Dongxing border gates have become important entrepôts for goods, investment capital and travellers between Vietnam and China .

Trade and tourism cooperation will benefit vastly from the two Governments’ joint statement on enhancing Vietnam – China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and a Memorandum of Understanding on the construction of cross-border economic cooperation zones.

Reports at the workshop outlined a number of measures and development orientations for the sectors.

The two sides will build a cooperation mechanism for trans-national tourism promotion and consider the construction of a joint tourism area. Participants stressed that both sides need to simplify relating procedures to encourage this model.

Meanwhile, they urged Mong Cai and Dongxing to ensure smooth transportation routes for goods and services, reduce transport fees to further competitiveness, and intensify anti-smuggling measures.

Dongxing is the only land and sea border gate between Vietnam and China . It is also the most favourable gateway for China ’s southern and southwestern regions to trade with Vietnam and other ASEAN nations.-VNA