Lao Cai (VNA) – Import and export activities through border gates in northern Lao Cai province have remained stable, with average daily traffic of about 500 trucks and revenue of over 900 million USD so far this year, according to the Lao Cai Border Gate Customs Branch.
At Kim Thanh International Land Border Gate No. 2, customs clearance has been running smoothly. Key export items include peeled wood, fresh fruit, coffee, confectionery, and footwear, while major imports are fertilizers, vegetables, fruits, coke, chemicals, confectionery, and machinery. On average, around 200 trucks carry exports daily while 300 trucks bring imports into Vietnam, said Pham Van Phuc, deputy head of the Lao Cai Border Gate Customs Branch under the Customs Sub-department of Region 7.
As of August 25, a total of 638 enterprises had engaged in import and export activities through Lao Cai border gates. To facilitate business operations, Lao Cai Customs has strengthened staffing in professional units, especially those handling customs declarations and procedures, and adjusted working hours by opening 45 minutes earlier than the border gate opening hour.
The branch also maintains regular coordination with the Chinese customs authorities to provide timely information for Vietnamese exporters, particularly in agriculture, helping businesses better plan shipments.
Vuong Trinh Quoc, head of the Economic Zone Management Board of Lao Cai province, noted that since the provincial merger, Lao Cai has benefited from an expanded geographical space for economic development and improved institutional arrangements.
In border gate areas, agencies and forces have been reorganised towards greater specialisation and professionalism, creating smoother administrative procedures for businesses, he added.
Statistics from Customs Sub-department of Region 7 showed that by August 25, total import-export turnover through Lao Cai border gates exceeded 900 million USD, comprising 339 million USD in exports and 562 million USD in imports.
Dragon fruit led export earnings with more than 96 million USD, followed by durian, cassava, and watermelon with about 50 million USD, 30 million USD and 16 million USD, respectively./.
