Authorities in the provinces of Lao Cai, in Vietnam, and Yunnan, in China, are actively constructing the Lao Cai – Honghe economic zone, it was revealed at a meeting between leaders in the Vietnamese locality on May 12.

The construction will pave the way for developing the Kimming-Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong economic corridor.

Yunnan Governor Chen Hao lauded the Vietnamese northern mountainous province for its support to his hometown in hosting the China-South Asia and Kunming Trade fairs in June this year.

Both host and guest agreed to boost their bilateral engagement in trade and tourism; launch transportation infrastructure projects connecting their localities; and simplify entrance-and-exit procedures.

Exchange activities to enhance mutual understanding between Vietnamese and Chinese nationals are equally important towards the growth of the ties between Lao Cai and Yunnan, they said.

Lao Cai and Yunnan share more than 200 kilometres of border line. The Lao Cai – Hekou international border gate plays an important role in facilitating trade across the economic corridor.

Since July 2014, the border gate has extended its opening hours. Vehicles travelling by road can access the crossing from 7 am to 10 pm while trains run through the gate twenty-four seven.

According to a consensus reached by the two provinces, trucks from Vietnam are allowed to enter Honghe County’s entire area, while trucks from China can access anywhere in Lao Cai.-VNA