Lai Chau (VNA) — A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cross-border cooperation between the Lai Chau Economic Zone Management Board and the administration of Jinping district, China's Yunnan province, was signed in the northern province of Lai Chau on July 30.
Head of the board Vu Huy Hoa emphasised that the signing aims to effectively implement mutual understandings reached between high-ranking leaders of Vietnam and China. It also aligns with outcomes of the fourth conference between the secretaries of four Vietnam’s northern provinces including Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Dien Bien and China’s Yunna province, focusing on enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including cross-border management and operation.
The cooperation programme between the two sides covers several practical aspects of border management. It seeks to boost economic development in border areas, facilitate smooth customs procedures, and develop Vietnam’s Ma Lu Thang – China’s Jin Shuihe pair of border gates. The MoU also marks a new phase in the bilateral relationship, aiming for comprehensive and substantive cooperation.
Hoa expressed his hope that both sides will continue to strengthen their traditional friendship and enhance cross-border trade cooperation, and highlighted the importance of effectively implementing the agreed cooperation and exploring new areas of collaboration for mutual benefit. He also emphasised the need to improve import-export activities and border management, increase trade volumes to match other regional border crossings, and fully utilise the potential of the two borders. Deputy head of the Jinping administration Yao Zhi Ming expressed his hope that both sides will boost mutual support and trust in the development of their cooperation, further enhancing multi-sector collaboration.
Under the document, the Lai Chau board and Jinping administration will exchange quarterly notes to provide updates on customs operations, import-export activities, and border crossing regulations and policies.
Furthermore, the two sides will establish a biannual dialogue mechanism to share experiences in border management and utilisation, set up communication channels via hotlines or liaison officers, and amend the MoU's terms based on practical situations./.
