Vietnam suggests China restore customs clearance at border gates

The cargo congestion was debated during the online talks between the Asia - Africa Market Department under the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), authorities of the northern border provinces of Lang Son, Quang Ninh and Cao Bang, and Guangxi province’s Department of Commerce. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Officials of Vietnam and China on December 31 discussed urgent measures to handle goods congestion in the areas bordering China’s Guangxi.  

The cargo congestion was debated during the online talks between the Asia - Africa Market Department under the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), authorities of the northern border provinces of Lang Son, Quang Ninh and Cao Bang, and Guangxi’s Department of Commerce.

The MoIT said COVID-19 prevention and control measures currently imposed by Guangxi like suspending the operations of border gates or the import of certain fruits have disrupted the supply chain, adversely impacted the bilateral trade and caused great losses to businesses and people of both sides.

It suggested restoring customs clearance at the border gates and increasing the time for customs clearance.

The ministry also urged Guangxi to provide updates on the operations of border gates in Guangxi, while coordinating to review and complete goods delivery process in line with pandemic prevention and control regulations.

In reply, the Chinese side called on Vietnam to join hands in the pandemic combat at border gates, and exchange information about the management of border gates and traffic routes.

Guangxi said it will extend customs clearance duration following consideration and consensus reached by authorities of the two countries’ border localities.

For the proposals raised by the Vietnamese side, the Guangxi Department of Commerce said it will report them to competent agencies.

On December 29, Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien sent official dispatches to Chinese authorities regarding the cargo congestion.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu had also held phone talks with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao to discuss measures to accelerate the circulation of goods through border gates between the two countries./.

VNA