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 December31 discussed urgent measures to handle goods congestion in the areasbordering China’s Guangxi.  

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

The MoIT said COVID-19 prevention and controlmeasures currently imposed by Guangxi like suspending the operations of bordergates or the import of certain fruits have disrupted the supply chain, adverselyimpacted the bilateral trade and caused great losses to businesses and people ofboth sides.

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

The ministry also urged Guangxi to provide updates onthe operations of border gates in Guangxi, while coordinating to reviewand complete goods delivery process in line with pandemic prevention andcontrol regulations.

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

Guangxi said it will extend customs clearance durationfollowing consideration and consensus reached by authorities of the twocountries’ 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 officialdispatches to Chinese authorities regarding the cargo congestion.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu hadalso held phone talks with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao todiscuss measures to accelerate the circulation of goods through border gatesbetween the two countries./.

VNA