Lao Cai’s Import-Export Activities in the First 3 Days of 2024 Showcase the Allure of Vietnamese Agricultural Products

DNHN - On 3rd January, the Lao Cai Customs Branch - Lao Cai Provincial Customs Department reported that import-export activities at the Lao Cai border gate have been quite stable during the first three days of 2024.

Although primarily agricultural products, the export of durian has surpassed 255 tons, with a turnover of nearly 1 million USD. Ms Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh, Deputy Head of the Lao Cai Customs Branch, said that the total import-export turnover in the first three days of the new year reached approximately 5.4 million USD, of which exports accounted for over 2.8 million USD and imports approached 2.6 million USD. Export items include durian, bananas, sweet potatoes, dragon fruit, dried cassava, charcoal, and peeled wood panels, while imported goods consist of fresh vegetables, tangerines, grapes, pomegranates, confectionery, bicycles, fertilisers, blending materials, and ornamental plants.

In 2023, the import and export of goods, especially agricultural products, through the Lao Cai border gate witnessed a remarkable surge, with a 39% increase in value compared to 2022. Businesses participating in import and export activities have become increasingly stable, and their awareness of legal compliance has continuously improved, facilitating the management of functional forces at the border gates.

To achieve this result, the Lao Cai Provincial Economic Zone Management Board has successfully implemented the digital border gate platform at the Kim Thanh International Roadway Border Gate No. II. The time required to complete administrative procedures at the Inter-sector House of the Kim Thanh International Roadway Border Gate No. II has been reduced from 4-6 minutes per vehicle to less than 2 minutes per vehicle. The Provincial Economic Zone Management Board has also proposed a plan to divide the traffic flow at the Kim Thanh International Roadway Border Gate No. II into 5 lanes, which has been approved by the province and the Ministry of National Defence, and the initial investment steps are currently underway.

According to Mr. Vuong Trinh Quoc, Head of the Lao Cai Provincial Economic Zone Management Board, it is forecasted that in 2024, trade and import-export activities will flourish, attracting investment and presenting numerous opportunities to seek strategic investors. The government continues to implement the action programme following Resolution No. 11-NQ/TW, promoting the development of the key economic region of the midlands and mountainous areas of the Northern region, bringing about significant opportunities and advantages for Lao Cai. The planning of border gates along the Vietnam-China border has also been approved by the Prime Minister, facilitating procedures and negotiations for opening border gates under the plan. Additionally, China has committed to opening its market to various potential Vietnamese agricultural products, further enhancing export prospects, including fresh coconuts, frozen fruit products, citrus fruits, avocados, custard apples, and wax apples.

With ambitious goals, the import-export turnover value through Lao Cai’s border gates in 2024 is expected to reach 4.5 billion USD, marking a 264.7% increase compared to 2023.

The positive signals at the beginning of 2024 are anticipated to contribute to the realisation of this objective.

Thi Tho