Lao Cai province is considered a gateway and a potential international transit bridge on the corridor connecting Kunming (Yunnan - China) to Hanoi, to deep-water ports in Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. In fact, this strategic role needs to be properly recognized and promoted further.
In the first 7 months of 2024, import-export turnover through Lao Cai reached more than 1.5 billion USD, double that of the same period last year. Of which, exports accounted for a large proportion, reaching more than 1.1 billion USD. Durian alone reached over 600 million USD, with nearly 180,000 tons of fresh fruit exported across the border.
This result is thanks to the increasingly deep cooperation between Vietnam and China and the efforts to create a favorable customs clearance environment in the locality. According to Mr. Nguyen Quyet Chien, Deputy Director of Lao Cai Provincial Customs Department, the electronic customs declaration system and reasonable traffic flow plan also help businesses clear customs faster.
“The Department has organized dialogue conferences with businesses and promptly listened, received, and resolved difficulties for businesses in many forms, both directly and indirectly, in all aspects. For example, we arranged direct consulting teams for businesses at customs clearance points,” said Mr. Nguyen Quyet Chien.
Since the beginning of the year, fresh durian has been the most exported item through Lao Cai.
Since the beginning of the year, the number of businesses participating in import and export through Lao Cai has been more active than the same period last year, with over 500 businesses. On average, nearly 400 trucks pass through customs every day. Although the results are positive, compared to the pre-pandemic period as well as the position of Lao Cai 's gateway, the above numbers are still very modest.
According to Mr. Vuong Trinh Quoc, Head of the Lao Cai Provincial Economic Zone Management Board, in order to achieve the target of 4.5 billion USD in import-export turnover through the area by the end of 2024, more synchronous solutions are needed.
“Starting from August, the durian season will begin, and we hope that the export value will increase. We are also continuing to work with other sectors to reform administrative procedures, create the most favorable conditions for businesses, improve customs clearance efficiency, and accelerate the construction of smart border gates,” said Mr. Vuong Trinh Quoc.
Speaking at a recent working session with the working delegation of the Party's 14th National Congress Document Subcommittee, Mr. Dang Xuan Phong, Secretary of Lao Cai Provincial Party Committee, said that in recent times, the locality has focused on two breakthrough areas including transport infrastructure and digital infrastructure. This also affirms Lao Cai's determination to promote its role as an international bridge, striving to become a growth pole of the region. The Red River Festival scheduled to take place at the end of this year continues to be an opportunity for Lao Cai to consolidate that role.
“Doing well the traffic connection infrastructure, connecting smart border gates means doing well the two corridors, one belt. In which, the Kunming - Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong belt will go first and mainly about infrastructure. This is vertical infrastructure, and horizontal infrastructure is all the connecting roads around the localities along the Red River, Lao Cai is preparing to discuss with the Chinese side,” said Mr. Dang Xuan Phong.
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thang spoke at the working session with Lao Cai Provincial Party Committee.
Also at this working session, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics expressed his support for Lao Cai in its joint efforts to build the “Belt and Road” in conjunction with the assigned political tasks. At the same time, he suggested that Lao Cai continue to broaden its thinking, accelerate the implementation of goals, and not lose opportunities.
“I really hope that Lao Cai will take on this role, connecting the country and the region, in the spirit of being a province but we can still connect with the continent and take advantage of all levels of partnership to develop Lao Cai to contribute to the common cause. Our ultimate goal is still for the happiness of the people,” Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thang shared.
After the successful conclusion of the visit to China by General Secretary and President To Lam, many substantive cooperation contents have been promoted, directly related to Lao Cai such as the Certificate of handover of the results of the Vietnam aid project to plan the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong standard gauge railway; Protocol on Vietnam's export products including: fresh coconut, frozen durian, farmed crocodile. These will continue to be the doors of opportunity opening for the gateway province of Lao Cai in the coming time.
An Kien
Source: https://vov.vn/kinh-te/lao-cai-cua-ngo-chien-luoc-voi-nhieu-co-hoi-rong-mo-post1115721.vov?gidzl=pQjg7pn-UIR3isaPE6Hw8ycqOnWkDd0bqk9b52at82tPuJOM9sOlBzwzDaKdFoOhZBam4pR9uo48Ddfu80
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