Export of agricultural products through the road border gate increased sharply in the first 8 months of 2021. Photo: Tran Cao

In particular, Vietnam's agricultural and aquatic products exported to China through the land border gate reached $1.58 billion, up 42%, equivalent to an increase of $471 million over the same period last year and accounted for 34% of the export value. exports of this product group to China.

In particular, the export of agricultural and aquatic products through the road border gate in the provinces of Quang Ninh, Cao Bang and Lao Cai increased sharply. Specifically, Quang Ninh increased by 137%; Cao Bang increased by 88.8% and Lao Cai by 24.6% over the same period last year.

According to the General Department of Customs, besides the positive growth, import and export activities through land border gates also faced many difficulties and limitations. Currently, the whole land border of Vietnam - China has opened 7 international border gates, 6 bilateral border gates, 21 auxiliary border gates, 37 border gates.

In recent years, import and export activities have mainly taken place at international border gates and main border gates. Some sub-border gates import and export activities decreased sharply, even without any import-export activities such as Ma Lu Thang border gate (Dien Bien province); auxiliary border gates of Binh Nghi, Na Nua, Po Nhuong, Ba Son (Co worm), Ban Chat (Lang Son province); Sam Pun border gate (Ha Giang province),…

In addition, exports to China, especially fruit, decreased because China announced to suspend the import of some fruits from Vietnam and strictly control goods packed in frozen containers.

The main reason for the above phenomenon is that the Chinese side has applied some border trade policies (management measures or non-tariff barriers to restrict goods from Vietnam) leading to certain difficulties for the Vietnamese economy. import and export of goods across the border of Vietnam.

The General Department of Customs said that in the coming time, it will direct the Customs Departments of the northern border provinces to continue implementing appropriate solutions to limit congestion at border gates and further facilitate export activities. goods, agricultural products and fresh fruits through border gates.

The General Department of Customs suggested that the Ministry of Industry and Trade continue to discuss with the Chinese authorities on limiting the temporary suspension of import and export of goods at some border gates as recently as or soon reopening ports. border gates are temporarily closed; coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to negotiate and agree to expand the agricultural products and fruits of Vietnam to be imported into China.

Converting the border market model to commercial transactions according to international practices to reduce risks for Vietnamese exporters.

On the side of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, it is necessary to assume the prime responsibility and coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors to continue negotiating with the Chinese Customs to sign the Protocol on reducing the rate of quarantine inspection; unifying the food safety supervision mechanism for Vietnamese agricultural, forestry and fishery products exported to the Chinese market.

Negotiate and reach agreement with the Chinese authorities to agree on quarantine procedures for agricultural, forestry, aquatic products, and fresh fruits in the phase of the two countries promoting Covid-19 prevention and control, not letting the situation closing border gates or temporarily suspending the import of agricultural products and fruits as in the past time. The General Department of Customs also proposed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to negotiate and discuss with Chinese authorities to ensure the strict implementation of the signed border trade agreement between the two countries so that border trade activities can develop. healthy, continuous and stable development.

In case there is a change in the policy for import and export goods, it is necessary to notify at least 10 days in advance before applying so that the Vietnamese side has time to prepare.

Coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense to discuss with Chinese authorities to comply with the Agreement on the regulation of land border management between Vietnam and China about notifying the Vietnamese side when China temporarily closes the border. of the border gate (5 days notice) so that the Vietnamese side can proactively notify people, businesses and functional forces to have time to prepare, avoid causing congestion of goods at the border gate and economic damage to both. both sides as in the past.

Thu Hang