Vietnam Focuses on Border Gate Efficiency and Agricultural Exports to Boost China Trade

Authorities in the northern province of Lang Son and Pingxiang city in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region held talks to promote trade, develop smart border gates, and expand cross-border tourism cooperation at the Tan Thanh (Vietnam) – Po Chai (China) clearance point. This initiative aims to further boost trade between Vietnam and China, particularly in agricultural exports. From the start of the harvest season through June 14, approximately 16,000 tonnes of fresh lychees, valued at nearly $11 million USD, were exported to China via the Kim Thanh International Border Gate No. 2 in Lang Son province. This highlights Vietnam's efforts to strengthen its agricultural exports to the Chinese market. Vietnam recognizes the need for a comprehensive package of measures to maintain and expand its trade surplus, which will provide a solid foundation for the agricultural sector to further strengthen its role as a pillar of the economy and contribute more substantially to Vietnam's overall economic growth. The country ranks fifth globally, second in Asia, and first in Southeast Asia in wood and wood product exports, forming an important base for the industry's pursuit of modern, sustainable development and higher added value. Rice exports also show strong performance, with Vietnam exporting 769,000 tonnes in June, earning $376 million USD. This represents a sharp increase of 47.9% in volume and 37.3% in value compared to the same period last year. Under its one-party system, economic growth remains a paramount objective for Vietnam, with a particular emphasis on export-led growth. China is Vietnam's largest trading partner, making border gate efficiency and streamlined trade procedures crucial for further economic acceleration. Concurrently, Vietnam aims to diversify its export markets and reduce its reliance on trade solely with China. International support also bolsters Vietnam's economic development. The German government, through the German Reconstruction Bank (KfW), is one of Vietnam's largest bilateral donors, providing valuable assistance. Furthermore, Vietnam's national plan for 2026-2030 includes an aim to develop at least 10 large strategic technology enterprises, each generating annual revenue of over $1 billion USD and employing more than 5,000 workers. This signals Vietnam's ambition to transition from a manufacturing hub to higher value-added industries. In the IT outsourcing sector, Vietnam has already become a magnet for IT companies due to its abundant software engineers, competitive labor costs, and strong mathematical skills. Companies like FPT Software and VNG have demonstrated their ability to compete in international markets. These sectors contribute to Vietnam's economic diversification by leveraging existing human capital with relatively modest infrastructure investment. Information source: VietnamPlus English