The first export shipment received official customs clearance at the Ma Lu Thang border gate in Phong Tho district of the northern province of Lai Chau on the morning of February 28.

This is the first batch of export after nearly one month of temporary suspension of customs clerance in order to prevent and control the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic.

Vu Ngoc Pham, Deputy Director of Ma Lu Thang Border Gate Economic Zone, stated that the first shipment of agricultural products were cleared by customs officials at 8am. As a result of the resumption of customs clearance, it is expected that 10 vehicles containing goods will be transported through the border gate.

Moreover, relevant Vietnamese and Chinese authorities have moved to strengthen preventive measures against the COVID-19 epidemic, with drivers from both countries wearing protective clothes, whilst all vehicles are being disinfected in line with regulations set by the health sector.

Individuals who enter and exit through the border gates are also set to undergo strict controls by relevant agencies in a bid to ensure that safety standards in prevention activities are maintained.

Between February 1 and February 27, local customs officials at Ma Lu Thang border gate conducted entry and exit procedures on over 200 people, including 130 people entering Vietnam.

In addition, temporary quarantine areas at the border gate have received more than 80 suspected cases for strict monitoring.