Durian exports through international border gate No. II Kim Thanh, Lao Cai. Photo: Lao Cai Newspaper.

On August 8, speaking to reporters, Director of Lao Cai Border Gate Customs Branch Vu Duy Hung said that from the beginning of the year to the end of July, the unit processed 49,026 declarations, from 595 businesses with a total turnover of more than US$1.3 billion, of which exports were US$917 million and imports were US$392.36 million.

Notably, durian exports alone reached US$566.16 million, accounting for 61.7% of the total export turnover of the entire Lao Cai Border Gate Customs Branch in the past seven months. This is also the product group with the largest turnover among groups undergoing import and export procedures at the unit.

In addition to durian, exported agricultural products with large turnover included: dragon fruit reached US$ 56 million; watermelon reached US$13.68 million; and lychee reached nearly US$12 million.

According to Director of the Department Vu Duy Hung, to facilitate trade, the unit always proactively deploys synchronous solutions to ensure the fast customs clearance in accordance with regulations, helping businesses get quick clearance of goods.

In particular, whether on holidays or off working days, Lao Cai Border Gate Customs Branch arranges enough officers and civil servants to help businesses process customs clearance, avoiding backlogs and congestion.

Thanks to the increase in import and export activities, by the end of July, Lao Cai Border Gate Customs Branch collected VND498.7 billion, contributing 68.22% to the total revenue of the whole Department and reaching 76.73 % of yearly target assigned by Lao Cai Customs Department.