Agricultural products exported through the Lao Cai International border gate during the first half of the year enjoyed a sharp increase amid the negative impacts caused by the coronavirus epidemic and flooding occurring in China, according to the Lao Cai Customs Department.

Farm produce exports via Lao Cai border gate skyrocket (Photo: VNA)

The reviewed period saw approximately 27,000 tonnes of lychees exported to the Chinese market through the Kim Thanh-Lao Cai border gate, making over US$14.8 million and representing a rise of 7% on year, while banana exports also witnessed a six-fold increase over 18,8000 tonnes. 

Most notably, watermelon exports enjoyed a surge of 132% to roughly 54,000 tonnes, raking in US$12.4 million, a rise of 94% compared to last year’s corresponding period. 

The overall import-export turnover through the Kim Thanh border gate during the six-month period reached US$625 million, of which export turnover grossed US$322 million, whilst import turnover stood at over US$303 million. 

Tran Anh Tu, deputy head of Lao Cai Border Gate’s customs branch, explained that the local customs sector has facilitated the export of agricultural products through the Kim Thanh border gate in a short space of time, while simultaneously implementing e-customs procedures and one-stop-shop mechanisms. 

This includes putting in place the Vietnam Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System/Vietnam Customs Information System (VNACCS/VCIS) in order to save time for businesses when passing through customs.