The Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade is keeping a close watch on the development of the coronavirus, urging firms to prepare for impacts of the epidemic on exports, especially shipments of agricultural products, to China.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Currently, the epidemic had not yet had a significant impact on import and export activities between Vietnam and China, the department said.

However, there were signs that sales of some agricultural products in China had started to slow due to the development of the epidemic. In addition, ongoing strict disease prevention measures also made transportation of goods much more difficult.

The department learned that border gates in Pingxiang, Guangxi which bordered Vietnam’s Lang Son province would close until February 8, except for Friendship Pass which would open on February 3, as an effort to prevent the epidemic from spreading.

The department said traffic as well as cross-border transportation of goods between Vietnam and China might be affected.

The department urged Vietnamese firms, especially those exporting agricultural products to China, to prepare for their partners in China not being able to receive goods. Firms should change delivery methods or seek other markets for their products.

Firms must also regularly discuss with their partners in China to remain updated of any changes to the epidemic, the department said.

The ministry would keep providing updates on the epidemic and its impacts on import-export activities.

Vietnam exported goods worth 41.41 billion USD in 2019, around 20 percent of which came from agro-fishery products.

China was the largest market for Vietnam’s agricultural products.