The flow of goods passing through border gates in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai has recovered to between 75% to 80% against the same period last year amid the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, according to the Lao Cai Border Gate Management Board.

Kim Thanh-Lao Cai border gate

Since January 1, import and export turnover has reached approximately US$300 million, of which exports make up two-thirds with between 4,000 and 5,000 tonnes of agricultural products such as dragon fruits, watermelons, jackfruit, and mangoes, being exported to China each day. 

Pham Hung, Deputy Head of Lao Cai Border Gate Management Board, said that following guidance from the Ministry of Health, as of February 20 all drivers passing through the border gates during the day only need to fill in a medical declaration form, as opposed to being put into isolation for a 14-day period. 

He noted that despite the resumption of customs clearance activities, any type of quarantine measures will be deployed in compliance with regulations set by the Ministry of Health. 

Representatives from various enterprises expressed their confidence that customs clearance activities at each of the border gates will be able to continue in a stable manner moving forward