At exactly 8 a.m. on the first day of the Lunar New Year (February 17), a tractor-trailer loaded with 17 tons of export-grade durian bound for Hekou, China, crossed through Kim Thanh International Road Border Gate, part of Lao Cai International Border Gate.

From early morning, relevant authorities, including Customs, Border Guard, and Plant Quarantine forces, were present at the border gate, working in close coordination to expedite clearance procedures for import and export enterprises.

The year’s first export consignment was shipped by Thanh Phong One Member Co., Ltd. Pham Duc Tuan, a representative of the company, expressed his optimism: “The weather is beautiful, with the cool, pleasant air of spring. Clearance procedures were swift and secure, which makes us very pleased. We hope that in the new year, import and export activities through Lao Cai International Border Gate will remain smooth, vibrant, and continue to grow.”

Providing further details, Tuan said the shipment consisted of durians sourced from Tien Giang Province that met food safety and hygiene standards. The company had signed a contract to export the fruit to a partner in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. “We used specialized refrigerated trucks to ensure optimal quality upon delivery to our customers,” he added.

According to Tran Anh Tu, Head of the Customs Team at Lao Cai International Border Gate under Regional Customs Sub-Department VII, Customs authorities have maintained and reinforced on-duty personnel throughout the Lunar New Year holiday. Electronic customs declarations are being implemented, with priority given to agricultural products, especially fresh fruits, to ensure fast and secure clearance before, during, and after the holiday. Inter-agency forces at the border gate have also worked closely together to create the most favorable conditions for businesses engaged in cross-border trade during the festive period.