Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

The two sides were unanimous that the cargo congestion has caused heavy damages for people and businesses of both countries, affecting the bilateral trade ties, and he regional supply and production chains.

The officials also shared difficulties in implementing COVID-19 prevention and control measures and promoting economic-trade recovery at the same time.

They underlined the importance of early restoration of border trade activities in favor of socio-economic development of Vietnamese and Chinese localities, stabilization of production and supply chains in the region, and protection of legitimate interests of businesses and people of both sides.

Both sides agreed to maintain close communication and actively urge relevant ministries, sectors and localities of both sides to seek solutions to the current cargo congestion at border gates, while continuing to strengthen cooperation in pandemic prevention and control in the border gate areas.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade reported Monday that 1,555 trucks carrying exports to China are stuck in Quang Ninh as of December 25, and 4,204 in Lang Son as of December 25. Some of them have been deadlocked for a month.

China is pursuing a ‘Zero Covid’ policy, so it is tightening anti-pandemic measures. China still accepts customs clearance during office hours, but the delivery is still stuck because of stricter anti-pandemic measures./.