Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed ministries, agencies, and localities to take urgent measures to minimize goods congestion and promote the export of farm produce through northern border gates.

The request was made following a remarkable increase in the number of trucks carrying agricultural products to border gates in the northern province of Lang Son, leading to a high risk of congestion due to long customs clearance procedures and modest clearance capacity.

Meanwhile, many kinds of agricultural products such as durian, jackfruit, lychee, and dragon fruit are entering their peak harvest season.

Regulations on the import-export of farm produce between Vietnam and China are to be promptly reviewed and coordination strengthened with Chinese authorities to simplify customs clearance procedures, thus preventing the risk of damage to agricultural products due to the long-lasting procedures and hot weather.

Chairs of the People’s Committees in northern border provinces are requested to provide evaluations and forecasts on the situation, while coordinating with relevant forces to regulate and manage vehicles carrying goods to the border and assisting them in customs clearance.

They were directed to regularly update localities, agencies, and businesses around the country on the distribution and export situation of farm produce so they can make suitable adjustments to prevent congestion at border gates, minimizing damage for people and businesses.

In the long term, the Prime Minister asked ministries and agencies to implement solutions to promote the export of farm produce through official channels and diversify transport methods, such as by land, waterways, rail, and air.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was instructed to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to actively negotiate to expand markets and remove barriers in farm produce exports.