Gov’t orders formulation of working group to resolve cargo congestion at northern border gates
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered formulation of a working group responsible for resolving cargo trucks stranded at the northern border gates with China.
The move was made immediately following his recent phone conversation with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on January 13.
Specifically, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) was tasked to cooperate with relevant ministries, agencies, and seven provinces bordering China to rashly set up the working group.
The body will be led by a deputy minister of industry and trade who will be assisted by leaders of ministries, agencies, and local leaders of the People’s Committees of Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Lang Son and Quang Ninh.
The working group will work with the Chinese side to resolve congestion of goods at border gate, improve the efficiency of customs clearance and goods circulation, and maintain smooth bilateral trade, especially during the Lunar New Year, while ensuring pandemic control.
Earlier, on January 10, Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh chaired a meeting with leaders of ministries, agencies, and northern border provinces to figure out both short and long-term solutions to deal with cargo trucks stranded at border gates in northern provinces.
As of January 8, over 3,600 trucks jammed at northern border gates, down 2,150 (in comparison with the peak time of December 25, 2021 with 5,759 vehicles).
