PM proposes Vietnam-China’s upgrade of border gate infrastructure

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed Vietnam and China continue cooperating to improve customs clearance efficiency, upgrade border gate infrastructure, and study smart border gates, while holding talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Dalian city, China’s Liaoning province on Monday.

The two leaders kept each other updated on the situation of each Party and each country, especially firming up the achievements and high-level common perceptions reached during the historic visits of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in 2022 and Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping in 2023.

Looking back at the bilateral cooperation, the two agreed that there have been numerous notable developments and the political trust in the relationship between the two parties and their respective countries has been strengthened. Various new cooperation mechanisms in important fields have been established. Strategic connections, especially traffic connections, have been boosted.

Both leaders conveyed their happiness with the bilateral trade cooperation, pointing out that Chinese investment in Vietnam has expanded significantly, tourism has rebounded and local-to-local cooperation and people-to-people exchanges are strong.

PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam considers developing relations with China an objective requirement, strategic choice and top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification.

Prime Minister Li Qiang emphasised that China prioritises Vietnam in its comprehensive foreign policy towards its neighbours and supports Vietnam in its efforts to modernise, industrialise the country and uphold its role in the international community.

The two sides pledged to promote the effective implementation of the Vietnam-China Joint Declaration on continuing, deepening and elevating the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and building a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

They agreed to expand cooperation in key areas such as diplomacy, national defence and security and build a land border of peace, stability, cooperation and development.

The two leaders also agreed to control disagreements, maintain peace and stability at sea, while strengthening coordination at international and regional forums.

Chinh proposed the two sides accelerate transport infrastructure connection, especially research to promote the construction of standard gauge railways such as Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong, Lang Son-Hanoi and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong lines.

The Vietnamese PM expressed his wish that Vietnam and China will soon sign the protocol and complete market opening procedures for Vietnamese frozen durian and fresh coconut.

He also hoped China will open markets for other Vietnamese agricultural and aquatic products, including citrus fruits, avocados, custard apples, passion fruit, livestock and poultry.

Chinh proposed deepening cooperation in finance, banking, science, technology, education, culture, tourism, digital transformation and hi-tech agriculture.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang affirmed his readiness to deepen the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

He said China will further open the market for Vietnamese goods, especially Vietnamese agricultural and aquatic products and high-quality fruits, as well as create favourable conditions for quarantine and customs clearance of goods.

China is ready to coordinate on promoting the resolution of institutional and policy barriers, so that the two countries' trade relations continue to grow sustainably and achieve new results, he said.

The Chinese leader proposed the two countries strengthen strategic connections, especially in infrastructure and transportation, economy, trade and investment, especially in production, manufacturing, agriculture, maintaining supply chains and production chains, and vocational training.

He hoped the two countries will make their partnership increasingly effective and substantive, reaching the new level.

The PMs also compared notes on maritime issues, and shared the view on the importance of managing disagreements and maintenance of peace and stability in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea).

PM Chinh proposed the two sides strictly implement the agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues, respect international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and respect each other's lawful rights and interests.

He recommended that both parties work to improve the efficacy of maritime negotiation mechanisms, appropriately address the issue of fishing boats, and maintain effective situational control at sea.

The Vietnamese government leader affirmed support for China to promote its increasingly important and active role in the region and the world, suggesting that the two sides strengthen coordination and cooperation at regional and international forums, especially within the framework of the World Trade Organisation, APEC, ASEM and ASEAN.