Lang Son, China’s Guangxi enhance cooperation in key sectors
The two sides discussed ways to accelerate joint projects and agreements and expand the list of Vietnam’s exports to China. They also proposed boosting cooperation in vocational training, especially in high-tech industries and sustainable agriculture, to meet the development needs of both sides.
The talks between officials of Lang Son province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on July 17 (Photo: VNA)
Lang Son (VNA) 🦄– Representatives from departments and agencies of the northern border province of Lang Son and China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region held talks on July 17 to review and promote cooperation in key areas, particularly trade, border management, and cultural exchange.
The meeting served as a mid-term review of the implementation of common perception as well as outcomes of the 2025 spring meeting and the 16th Joint Working Committee meeting held earlier this year.
Speaking at the event, Trinh Tuyet Mai, Director of Lang Son’s Department of Foreign Affairs, noted that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of Vietnam–China diplomatic relations. The year has been designated by both countries as the “Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange”, offering favourable conditions to deepen ties at all levels and bring tangible benefits to border communities.
Since the 2025 spring meeting, Lang Son has implemented cooperation agreements with Guangxi. They have maintained high-level exchanges and mutual visits between the corresponding departments and agencies of both sides.
Regarding economic and trade cooperation, Lang Son authorities have directed relevant agencies to strengthen coordination mechanisms, promote the pilot rollout of the smart border gate model, and restore and enhance border trade. These efforts have contributed to smooth and efficient customs clearance across the province’s border gates. In the first six months of 2025, Lang Son’s total trade turnover exceeded 41.7 billion USD, up 39% year-on-year.
The two sides have also seen positive results in people-to-people exchanges, education, health care, tourism, sports, and labour cooperation. In the sphere of border management and security, both sides have maintained peace and stability, prevented cross-border crimes, and handled arising issues based on signed agreements.
During the talks, delegates discussed ways to accelerate joint projects and agreements and expand the list of Vietnam’s exports to China. They also proposed boosting cooperation in vocational training, especially in high-tech industries and sustainable agriculture, to meet the development needs of both sides.
Wei Ran, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, said the talks offered an important platform to enhance mutual understanding and practical cooperation. He noted that key proposals relating to smart border gate development, border infrastructure projects, trade facilitation, and educational partnerships will be reported to higher authorities for further action./.
The two sides should accelerate the construction of a "smart border gate" model to facilitate and improve the efficiency of customs clearance; promote technology transfer to apply smart and high technologies in growing fruit trees; promote and introduce specialty products, OCOP (one commune one product) products, and typical industrial products.
Binh noted that there is still considerable potential for further cooperation and suggested both sides fully implement the common perceptions reached by the two countries' senior leaders and the agreements signed between Guangxi and Vietnamese provinces.
Vietnam has been Guangxi's largest trading partner for the past 26 years, he said, laying stress on untapped cooperation potential, particularly in the agricultural sector.
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The outcomes of Party General Secretary To Lam's visit will serve as a driving force and source of inspiration for the two countries to inherit, promote, and elevate their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, contributing to the national construction and development cause in each country, and to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
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