The strict criteria assessed by Chinese authorities have hardly disrupted the trade flow between the two neighbours, especially after several factory closures across Vietnam due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.
Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Hong Dien sent a letter to China’s Ministry of Commerce, customs administration and secretaries of Guangxi and Yunnan province to reopen borders and extend customs clearance working hours to reduce the pinching supply chain congestion.
Thousands of trucks have been reportedly tangled at the border for over a month, awaiting their turn, leading to prolonged delays and further financial losses. Meanwhile, Vietnam recommended the authorities raise the existing ban on the southeastern Asian country’s fruit exports. On their part, Chinese authorities have compromised to extend customs clearance working hours and vowed to escalate the rest of the demands to higher officials.
