Kim Thanh II International Border Gate in Lao Cai province which borders China (Photo: VNA)Speaking at an online meeting between relevant ministriesand 25 border provinces, Dien suggested border localities build strategies andplans for industrial and commercial development in the 2021-2030 period with avision to 2045; study, propose policies or promulgate local policies to attract investment in socio-economicinfrastructure; and prioritize investment in infrastructure in the fields oftransportation, electricity, water, telecommunications, trade and services.
Localities should take initiative in proposing the upgradingand opening of new pairs of border gates, gradually eliminate trading through unofficial channels, and build mechanisms and policies to attract large domestic andforeign industrial enterprises.
The minister also proposed applying regular communication betweenthe Ministry of Industry and Trade and 25 border provinces to promptly report any arising problem tothe Government for timely settlement.
Le Hoang Oanh, Director of the Asia-Africa Market Departmentunder the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said that despite the impact of theCOVID-19 pandemic, border provinces have been able to ensure both defencesecurity and pandemic prevention and control, while maintaining economicdevelopment.
In 2020, 15 out of 25 border provinces reported growth rates higher than the national average, and the number rose to 20 in the first 6 months of 2021. Cross-border relations are well maintained andseveral infrastructure works serving industrial and commercial development herehave been formed.
However, the border areas still faces many difficulties ineconomic development due to the low starting point. Border trade turnover only reached 30 billion USD in 2020,accounting for only 5.5 percent of the country’s total trade turnover./.
VNA
