Trucks passing Tân Thanh-Pò Chài Border Gate in the northern province of Lạng Sơn. — VNA Photo

LẠNG SƠN — The Tân Thanh-Pò Chài Border Gate in the northern province of Lạng Sơn has been reopened, allowing cross-border trade between Việt Nam and China to resume after it was suspended due the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in China, said Nông Hải Thăng deputy director of Đồng Đăng Economic Zone.

Trucks transporting goods from Việt Nam’s side to China must be disinfected and return on the same day. Drivers are required to wear masks and protective suits and are not allowed to leave their cabins at any time.

For the time being, only firms that can show they have contractual duties to deliver goods to China are given permission to pass the gate between 8am to 7pm (Hà Nội time). The Tân Thanh customs office has issued a warning to avoid unnecessary waste for businesses that cannot show a valid contract.

In another development, 21 trucks carrying 315 tonnes of dragon fruit passed Thanh Thủy Border Gate in northern Hà Giang Province yesterday, the first convoy permitted to cross into China since the beginning of the year. Similar strict measures have been taken by both sides of the border to prevent the spread of the virus, according to the gate’s customs office. — VNS