Lao Cai (VNA) - The export and import of goods and services via the Lao Cai internationalborder gate stood at nearly 950 million USD in the first quarter of this year,up 75 percent year-on-year.

Exportssurged 63 percent to around 406 million USD during the period, mostly yellowphosphorous, dragon fruit, mangos, watermelons, and bananas.

Theprovince has targeted total exports-imports of around 4.6 billion USD thisyear, up 30 percent year-on-year.

The Lao Caiinternational border gate is one of eight major border economic zones receivingState budget funds for development during 2021-2025. The province is steppingup planning to expand its border economic zone to 16,000 ha, with prioritygiven to infrastructure, investment attraction, and logistics.

The provincialcustoms department is improving its working efficiency to save time and costsin handling administrative procedures, realising the Government’s resolution oncontinuing with key measures to improve the business environment and nationalcompetitiveness in 2020 and a provincial decree on measures to boost localexports-imports.

It is alsoworking to improve satisfaction among businesses, conduct drastic andsynchronous administrative reform in various areas, and adopt modern technologyto ensure the smooth operation of automated customs clearance and e-customssystems./.