Authorities in the provinces of Lao Cai, in Vietnam, and Yunnan, inChina, are actively constructing the Lao Cai – Honghe economic zone,it was revealed at a meeting between leaders in the Vietnamese localityon May 12.

The construction will pave the way for developing the Kimming-Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong economic corridor.

Yunnan Governor Chen Hao lauded the Vietnamese northern mountainousprovince for its support to his hometown in hosting the China-South Asiaand Kunming Trade fairs in June this year.

Both hostand guest agreed to boost their bilateral engagement in trade andtourism; launch transportation infrastructure projects connecting theirlocalities; and simplify entrance-and-exit procedures.

Exchange activities to enhance mutual understanding between Vietnameseand Chinese nationals are equally important towards the growth of theties between Lao Cai and Yunnan, they said.

Lao Caiand Yunnan share more than 200 kilometres of border line. The Lao Cai –Hekou international border gate plays an important role in facilitatingtrade across the economic corridor.

Since July2014, the border gate has extended its opening hours. Vehiclestravelling by road can access the crossing from 7 am to 10 pm whiletrains run through the gate twenty-four seven.

According to a consensus reached by the two provinces, trucks fromVietnam are allowed to enter Honghe County’s entire area, while trucksfrom China can access anywhere in Lao Cai.-VNA