Quang Ninh (VNA) – The 16th meeting of the joint working committee between Vietnam's northern province of Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang and Ha Giang, and China’s Guangxi𒀰 Zhuang Autonomous Region was held in Ha Long city in Quang Ninh in February 21.

The focus of the discussions was a shared commitment to continue fostering a borderline of peace, friendship, stability, cooperation and development. Key priorities include increasing exchanges and coordination, enhancing cross-border trade, upgrading bilateral border gates to international standards, and improving customs clearance capacity. Both sides pledged to boost cooperation in tourism, education, and healthcare while reinforcing border security and safety. They vowed to support a crackdown on cybercrime, drug trafficking, counterfeit currency smuggling, human trafficking, and transnational crime in the region. They will also team up to tackle illegal immigration and disease prevention, ensuring border safety and socio-economic development for communities of both sides.

Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee Cao Tuong Huy highlighted the significant export-import turnover through the province’s border gates, exceeding 4.4 billion USD. Notable milestones include the launch of the Hoanh Mo (Vietnam) – Dong Zhong (China) border gate pair and the Bac Phong Sinh (Vietnam) – Li He (China) customs clearance route, alongside the resumption of the Beihai (China) – Ha Long (Vietnam) maritime tourism route. Regular cultural, sports exchanges, and trade fairs have further cemented these bonds.

Vice Governor of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Liao Pinhu, meanwhile, suggested enhancing training support for Vietnamese personnel, especially in artificial intelligence and smart city development.

He also advocated for establishing a joint 🧜operational mechanism at border tourism sites, including Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most breathtaking natural wond♓ers straddling the shared border. The Vice Governor also supports the restoration of maritime tourism routes like Fangchenggang – Ha Long and Beihai – Ha Long./.