Survey and prepare for customs clearance of goods at Thanh Thuy border gate.

Attending the meeting were representatives from the following departments and agencies: the Provincial People's Committee Office, the Department of Industry and Trade, the Department of Transport, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Police, the Border Guard, the Customs Department, the Plant Quarantine Department Region 6, and the Veterinary Department Region 3.

The Thanh Thuy border gate was upgraded to a main border gate by the Prime Minister of Vietnam according to Decision No. 753/QD-TTg dated May 19, 2011. However, on the opposite side, the Nam On border gate in Xay Cham Phon district, Bolikhamsai province (Laos), has not yet been upgraded to a main border gate by the Lao government, therefore the Thanh Thuy (Vietnam) - Nam On (Laos) main border gate pair has not been officially inaugurated.

In addition, with the approval of the Border Gate Planning on the Vietnam-Laos border line for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, according to Decision No. 1201/QD-TTg dated October 14, 2023, the current status of Thanh Thuy border gate as a sub-border gate will be upgraded to an international border gate during the period 2023-2030.

At the Thanh Thuy - Nam On border crossing, the Vietnamese side has all the necessary functional forces: Border Guard, Customs, Plant Quarantine, roads, and other conditions to ensure the smooth clearance of goods. On the Lao side, the border crossing only has the Police force (Nam On Police Station, Laos). When goods cross the border, forces such as Customs, Tax, and Forestry are also required to be present to carry out their duties. Roads and other necessary conditions are currently being implemented to facilitate the smooth clearance of goods.

Following the survey, at the working session, the Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Le Hong Vinh, directed and requested relevant departments, agencies, and localities to urgently advise on the procedures and necessary conditions for submission to the Provincial People's Committee for consideration and decision to ensure customs clearance of goods in accordance with regulations. This will create favorable conditions for traders and residents of Vietnam and Laos, especially between Nghe An province and Bolikhamsai province, to exchange and trade goods smoothly.

This also serves as the basis for upgrading the Thanh Thuy - Nam On border gate pair to an international border gate according to the roadmap, while ensuring compliance with Clause 2, Article 6, Decree No. 14/2018/ND-CP of the Prime Minister.