Vu Dai Thang, Secretary of the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee, met with Chen Gang, Secretary of the Party Committee of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to discuss bilateral cooperation, including accelerating the development of a railway linking Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, and Mong Cai to China.

Strengthening Vietnam-China regional ties

On February 20, Secretary Vu Dai Thang welcomed Secretary Chen Gang and his delegation to Quang Ninh, emphasizing that Chen Gang's visit shortly after assuming office demonstrated China's commitment to strengthening ties with Vietnamese localities, particularly Quang Ninh.

The two sides have successfully implemented multiple cooperation agreements, yielding positive results in regional development. During the meeting, Secretary Thang proposed further concretizing and implementing the Vietnam-China Joint Statements and agreements reached by the leaders of both countries.

He highlighted the need to strengthen border security and management, enhancing cooperation in cybercrime prevention, drug trafficking, counterfeiting, human trafficking, and transnational crime. Joint efforts in disease prevention and control, as well as combating illegal immigration, were also emphasized.

Both parties agreed to explore the development of a Vietnam-China cross-border economic cooperation zone, leveraging their respective strengths in trade and commerce.

To facilitate cross-border trade, they encouraged Vietnamese and Chinese businesses to establish operations in both countries. The two sides also urged companies to maximize free trade agreements, particularly the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), to boost manufacturing, exports, and imports.

Fast-tracking the Hai Phong – Quang Ninh – Mong Cai railway

One of the key areas of cooperation is infrastructure development, with a strong push for the construction of the Hai Phong – Quang Ninh – Mong Cai railway. This railway will enhance connectivity between Vietnam and China, supporting trade, logistics, and tourism growth.

Additionally, both sides are set to accelerate the construction of a "smart border gate" system to improve customs clearance efficiency. Strengthening ties between industrial zones in both regions, expanding cooperation in tourism, commerce, and border management, were also key discussion points.

Agreeing with Secretary Thang’s proposals, Secretary Chen Gang emphasized the significant untapped cooperation potential between Guangxi and Quang Ninh. He reaffirmed China's commitment to enhancing cross-border economic collaboration, streamlining industrial partnerships, and improving transport connectivity, particularly in railway development.

Both sides pledged to advance regional trade initiatives, accelerate the establishment of cross-border industry clusters, and enhance coordination in border management and tourism development.

Pham Cong