Cao Bang (VNA) – Au🗹thorities of Vietnam’s Cao Bang province and China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on September 12 jointly announced the official upgrade of the Ta Lung – Shuikou border gate pair to international status.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Cao Bang People’s Committee Hoang Van Thach highlighted the event as a milestone reflecting the close guidance of the two Governments, effective coordination between intergovernmental committees and central ministries, as well as the strong cooperation of local authorities on both sides. The upgrade, he said, not only marks a new stage in the partnership between Cao Bang and Guangxi but also contributes to strengthening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Vietnam and China. Ta Lung – Shuikou has long served as a traditional trade route, facilitating exchanges and cooperation between border communities. Its status elevation is expected to unlock new opportunities in trade, investment, tourism, transport connectivity, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people ties. A key highlight of the project is the opening of Ta Lung II – Shuikou bridge, designed to streamline cross-border traffic. The new crossing will ease congestion at the main gate, increase clearance capacity, and enhance the efficiency of import–export activities. It is also expected to expand cooperation in logistics, supporting industries, and production. Thanks to its strategic position linking northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam with Guangxi, the new route will help establish regional supply chains, improve business competitiveness, generate jobs, and support the livelihoods of border residents. Lam Xiao, Secretary of the Chongzuo city Party Committee in Guangxi, stressed that the city views the upgrade as an opportunity to deepen collaboration with Cao Bang. He reaffirmed Guangxi’s commitment to implementing key agreements between the two Parties and Governments, in line with the China–Vietnam joint statement. He said Chongzuo would pursue the principle of “friendship, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness,” strengthen trade exchanges, enhance cooperation in production capacity, and promote regional connectivity, building a stronger China-ASEAN community and a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Looking ahead, Cao Bang province plans to improve border gate infrastructure, modernise customs operations, and step up administrative reforms. It will also work closely with Guangxi to ensure effective border management, maintain security and order, and develop a stable and sustainable border area. Cao Bang expects the Ta Lung – Shuikou international border gate to become a highlight of Vietnam-China border cooperation, serving as an important bridge for socio-economic growth and friendship between the two countries./.