Imports - exports through Cau Treo border gate plunge

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Cau Treo Customs arranges customs officers to carry out customs procedures for enterprises 24 hours per day. Photo: Phan Tram

Cau Treo International Border Gate Customs Branch said import and export activities in July through Cau Treo border gate have been harmed by the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing measures under Directive 16.

This declining started from May when Vietnam’s northern provinces saw outbreak in community. From the beginning of July when the Covid-19 pandemic has become complex and difficult to control in the southern provinces, import-export activities through Cau Treo international border gate have reduced.

Customs Branch of Cau Treo international border gate reported a total import-export in July of US$13.6 million. Of which, imports were about US$7.6 million and exports nearly US$6 million

Some items recorded a sharp decrease in import turnover like tapioca starch and beverage products.

As an enterprise specialising in procedures to import tapioca starch from Laos to Vietnam through Cau Treo international border gate, a representative of Dong Nam Viet Import-Export and Investment Joint Stock Company (headquartered in Hanoi) said due to Covid-19 outbreak in HCM City and Hanoi, imported materials for factories in the two areas have also been delayed. Meanwhile, Laos is now in the rainy season and travel is difficult, so the amount of imported goods has dropped considerably.

Due to the decline in imports and export, Cau Treo Customs collected only more than VND22.7 billion in July, equal 59% of June (VND37 billion).

Although the import-export situation in July at Cau Treo international border gate was not good, import and export turnover in seven months at Cau Treo customs increased 87% year-on-year to US$221 million. Thus, in the seven-month period, Cau Treo customs collected nearly VND 288 billion, exceeding 92% of the target.

Trucks entering Cau Treo international border gate are disinfected. Photo: Phan Tram

Le Minh Duc, Head of Cau Treo International Border Gate Customs Branch, said that from the beginning of July, when HCM City and southern provinces applied social distancing under Directive 16, import and export activities through the area were severely affected. In particular, the most heavily affected imported items such as rice, beverages, softener and production materials. In addition, another factor is Laos is now in the rainy season, so travel is difficult.

To aid import-export activities as well as ensure anti-pandemic at the border gate, the branch has arranged a quarter of staff to be on duty to ensure operations, said Duc.

At the same time, the unit has been promoting administrative reform for simplicity, convenience and facilitation for import-export activities, transit of goods and means of transport. Cau Treo Customs has strengthened to quickly remove obstacles in the customs process and accompanied firms to overcome difficulties, coordinated with other authorities in the area to assess the impact on import-export activities and develop appropriate solutions to support businesses.

In the short-run, the pandemic will still be a problem, so import-export activities through ​​​​Cau Treo international border gate will continue to face many difficulties. Therefore, Cau Treo Customs has been removing obstacles and help businesses maintain production and business, while ensuring effective pandemic prevention and control.