On 16/9, permanent deputy prime minister Pham Gia Tuc met with Tran Cuong, Party Secretary of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in Nanning, China. The meeting took place within the framework of the 23rd China - ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and the China - ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS).

According to the deputy prime minister, Guangxi and Vietnamese localities need to transition from simple trade to deep economic integration. Both sides should also effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms and expand connections between localities with high potential.

He urged Guangxi to continue facilitating the import of Vietnamese goods into China or their transit through the region to a third country. Capable enterprises from Guangxi are also encouraged to expand high-quality investment in Vietnam.

Regarding infrastructure, the deputy prime minister proposed that both sides coordinate to ensure the progress of the standard-gauge railway lines from Lang Son - Hanoi and Mong Cai - Ha Long - Hai Phong, connecting with Guangxi. These lines are expected to increase cargo transport capacity and reduce logistics costs between Vietnam and China.

Both sides also need to promptly operationalize smart border gate models, implement cross-border economic cooperation zones, and upgrade and open additional agreed-upon border gates. Maritime and waterway transport connections, along with the completion of border gate infrastructure, are also identified as areas requiring promotion.

Beyond trade and infrastructure, the deputy prime minister proposed expanding cooperation in science, technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation across education, healthcare, transport, and agriculture. Both sides will also continue to effectively operate the Ban Gioc - Duc Thien waterfall tourist landscape area and coordinate land border management.

The permanent deputy prime minister met with Tran Cuong, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and Party Secretary of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Photo: VGP.

Tran Cuong stated that Guangxi is ready to coordinate with Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and localities to enhance supply chain and production connectivity, improve rail and road connections, and complete border gate infrastructure.

Guangxi also committed to facilitating trade in agricultural and aquatic products with Vietnam and encouraging local enterprises to make high-quality investments in Vietnam. Both sides plan to increase cooperation in human resource training, tourism, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

Recently, cooperation between Vietnamese localities and Guangxi has expanded across trade, logistics, transport, science and technology, and artificial intelligence. This region serves as an important gateway for Vietnamese goods exported to China via road.

Phuong Dung