HANOI (Reuters). Vietnam’s Trade Ministry asked China’s Guangxi to urgently take measures to reduce congestion at the border crossings following China’s increased border control with its neighbours. The move was reported by state media.

Images and video footage from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), which is run by state officials, showed thousands of trucks stopped at border due to reports that COVID-19 was being imported into Guangxi.

VNA reported, citing an official statement from the trade ministry, that Guangxi has applied anti-virus prevention measures under its ‘zero COVID” policies. These include closing border gates and stopping fruit imports.

This disruption caused a negative effect on bilateral trade, and large losses for businesses and individuals on both sides.

According to the report, Guangxi trade representatives responded that they will increase customs clearance time and forward other suggestions to higher officials.

China is Vietnam’s most important trading partner. It also provides the largest market for Vietnam’s fruit and vegetables.

According to official data, the exchange of agricultural products in trade between the countries increased 19.5% compared to the last year’s period and reached $11.3 billion during the first 11 month of 2021.