In 2024, the total import-export turnover through Cao Bang reached 952.18 million USD, an increase of 30% over the same period in 2023. The main import-export goods are: seafood, vegetables, cashew nuts, cassava, cassava products, wood, wood products, lead ingots, ores, other minerals, coal of all kinds, machinery, equipment, tools, other spare parts, fabrics, cars of all kinds...
However, in the first days of the new year, import and export activities in this locality are quite modest. According to data updated by the Department of Industry and Trade on the system, from January 1, 2025 to January 23, there were 995 vehicles importing and exporting goods through border gates in the area.
In particular, the exchange of goods mainly takes place at the Ta Lung border gate area. Particularly, the Tra Linh and Soc Giang border gates are often in a state of no vehicles passing through.
On January 24, speaking with reporters, Mr. Thai Van Tai - a driver from Dong Nai - shared: "Which border gate the goods go through is completely agreed upon by my boss and the Chinese boss. I just drive the car. When I get to Cao Bang, I usually go through Ta Lung border gate."
It is known that import and export activities still face some difficulties as many secondary border gates and openings in the area have not been able to resume operations since the COVID-19 pandemic appeared, causing certain obstacles to trade.
To overcome the shortcomings, the Cao Bang Economic Zone Management Board and the Quang Hoa District government coordinated to organize many talks with representatives of the Long Chau District People's Government (Guangxi, China). The discussion focused on solutions to reopen the freight transport route via Ta Lung II Road Bridge and upgrade the Ta Lung - Thuy Khau border gate to an international border gate.
The two sides also seek ways to reduce customs clearance costs and promote the transportation of goods such as raw sugarcane, creating favorable conditions for businesses and people and bringing great cooperation opportunities between Vietnam and China.
At the end of 2023, the People's Committee of Cao Bang province and the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (China) jointly held a ceremony to announce the upgrading of the Tra Linh (Vietnam) - Long Bang (China) border gate pair into an international border gate including the Na Doong - Na Ray customs clearance.
This event is considered a major step forward in the local economic development orientation of the border gate. From December 28, 2023, people and goods from third countries can pass through Vietnam into inland China and vice versa.
It is known that in the newly approved Cao Bang planning, the Tra Linh international border gate area will have a dry port for goods transit.
However, after more than 1 year of operation, Tra Linh International Border Gate has not had many breakthroughs.
