The pilot project to build smart border gates at the Mong Cai (Vietnam) - Dong Hung (China) international border gate pair was approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 164/QD-TTg dated January 26, 2026.
According to the Project, the Mong Cai - Dong Hung smart border gate model is built on the basis of applying modern science and technology to two main operating channels: the channel for controlling people entering and leaving the country at Bac Luan I bridge area and the channel for controlling transport vehicles and import and export goods at Bac Luan II bridge area.
The implementation aims to facilitate traffic through the border area, and at the same time improve the management, inspection and control capacity of functional forces at the border gate.
The model is organized in a separate, closed scope, piloted for certain types of goods; traditional goods delivery methods are still maintained in parallel.
The groups of goods implementing customs clearance according to the smart border gate model include: Agricultural products (vegetables, fruits), frozen seafood, electronic goods, electronic components of Vietnam; electronic goods, electronic components exported from China and some other items to ensure the goals and effectiveness of the Project.
Phase 1 in 2026, in the Bac Luan I bridge area, the entry and exit control flow will be implemented on existing infrastructure, serving border residents and passengers, expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
In the Bac Luan II bridge area, build smart border gate infrastructure; establish specialized channels, install equipment to serve IGV self-driving cars operating 24/7; and build a Smart Operation Center (IOC).
Phase 2, from 2027 to 2030, at Bac Luan I bridge, the border gate scope will be expanded, investment will be made to expand the entry and exit space, and the number of automatic control channels will be increased.
At Bac Luan II bridge, continue to improve the smart border gate model; increase the number of specialized lanes, upgrade customs clearance capacity according to the IGV self-driving vehicle model or research and deploy a mono-rail (sky-rail) freight transport system depending on actual traffic flow.
The two sides also coordinate to research and build border crossing works to serve smart border gate operations; expand infrastructure investment such as Bac Luan II Logistics Park, e-commerce center, import and export goods area, logistics warehouse...
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Mr. Vu Van Dien - Standing Vice Chairman of Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee (Vietnam) and Mr. Khuu Minh Hong, Mayor of the People's Government of Fangchenggang City (China) affirmed: The construction of smart border gates is not only an investment in technical infrastructure, but also a fundamental shift in thinking, border management methods, from traditional to modern, based on digital platforms, close coordination and mutual trust.
With the motto "Synchronous planning - synchronous construction - synchronous operation", the two sides agreed to apply advanced scientific and technological achievements in the process of managing and operating border gate operations; believing that the Project will be implemented on schedule, becoming a typical model of smart border gate cooperation.
