China reopening means more exchanges with Vietnam: ambassador

“Normalizing procedures at the border between the two countries will help with the exporting of high-quality products from Vietnam to China, especially agricultural ones,” Xiong said.

Chinese ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo talks to the press in Hanoi in November 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

China has begun a series of reopening procedures following three years of its “zero-Covid” policy.

Starting January 8, China relaxed its coronavirus prevention measures, opening up its borders and stopping Covid-19 tests at border gates for imported goods, including frozen ones.

Those looking to enter China now only need a negative PCR test within the last 48 hours, and no quarantine is required.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has asked localities and businesses to stay updated on news regarding trade at border gates.

Xiong said the adjustments would “surely bring great benefits regarding economic cooperation and people’s exchanges” between Vietnam and China, adding that the new flow of people, logistics and capital across the border would help activate markets.

“This will increase China’s demand for many goods, including Vietnamese ones, which should further promote bilateral trade,” he said.

China is one of Vietnam’s largest trade partners. In 2021, bilateral trade turnover between the two countries reached $165.8 billion, a 24.6% increase from 2020. In the first 9 months of 2022, Vietnam exported $41.22 billion worth of goods to China.

Passengers line up for immigration procedures after landing on the Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in Zhejiang Province, China, January 8, 2023. Photo by AFP

As for cross-border travel and tourism, Xiong said China would adjust its visa policies step-by-step to meet the demands of people from other countries wanting to enter China. He said priority would be given to workers, businesspeople, students and people who want to be reunited with their loved ones.

Following its reopening, China has scrapped measures limiting the number of flights carrying international passengers. The country is also gradually resuming normal operations regarding immigration.

“We would also encourage Chinese tourists to travel abroad in an orderly and positive way, and trust that neighboring countries with friendly immigration policies would be their first choice,” Xiong said.

Xiong also said the coronavirus situation in China is “within control” and that the country has gone past the toughest period of the pandemic. He said China now has sufficient conditions and facilities for disease prevention.