Transnational road freight opens up opportunities

People cross the China-Vietnam border in Dongxing, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, in January. CHEN ZHONGHAO

Making a milestone

Yuya Yamamoto, a trade specialist from the Asian Development Bank, said that the cross-border agreement was a milestone, and that goods can now be transported by certified vehicles across five countries.

Ron Slangen, deputy country director for Vietnam at the ADB, emphasized Vietnam's strategic location — bordering China, Laos and Cambodia — as a vital transport hub for the Greater Mekong Subregion.

"The successful implementation of the GMS CBTA represents more than just trucks crossing borders — it symbolizes the breaking down of barriers that can unlock the region's full potential. As GMS corridors come to life and supply chains strengthen, we are laying the foundation for unprecedented economic prosperity," Slangen said.

He said Vietnam plays a critical role in regional supply chains, making cross-border initiatives crucial for advancing trade and connectivity.

Chinese and Vietnamese officials have echoed this optimism, highlighting both the immediate benefits and long-term potential.

"The launch of international road transport between China and Vietnam is an important milestone in deepening practical cooperation between the two countries, and another achievement of the Belt and Road Initiative," said Liu Peng, director of the Global Sustainable Transport Innovation and Knowledge Center, part of China's Ministry of Transport.

Wang Xiuchun, deputy director of the transport services department at the ministry, said increased integration among Greater Mekong Subregion countries benefits all.

"It reflects China's strong support for connectivity among Greater Mekong Subregion countries and offers an effective path for cross-border economic cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong region, promoting integration, prosperity, sustainability and inclusiveness," Wang said.

Zhang Jie, also a deputy director at the transport services department, added, "The new routes not only reduce transport time and distance, but also strengthen the link between China's Western Land-Sea Trade Corridor and Vietnam's 'Two Corridors, One Economic Circle' strategy — accelerating industrial cooperation and fostering deeper economic integration."

On the Vietnamese side, authorities are also upbeat about the corridor's impact.

Bui Quang Thai, director of Vietnam's Road Administration, said: "The Vietnam-China GMS transport network comprises two main corridors — Kunming-Hanoi-Hai Phong and Nanning-Hanoi. These are critical road transport arteries with high trade volumes and play a vital role in bilateral trade between the two countries."

He said that direct cross-border movement into the interior of both countries will not only enhance trade but also promote tourism, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

"The operation of these two routes under the GMS framework will bring tangible benefits: enhancing connectivity, reducing time and costs for businesses, simplifying procedures and promoting trade, logistics, investment, and regional economic growth," he said, adding that it's a major step toward realizing a deeply connected, integrated and sustainably developed GMS.

Do Quoc Phong, deputy head of the Transport Management Department at Vietnam's Road Administration, said, "This launch is not just a technical achievement — it's a vivid symbol of the practical and effective cooperation between our two nations."