The Longbang (China)-Tra Linh (Vietnam) Port is upgraded and reopened as an international port. [Photo/Nanguo Morning Post]

The Longbang (China)-Tra Linh (Vietnam) Port, including the Naxi (China)-Na Doong (Vietnam) border crossing, was upgraded and reopened as an international port on Dec 28.

Located in the town of Longbang, Jingxi, the Longbang Port is one of the three key ports in Guangxi. In 2003, it was approved by the State Council to be upgraded to a Class I national port. In 2005, it was designated as a border port for the import of medicinal materials by the national government. In 2019, it was approved as a designated supervision site for imported fruits, while in 2021, it was added as an entry port for Thai fruits imported to China through a third country.

With the new opening, the scope of customs clearance at Longbang Port will expand from only allowing the entry and exit of personnel, goods, and vehicles between China and Vietnam to the entry and exit of people, goods, and cars worldwide. At the same time, expanding the Naxi border crossing will significantly increase the port's capacity for openness.

In recent years, Baise has invested around 2.5 billion yuan ($352 million) to construct Longbang Port to a high standard. The expansion and renovation of the travel inspection channel at Longbang Port and the upgrade of the Naxi freight channel have been completed.

The travel inspection channel is constructed according to the Level II standards for passenger international open ports, with a designed overall clearance capacity of 1 million passenger trips per year.