HCMC – The northern province of Quang Ninh on February 11 launched construction of a pilot smart border gate at the Mong Cai–Dongxing international crossing, with first-phase funding totaling nearly VND947 billion.
The pilot will be implemented at Bac Luan I Bridge for passenger traffic and Bac Luan II Bridge for cargo, under a proposal approved by the prime minister.
According to the provincial authorities, the model will apply artificial intelligence, big data, unmanned intelligent guided vehicles (IGVs) and cloud computing. It aims to introduce a “single declaration” mechanism and inter-agency data sharing to enable 24/7 customs clearance.
Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh People’s Committee Vu Van Dien described the pilot as a step toward modernizing border management and strengthening cross-border economic cooperation between Vietnam and China.
The project also targets green growth. IGVs and electric vehicles will be used to transport goods, with authorities expecting lower labor demand, fewer operational errors and reduced CO2 and fine dust emissions in the border area.
For import-export businesses, the model is expected to form dedicated and closed cargo flows using automation systems. Customs procedures could operate around the clock, shortening clearance times and cutting logistics costs, particularly for agricultural products, seafood and other perishable goods.
For residents and tourists, automated control lanes combined with biometric identification technology will gradually replace manual procedures to speed up entry and exit processes.
An integrated operations center will connect and share data among relevant agencies on both sides, aiming to improve coordination, reduce overlap and enhance transparency in border management.
The pilot will be carried out in two phases through 2030.
Phase 1, scheduled for 2026, will focus on upgrading infrastructure and installing equipment at Bac Luan I and II bridges. The provincial budget will prioritize technical infrastructure, technology systems and management software.
State budget funding for phase one is estimated at VND250 billion, covering specialized equipment such as X-ray scanning systems, electronic scales, surveillance and recognition systems, and container scanners.
Private investors are expected to contribute around VND697 billion in Phase 1 to develop an operations center, customs inspection facilities, a high-tech logistics area, quarantine and disinfection centers, warehouses and supporting infrastructure, along with five IGVs and related control systems.
Phase 2, from 2027 to 2030, will refine and officially operate the model after evaluation, with plans to expand cargo categories and delivery methods.
A joint working group between Quang Ninh Province and China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has been set up to coordinate implementation and address technical and legal issues.
