Leaders from Vietnam's Quang Ninh Province and China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region marked the start of the scheme at the Bac Luan II Bridge demarcation line in Mong Cai 1 Ward on February 11. The launch was held as part of the 2026 Spring Meeting between the two sides, organised in a hybrid format with a link to Nanning.
Delegates perform the launch ceremony at the Bac Luan II Bridge demarcation line on February 11 (Photo: D.X.).
The project aims to establish a modern border gate model by applying digital technology to immigration control, goods inspection and operational management, with the goal of increasing clearance capacity and facilitating the movement of people and freight.
Under the plan, the Bac Luan I Bridge area will introduce biometric recognition and automated gate systems to shorten processing times for inbound and outbound passengers.
At Bac Luan II Bridge, the pilot phase will test autonomous freight vehicles using 5G technology, aiming to support continuous cross-border transport around the clock, reduce logistics costs and improve trade efficiency.
The project will be rolled out in two phases. The first, in 2026, will focus on building technical infrastructure, dedicated lanes and a smart operations centre for border gate management.
The second phase, running from 2027 to 2030, will expand the scale of the project, add more dedicated lanes, further increase customs capacity, and continue investment in logistics, e-commerce and modern warehousing.
Officials said the smart border gate is expected to strengthen the Mong Cai Border Gate Economic Zone as a key trade, services and logistics hub for northern Vietnam, while boosting economic, trade and tourism links between Quang Ninh and Guangxi.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, leaders from both sides said the project represented not only an infrastructure investment but also a shift towards digitally driven border management based on closer coordination and mutual trust.
With the motto “synchronised planning, synchronised construction, synchronised operation”, the two sides said they would apply advanced technology across border management and operational activities, and expressed confidence the project would be completed on schedule.
