PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Commerce has urged business people and transportation companies in Cambodia to find alternative transport methods to avoid the risk of transport congestion due to China’s recent decision to tighten its border with Vietnam to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

There has been more congestion on the mainland border between China and Vietnam in Lang Son and Quang Ninh provinces as a result of this recent decision, which will likely also have an effect on the export and import of goods to and from Cambodia.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Ministry of Commerce has said that the current volume of goods that can be exported over the main border with China is only at about 25% to 30% compared to the normal flow of export goods. As of 21 December, 2021, more than 6,000 vehicles have been parked at the border checkpoints in Vietnam's Lang Son and Quang Ninh provinces. In addition, a number of border crossings between Vietnam and China will also be temporarily suspended.

"In this context, the Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Cambodia would like to inform the traders and associations of the Export-Import Freight Association to know and examine the possibility of finding other means and export methods to avoid risk to export-import freight, and be aware of other export methods and means to avoid risks and problems caused by the congestion over the land border between Vietnam and China,” said the statement.

According to a report by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce on 23 August 2021, China has become the second largest market for consumers in the world. In addition, China is also the world's largest trading partner, and its ability to participate in global economic governance is steadily strengthening.