The Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Monday put forward a proposal to the National Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control to issue a type of travel pass dedicated to drivers who often transport goods through the border gates between Vietnam and China.

The agriculture ministry said in its proposal that the ongoing pandemic has continued to develop in a complicated manner, affecting the consumption of agricultural products, especially those for export.

Between May 31 and June 2, the ministry carried out inspections and worked with the People’s Committees of northern Lang Son and Lao Cai Provinces, which border China, regarding this issue.

During the working session, officials in the two provinces suggested establishing a team of designated drivers specializing in transporting and performing customs clearance procedures for import and export goods through the Vietnam - China border.

This approach is meant to ensure safety against COVID-19 while facilitating agricultural trade in the current context of the pandemic.

The designated drivers will be tested for and vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the agriculture ministry’s proposal.

Those who are already fully vaccinated will receive a special travel pass, which can be considered as a 'vaccine passport,' to transport goods between the two countries.

The issuance of this type of travel pass will be assigned to the People’s Committees of the border provinces, which must ensure the economical and timely implementation of the scheme.

Vietnam has documented 9,103 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday afternoon, with 3,509 recoveries and 54 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

The country has recorded 5,951 local infections in 39 provinces and cities since April 27.  

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