VIENTIANE: Customs duty collected at the Dansavanh-Lao Bao International Checkpoint in Savannakhet province, which borders Vietnam, exceeded 123.4 billion kip during the first six months of 2026, equalling 61.7 per cent of the 200 billion revenue target set for the whole of 2026.
This figure reflects the growing volume of cross-border trade and the efficiency of customs operations.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Santiphab Phomvihane, remarked on the increase in revenue collection when he visited the border crossing on July 30 to observe customs and border management, when he encouraged officials to maintain momentum in generating revenue and improving operational efficiency.
The visit was part of the government’s efforts to monitor the implementation of the national budget plan, particularly revenue collection at the local level.
During the inspection, the Deputy Prime Minister reviewed customs administration, border management and trade facilitation, and discussed operational challenges and measures to improve efficiency with customs, immigration and other authorities.
Officials said the Dansavanh-Lao Bao border crossing faciliates trade and transportation between Laos and Vietnam, with the steady movement of goods, vehicles and travellers contributing to higher customs revenue in the first half of this year.
Santiphab called on authorities to strengthen coordination among all agencies operating at the checkpoint, improve customs procedures, facilitate legitimate trade and investment, and intensify efforts to combat smuggling, tax evasion and other illegal cross-border activities.
He stressed the importance of using digital systems and improving public services to enhance transparency, efficiency and the ease of doing business.
Santiphab urged officials to continue implementing government policies and finance sector reforms, while striving to meet this year’s revenue target.
Effective customs administration and efficient border management play a vital role in supporting national socio-economic development and maintaining macroeconomic stability, he said.
He encouraged customs officials to strengthen cooperation with their Vietnamese counterparts to facilitate cross-border trade and travel, while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations and safeguarding national economic interests.
According to recent two-way trade figures released by the Embassy of Vietnam in Laos at a trade fair in Vientiane, economic cooperation remains a bright spot in bilateral relations.
The value of bilateral trade surged to US$2.98 billion in 2025, an increase of 32.7 per cent compared to 2024.
The value of Vietnam’s exports to Laos hit a record US$1.08 billion, up 43.1 per cent, while imports from Laos totalled US$1.9 billion, an increase of 27.3 per cent.
During the first five months of 2026, the value of two-way trade rose to US$1.07 billion.
Specific trade figures for the Dansavanh-Lao Bao border crossing were not immediately available. - Vientiane Times/ANN
