Commerce Ministry Visits Nan Ning, Eyes 14-Lane Expansion at Youyi Gate to Boost Thai Durian Exports to China
Thailand's Commerce Ministry inspected border logistics at China's Youyi Gate crossing to boost durian exports, with plans underway to expand from 6 to 14 vehicle lanes and extend operating hours during peak fruit season.
On April 24, 2025, the Commerce Ministry led a team to survey transport routes at the Hu Hui International Border Crossing, Youyi Gate, and China's fruit trading center, requesting border officials to facilitate smoother transit and cargo handling during Thailand's fruit season. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supajee Panitchpakdi assigned her advisor Piyanuch Wuttisorn to lead the inspection mission at the Hu Hui Crossing in Langshan Province, alongside Sunantha Gangwalkulgij, director-general of the International Trade Promotion Department (DITP). The team met with Viettel Logistics Park director Le Hong Giang to study the modern border logistics center's capabilities and discussed ways to help Thai private enterprises utilize the facility to boost transport efficiency to China. The delegation surveyed truck transport routes carrying Thai goods through Vietnam to China, including rest stops, customs checkpoints, and border crossing lanes at Hu Hui Crossing, and held discussions with Wu Viet Hai, deputy head of the Dong Dang-Langshan Border Economic Zone Administrative Committee. The team also met with Huang Aidon, a Chinese level-2 inspector from Chongzuo city in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Gao Hui, deputy head of Youyi Gate Customs, to thank them for their assistance during last year's fruit season when Thailand exported durians to Guangxi totaling 80,900 tons. For 2025, the officials highlighted their preparation efforts including extended operating hours, increased border staff, and 40 new priority lanes for agricultural products and fruits with priority processing. The arrangements allow trucks to wait for inspection results in authorized areas outside the gate to reduce border congestion. Currently, there are 6 vehicle lanes (3 inbound, 3 outbound) at the zero-kilometer border line, with ongoing construction to expand to 14 total lanes (7 inbound, 7 outbound) upon completion. During peak season, plans include directing Vietnamese trucks to use the Phu Chay Bilateral Border Crossing between China and Vietnam to manage congestion.
