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HANOI, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc Wednesday agreed to extension of customs clearance time in the country's northern border gate to boost litchi exports to China.
Specifically, daily customs clearance time for fresh litchi fruit at Kim Thanh II International Border Gate in Vietnam's northern Lao Cai province, some 250 km northwest of capital Hanoi, will begin from 7:00 to 22:00 local time, extending from current 7:00 to 17:00, till July 31, 2016, reported the e-Portal of Vietnamese government on Wednesday.
Litchi, famous for its succulent taste in Vietnam, is mainly produced in Bac Giang province, Hai Duong province and Hung Yen province.
Official statistics showed that in 2016, Bac Giang will produce some 130,000 tons of litchi while Hai Duong 50,000 tons. This year's early litchi crop falls on June 5-20 while the main crop will last from June 20 till July 25.
According to forecast made by Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade, this year, as many as 78,000 tons of litchi will be consumed domestically while a total of 52,000 tons will be exported.
China remains a major market for Vietnam's litchi through border gates in northern Lang Son, Lao Cai and Quang Ninh provinces, said the ministry. Enditem
