Peace at the international border crossing.

The entire An Giang border has 3 international border gates (Vinh Xuong, Tinh Bien, Ha Tien), 3 main border gates and 1 secondary border gate. Among them, the Tinh Bien International Border Gate plays a crucial role as a "connecting link" linking National Highway 91 (Vietnam) with National Highway 2 (Cambodia), leading to the capital Phnom Penh (Cambodia).

Passengers departing at Ha Tien International Border Gate.

Major Bui Van Liet, Deputy Head of Operations at Tinh Bien International Border Gate Border Guard Station, said: "Tinh Bien border gate is a major trade gateway between the Mekong Delta region and Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries."

BUSY INTERNATIONAL BORDER GATE

The morning at the border crossing starts very early. As the sun just begins to rise over the palm trees, a line of trucks carrying goods enters the control area. The sound of engines blends with the lively conversations of traders from both countries, creating a distinctive rhythm at the border crossing. Right at the entrance, border guards in their familiar uniforms guide each person through the procedures. The solemn gestures and friendly smiles of the soldiers in green uniforms maintain a warm and welcoming atmosphere despite the hustle and bustle.

At the Tinh Bien International Border Gate, approximately 250-300 people and vehicles process entry and exit procedures daily for tourism and trade. To handle this large workload, the border guard force maintains a fast and accurate work pace. Captain Dang Van Lung, a professional soldier and officer at the Tinh Bien International Border Gate Border Guard Station, shared: "The control process has been significantly improved towards modernization, helping to shorten the time required for procedures for the people."

Officers from the Tịnh Biên International Border Gate Border Guard Station patrol and protect the border line and border markers.

At the Ha Tien International Border Gate, approximately 1,000 people are recorded daily. The flow of people is heavy but orderly thanks to a system of cameras and modern surveillance equipment, along with the smooth coordination of functional forces. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Tan Duong, Commander of the Ha Tien International Border Gate Border Guard Station, said: “Trade activities between border residents of the two countries are regular and stable. The border guard force applies information technology to border gate management, aiming for a quick, transparent inspection process, reducing procedures, and facilitating entry and exit for people.”

A peaceful border, residents feel secure.

Border guard posts have also intensified their diplomatic efforts. Along the border routes, the functional forces of both countries regularly conduct bilateral patrols. Handshakes and quick meetings under the trees along the roadside contribute to maintaining close coordination, preventing smuggling, and ensuring security in the border area. As a result, life in the border region is peaceful, and people can work, produce, and trade goods with peace of mind.

Border guards performing their duties at Tinh Bien International Border Gate.

Foreign tourists have their procedures processed at the Tinh Bien International Border Gate.

Thanks to the support of Captain Chau Vanh Na, an officer at the Tinh Bien International Border Gate Border Guard Station, we spoke with Mr. Vanh Nat, a resident of Takeo province (Cambodia). Having traded between Vietnam and Cambodia for over 10 years, Mr. Vanh Nat said: “The procedures are very convenient, the Vietnamese border guards are friendly, and the Vietnamese people are approachable, which has helped stabilize my business. I greatly appreciate the friendship between the two sides.” Mr. Pham The Trung, a resident of Chau Doc ward who frequently trades at the border, also shared: “I cross back and forth to buy and sell milk and confectionery. The forces on both sides provide very dedicated support, and the Cambodian people are courteous, so my business runs smoothly.”

In the first 10 months of 2025, the import and export turnover through the Tinh Bien International Border Gate reached US$353.84 million, of which exports reached US$234.22 million, an increase of 73.11% compared to the whole year of 2024. Main export goods include electrical cables, flour, canned fish, rice, instant noodles, cooking oil, vegetables, fruits, tires, general merchandise, and electricity. Main import items include fruits, rice, and refined sugar. According to Tong Thanh Giang, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tinh Bien Ward: “The relationship between the two sides of the Vietnam-Cambodia border in Tinh Bien always demonstrates a spirit of solidarity and friendship. Trade, services, and cultural and social exchanges are bustling and vibrant.”

Border guards guide and check passports and documents for passengers at the Ha Tien International Border Gate.

In Ha Tien, the volume of tourists and import/export goods is bustling every day. Nguyen Thai Nam, a local resident, said: “The border crossing is smooth and stable thanks to the strict control by the authorities. A peaceful border allows people to live and work with peace of mind.” Along the small villages in the border region of Ha Tien, life, trade, farming, and livestock raising remain simple and peaceful. In the evening, as the sun sets, farmers leisurely lead their cattle back to their barns, and women in the border villages cheerfully arrange bundles of green vegetables for the early morning market.

Along the An Giang border, it's not difficult to encounter simple yet heartwarming stories, such as a border guard helping a Cambodian woman complete her paperwork; small traders excitedly thanking border officials for their assistance in expediting procedures to ensure timely delivery of their goods… There are also the nights of patrols, flashlight beams sweeping across the fields, the sounds of insects harmonizing with the footsteps of the soldiers, creating a familiar rhythm on the border. These seemingly small things are the very foundation of maintaining a peaceful border, the support for every meal, every market day, and every shipment of goods for the people of both countries.

An Giang and the provinces of Koh Kong, Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kep, Kampong Speu, Kandal, and Takeo (Kingdom of Cambodia) have effectively implemented cooperation contents such as ensuring security and order along the border; border management and demarcation; trade, import and export of goods; culture, sports, health, education and training; transportation; people-to-people diplomacy…

TRUC LINH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/binh-yen-cua-khau-quoc-te-a476751.html