China and Vietnam pledged Thursday to continue bolstering joint efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and improve the efficiency of border clearance to facilitate more trade and economic cooperation.

Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral dialogue, deepening exchange on several issues, and managing their differences to strengthen their bilateral relations.

The Chinese premier highlighted the common interests of the two neighboring countries as bilateral trade grows between Hanoi and Beijing.

China is Vietnam's largest trade partner, as Chinese imports of raw materials and equipment drive the Vietnamese manufacturing sector. Jointly, China is the biggest market for Hanoi's fruits and vegetables.

The Vietnamese imports from China rose 30% year-on-year, reaching $110 billion in 2021.

Li pledged to provide more convenience to exports of high-quality agricultural produce from Vietnam.

The Prime Minister stressed the significance of enacting the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in facilitating the free flow of economic elements and promoting the expansion and upgrading of trade and investment.

The trade agreement would see Beijing working side-to-side with Vietnam and other regional states to reach regional economic integration.

The Vietnamese premier highlighted the Chinese role for his country, saying Hanoi perceived China as a special partner.

Chinh stressed his country's adherence to the one-China policy, in addition to Hanoi's support for China's development to boost the Asian giant's role in regional and international affairs.