According to the department, some 20 containers have been exported on each train during the pilot period. It costs about VND 30 million to transport a refrigerated container and around VND 20 million for a normal container from Vietnam's Bac Giang Province to China's Pingxiang City by train. The transportation time is approximately 12 hours.

"The train transportation cost is just a bit cheaper than the road, but much faster," the department said. "And it can help resolve the serious overloading at local border gates during this peak period."

After the successful pilot, the department has informed local agriculture products export firms about the official operation of this service so that firms can have more choices for transportation.

"We're ready to transport between 200-300 tonnes of fresh litchi from Vietnam to China's Guangxi and Yunnan provinces," the department said.

As major fruits are entering the peak harvest season in Vietnam, some border gates with China in the northern provinces including Lang Son and Lao Cai have faced serious congestion due to high export volumes. The situation has caused heavy losses to businesses and farmers.

China remained the top buyer of Vietnamese agriculture produce. By the end of last May, China spent USD805 million buying Vietnamese vegetables and fruits, accounting for 59 percent of the market share.

The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association forecast that the fruit and vegetable export to China will increase sharply in the coming time as some kinds of fruit are entering the peak harvest season. Litchi, jackfruit, mango, durian and dragon fruit are popular with Chinese consumers.