An Giang (VNA) – Export turnover of the Mekong Delta province of An Giang hit 455.9 million USD in the first seven months of 2018, a rise of 6.59 percent year-on-year and meeting 54.2 percent of the year’s plan.
The province shipped 257,090 tonnes of rice abroad in the seven months, raking in more than 130.4 million USD, up 27.4 percent in volume and 40.1 percent in value.
China remained the leading market for An Giang’s rice, while rice exports to other markets, including Malaysia and the Philippines also saw strong growth.
Besides, the province exported 67,040 tonnes of frozen aquatic products, earning 161.1 million USD, representing a surge of 21.4 percent in value despite a slight reduction in volume. Aquatic products have become the biggest earner of foreign currency for An Giang.
The province’s frozen tra fish was shipped to new markets of Thailand and Saudi Arabia, aside from the traditional market of Europe which accounts for more than 50 percent of direct export volume.
In the period, apparel export value exceeded 62.2 million USD, up 17.6 percent compared to the same period last year, mostly to the US.
However, frozen vegetable only brought home more than 8 million USD, equivalent to earnings in the same period last year.
An Giang has launched various measures to support production of local businesses and the export of staples such as rice and frozen tra fish. Regular meetings with local entrepreneurs were held to address their difficulties and update market information.
The province has worked to ensure electricity supply for production and encourage firms to renew their equipment. It also helps firms apply for business loans and expand markets through trade promotion activities.-VNA