The trade surplus in the southern province of Binh Duong reached 591 million USD in the first quarter.

Exported goods totalled 4.219 billion USD in value, an annual increase of 15.6 percent. The foreign-invested sector contributed 81.8 percent to the sum, up 16 percent from 2014.

Major exports maintained momentum, including woodwork products, apparel, footwear, handicrafts and electronic devices.

Meanwhile, Binh Duong imported 3.628 billion USD worth of commodities, a 15.5 percent rise compared to the same period last year. The foreign sector accounted for 79.2 percent of the total import value.

According to the provincial People’s Committee, State initiatives to clear business hurdles took effect in Q1, with enterprises recording strong and stable operations.

Most businesses have already signed goods contracts for the second quarter, while some larger companies have completed deals for the third quarter.

Binh Duong recorded Q1 industrial production value of almost 50 trillion VND (235.3 million USD), up 11.2 percent year on year.

Binh Duong, together with Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc, Long An, and Tien Giang provinces, and Ho Chi Minh City, form Vietnam’s southern economic region.-VNA