The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho earned 914 million USD from exports this year so far, and imported goods worth 616 million USD, resulting in a record trade surplus of 298 million USD, according to the provincial Department of Planning and Investment.

Rice and aquatic products were the locality’s key earners during the period, with export volumes of 532,000 tonnes and 70,000 tonnes, respectively, at a total export value of 723 million USD, which accounts for 79 percent of the locality’s export turnover.

Other exports, such as textiles, pharmaceutical products, handicrafts, steel, leather and fruits generated 181 million USD, up by 4-29 percent compared to the same period last year.

Duong Nghia Hiep, vice director of the Department, said the results were attributable to Can Tho city’s policy to only import essential goods for production and pay special attention to producing and processing commodities that are in strong demand.

Local authorities encouraged links between businesses and production facilities, whilst requesting them to apply scientific approaches and technological advances to production, processing, and preservation of perishables in a bid to improve the competitiveness of their products.

As part of efforts to boost exports further, local businesses have been actively seeking new markets and running promotional campaigns.-VNA