The State-owned Hanoi Trade Corporation (Hapro) is focusing on expanding its export markets in Africa, particularly in Angola and Mozambique, according to a statement from an executive on March 11.

Hapro is shifting its attention to Africa as a potential market with limited supplies of the company’s goods. It is also working to explore markets in Cuba and Myanmar, said Chairman of the Board of Directors Nguyen Huu Thang.

He added that efforts will be undertaken to maintain its business activities in major markets like Japan, the US and the EU and enhance shipments to Eastern Europe and New Zealand.

Pepper, cashew nuts, rice, fine arts and handicrafts, and consumer goods are among key commodities the firm plans to expand in 2015, Thang said, noting that his company is updating its infrastructure and improving the operation of its manufacturing facilities to meet export demand.

As a major Vietnamese exporter, Hapro is now shipping goods to 70 countries. Its trade revenue has reached 2.59 billion USD over the last 10 years, including 1.67 billion USD from exports. The firm shipped 281 million USD worth of goods abroad last year.

The company also boasts two HAPRO shopping centres, three market centres, 40 supermarkets and HaproMart convenient stores, 44 Haprofood shops, and other specialised store systems across Vietnam.-VNA