Kien Giang’s exports down 20.1 pct in Q1 hinh anh 1Illustrative image (Source: VNA)
 
Kien Giang (VNA) – The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang earned over 107 million USD from exports in the first quarter of this year, or 15.8 percent of the yearly plan, down 20.1 percent year-on-year.

Of which, farm produce brought home 19.7 million USD, down 66 percent; seafood, 50.7 million USD, up 23.3 percent; and other goods, over 37 million USD, up 5 percent.

According to the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, exports of frozen shrimp, rice, leather and footwear, dried anchovy, and canned foods fell; while shipments of frozen fish, cuttlefish, and other seafood rose.

The falling export value was attributable to price competition that resulted in fewer orders, as well as manufacturing protection policies in several countries.

Kien Giang is now home to over 30 firms exporting to more than 40 countries globally with an annual turnover of over 600 million USD. Of them, five ship key local produce, such as rice and aquatic products.

The province strives to earn 175 million USD from exports in the second quarter, bringing the six-month figure to upwards of 282 million USD, or 41.5 percent of the plan, up 5.1 percent year-on-year.

Director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade Ngo Cong Tuoc said that in order to achieve such a goal, the locality will clear difficulties regarding materials, capital, labour, and technology to boost manufacturing and processing, thus improving product quality and competitiveness.

It will also accelerate trade promotion; expand export markets for key produce such as rice, aquatic products, pepper, leather and footwear; and strengthen traditional markets.

Further attention will be paid to global market movements  and enhancing trade at Ha Tien international border gate and Giang Thanh national border gate.

A customs agency in Rach Gia city will be also put into operation to facilitate exports, he said. –VNA 
VNA