Gross domestic product (GDP) of the southern province of Dong Nai grew by 10.8 percent in the first half of 2014, doubling the national figure (5.18 percent), to stand at 24 trillion VND (1.14 billion USD), reports said.

The statistics were released at a session of the provincial People’s Council, which was opened on July 9.

Of the overall sum, nearly 15.4 trillion VND (733.3 million USD) came from industry – construction, rising by 11 percent year on year.

Another 7.36 trillion VND (350.48 million USD) was contributed by the service sector, up 11.6 percent, while the rest 1.3 trillion VND (61.9 million USD) was generated by agro-forestry-fishery activities, up 3.3 percent.

Over the period, Dong Nai’s export revenue topped 6 trillion VND (285.71 million USD), rising by 15.8 percent yearly. Exports by foreign invested companies saw the fastest pace at 17.3 percent.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Minh Phuc attributed the surge in the production and export of garments, footwear, chemicals, processed food and building materials to stable demand from foreign markets.

He pointed out an array of difficulties in real estate though many measures have been taken, and said a fall in prices of export farm produce also posed a problem due to fierce competition from other countries.

For the rest of the year, Dong Nai will strive to achieve a GDP growth rate of between 10.8 and 11.8 percent and realise all socio-economic targets.

To that end, the province will step up streamlining administrative procedures, particularly those relating to tax, customs, credit and land use, restructuring its economy, and improving business climate.

It will also issue a list of industries in need of more investment, in which high technology, environmentally friendly and support projects are expected to be included.

Dong Nai, together with neighbouring Ho Chi Minh City, and Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc and Long An provinces, forms the southern key economic region.-VNA