Vietnam took in 27.57 billion USD from exports in the first half of 2009, down 10 percent from the same period last year, largely due to the impact of the world financial crisis and economic downturn.

The figure represents 42.7 percent of the yearly target, reported the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).

Pottery and porcelain products, rubber, electric wires and crude oil saw the largest decreases in export revenue, while the country’s key export staples such as footwear, wood and wooden furniture, coffee, seafood and cashew nuts also suffered big losses.

During the reviewed period, Vietnam spent 30.64 billion USD on imports, a year-on-year drop of 31.6 percent, according to the ministry.

To reach the yearly export turnover target of 64.57 billion USD, the industry and trade sector plans to stimulate investment in infrastructure development and speed up the implementation of scheduled projects.

The sector will also encourage businesses to step up production of consumer goods, boost exports and expand markets, including domestic outlets./.