The Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long has earned 332 billion USD from exports so far this year, down 11.16 percent from 2012.

The result, equivalent to only 82 percent of the province’s yearly target, was due to a decrease in exports of key products as well as difficulties from markets and a lack of diverse currency earners.

Decline was seen in five out of eight major export products, including rice, aquatic and agricultural products, vegetables and other goods. On the other hand, turnover from apparel, footwear and handicrafts exceeded their target by 5-10 percent.

According to Nguyen Van Con, Vice Director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, both rice and aquatic products faced difficulties in 2013 due to changes in import demand and policies.

Rice, which accounts for 42 percent of the locality’s total export turnover, saw a decrease of 23.32 percent in volume and 33.14 percent in value at 160 million USD, he revealed.

Meanwhile, the export of aquatic products, the second largest currency earner, also fell sharply by 42.81 percent, he added.

In 2014, Vinh Long will strive to raise its export turnover to 380 million USD. To reach the goal, the province will apply a number of measures to diversify its export products, focusing on pharmaceuticals, pottery and processed food.

The locality will support local businesses in enhancing trade promotions in traditional markets and promising ones such as Russia and African countries, he said.

In addition, Vinh Long will give incentives to aquaculture product processing and farming firms, enabling them to access credit sources to expand production, thus diversifying export products, Con added.-VNA