Kien Giang (VNA) – The Mekong Delta province ofKien Giang earned over 107 million USD from exports in the first quarter ofthis 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, down66 percent; seafood, 50.7 million USD, up 23.3 percent; and other goods, over37 million USD, up 5 percent.

According to the provincial Department of Industry andTrade, exports of frozen shrimp, rice, leather and footwear, dried anchovy, andcanned foods fell; while shipments of frozen fish, cuttlefish, and otherseafood rose.

The falling export value was attributable to pricecompetition that resulted in fewer orders, as well as manufacturing protectionpolicies in several countries.

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

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

Director of the provincial Department of Industry and TradeNgo Cong Tuoc said that in order to achieve such a goal, the locality willclear difficulties regarding materials, capital, labour, and technology toboost manufacturing and processing, thus improving product quality andcompetitiveness.

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

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

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