Provinces in the Mekong Delta region aim to earn 15 billion USD from exports in 2017, up 9.4 percent from 2016, according to the Steering Committee for the Southwest Region.
Localities in the region plan to boost trade and investment promotion activities, seek new markets and expand traditional markets to achieve the goal.
Provinces will change the structure of exports towards high value goods, apply advanced science-technology and reduce exports of low-value agricultural goods.
Provinces with large export value like Long An, Tien Giang, Can Tho, and Dong Thap will frequently hold dialogues with enterprises to solve difficulties in capital, policies and markets.
In 2016, provinces in the region fetched 13.7 billion USD from exports, an increase of 7.4 percent from 2015. Key export commodities included seafood, rice, processed food, garment & textile, footwear, and craft products.
The Mekong Delta region comprises Can Tho city and 12 provinces – An Giang, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Ca Mau, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Long An, Soc Trang, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh and Vinh Long.
The region has an area of 39,000 sq.km and a population of nearly 20 million. The region has advantages in agriculture, seafood farming and fruit trees.
VNA