Mekong Delta set to earn over USD14 bln from exports

According to the Northwest Steering Committee, during January of this year, the Mekong Delta provinces shipped abroad USD1.09 billion worth of commodities; mostly seafood, rice, processed foods, garments and textiles, footwear and handicrafts.

A set of measures have been developed by the provinces since the beginning of this year to increase the output and quality of export products. They have drawn up monthly and quarterly export plans for each group of products, while studies on market demand and trade promotion activities have been ramped up.

Talks have been held between the chairmen of the provincial People’s Committees and enterprises once or twice per month that allow local authorities to learn firsthand about businesses’ difficulties. Policies have been designed accordingly, particularly in terms of public administration and provision of bank loans, in order to help them overcome obstacles and expand business.

Rice and seafood exports from the region have faced fierce competition from regional countries, alongside strict anti-dumping rules and technical barriers posed by major importers.

The provincial authorities recommended farmers and processing firms strictly follow instructions on the use of fertilizer and pesticide in rice farming and aquaculture for export purpose.

The Mekong Delta provinces exported USD13.2 billion worth of commodities last year, up 4.4 percent from 2014./.