According to Duong Nghia Hiep, Vice Director of the city’s Department of Industry and Trade, in the first six months of 2018, Can Tho enjoyed 13.5% growth in total retail and service revenues to VND63.07 trillion (US$2.77 billion), equivalent to 53.6% of its yearly target.
Earnings from exports and services reached US$966.85 million, fulfilling 54% of the yearly target and representing a rise of 16.37% over the same period last year.
Of the figure, goods export revenue was US$773.48 million, up 20.73% year on year. Can Tho’s key export products included aquatic products (US$238 million), rice (US$141.2 million), farm produce and processed food (nearly US$70 million) leather (US$42.5 million), fertilizer (US$12.2 million), pharmaceuticals and veterinary drugs (US$11.9 million).
Meanwhile, earnings from services hit US$193.37 million, an increase of 1.67% over the same time last year. The city’s import revenue in the first six months of this year was US$227.65 million, reaching 56.9% of its plan for the year, and representing a rise of 31.5% year on year. Can Tho mostly imported materials for production. In the rest of the year, the city will continue calling on local firms to engage in a programme to sell Vietnamese products in rural areas, industrial parks and residential areas.
The province will also organise Vietnamese goods fairs across the city, while continue seeking measures to support local firms in boosting production and exports.