(vasep.com.vn) In the first 4 months of 2014, commodity exports by Can Tho city reached only US$300 million, completing 19.3 percent of yearly plan and downing 24 percent year on year. It was mainly attributable to the decline in volume and value of main export items. The most significant drop was reported by seafood products with 27 percent, rice down 22 percent and handicraft down 7 percent.
So far, the locality has stocked aquatic species on the area of 2,238 hectares in which superficies for pangasius farming reached only 602 hectares, completing 70.8 percent of the yearly plan and downing 16.4 percent year on year. Pangasius harvest gained 23,200 MT, fulfilling 15.5 percent of the target.
The locality's seafood exports reported the slump with semi-product inventory of 4,300 MT due to technical barriers, antidumping duty and lower fish output of this year.
In the early months of the year, rice exporters in the locality also faced fierce competition with rivals, leading to the drop in rice price and export volume. However, rice exports in the coming time are expected to rise sharply because local exporters have signed new contracts with Philippines and China partners.
To boost its export turnover in the next time, Can Tho city is giving local enterprises supportive policies in loans, administrative procedure reform and seeking new markets.