A farmer selects potatoes for sale in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong. Agricultural exports declined in turnover during H1. — Photo tamnhin.net

HA NOI (VNS) — Export growth in the first six months of this year was affected by a decline in export turnover of the agricultural and aquatic sectors and fuel and minerals, said Nguyen Tien Vy, head of the Department of Planning under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The turnover declined by nearly US$3.15 billion compared to the same period last year, and Viet Nam recorded a trade deficit of $3.7 billion in the first half, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).

Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang has sent instructions to departments to boost links between production and processing, domestic consumption and export parties.

He urged the development of domestic agricultural products, as well as measures to control imports of farm produce.

To keep this year's trade deficit under five per cent, Hoang said policies would be issued to tightly control commodity groups which needed limiting or controlling. The ministry plans to increase administrative reforms, reduce redundant procedures for imports and exports and promote exports via the internet to reduce costs. — VNS