Can Tho’s revenue from retail sales and services reached VND106 trillion (US$4.7 billion), 10 per cent higher than 2016, according to Can Tho City’s Department of Industry and Trade.

The city surpassed its 2017 goal of VND100 trillion, achieving the highest revenue in the Mekong Delta region, and the third highest within Viet Nam’s municipalities, after HCM City and Ha Noi.

Last year, more supermarkets and malls opened while outlying districts also saw more shops, boosting total retail revenue in the city.

Truong Quang Hoai Nam, the deputy chairman of Can Tho People’s Committee, said the city achieved a high level of industry and trade last year, but noted that the modern retail facilities were concentrated in Ninh Kieu District, whereas other districts were not as developed.

Nam urged the department and other units to develop the retail sector in other districts such as O Mon, Thot Not and Cai Rang.

For 2018, the city targets reaching retail revenue of VND117.6 trillion, 10.9 per cent higher than 2017.

It also aims to increase export turnover by 1.2 per cent and decrease import turnover by 6.5 per cent this year.

The city’s Department of Industry and Trade aims to improve the processing industry and focus on products with higher added value, such as agriculture, aquatic products and other Can Tho’s specialties, and attract more investors. — VNS