Tra fish exports being processed at the South Fishery Industries Co. Ltd. in Can Tho City. The city exported a total value of $1.2 billion last year. — VNA/VNS Photo Duy Khuong

CAN THO (VNS) — The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta City of Can Tho has set a target of earning some US$1.5 billion from exports this year, according to the municipal Department of Industry and Trade.

This represents a 22 per cent increase, compared to 2015.

The department's deputy director, Huynh Trung Tru, said the city hoped to export 860,000 tonnes of rice, earning $420 million, while targeting exports of 180,000 tonnes of seafood valued at $510 million.

Meanwhile, exports of other goods, including garments, steel, iron, fertilizer, as well as processed agricultural products, are expected to bring to the city a combined turnover of $294 million, Tru noted.

In the time ahead, Can Tho will call on local businesses to speed up technical innovations in order to improve not only the quality of products, but also their competition. Can Tho will also draw up supportive measures for those enterprises involved in exporting products with high turnovers, such as rice and seafood, while encouraging others to boost their exports to traditional markets and seek new outlets.

Director of the department, Nguyen Minh Toai, said his department would continue to update local businesses about opportunities and challenges brought by free trade agreements (FTAs) that Viet Nam has signed or plans to sign, in a bid to help firms become well-prepared to avoid trade barriers, while boosting their exports.

Last year, Can Tho's exports experienced a modest yearly decrease of 7.6 per cent, valued at $1.2 billion.

According to the department, the city has shipped their goods to 100 countries and territories worldwide. Among its key export items included agricultural products, textiles, garments and footwear, along with fine arts and handicrafts. — VNS