The southern economic hub of HCM City generated US$17 billion from exports in the first half of this year, surging 17.4 per cent against the same period last year.

The increase was thanks to the positive influence of support policies and effective trade promotion.

State-owned enterprises made up 37.9 per cent of the total, up 2.2 per cent year-on-year, while foreign-invested firms accounted for 62.1 per cent, up 34.9 per cent, according to the municipal Department of Industry and Trade.

The city’s exports have recovered and recorded positive increases since the beginning of this year, department director Pham Thanh Kien said.

Kien cited yearly increases of 10.6 per cent and 17.1 per cent, seen in the first three months and first five months of this year, respectively, as appropriate examples.

Export items posting turnover growth in H1 included computers, electronics and components with 58.9 per cent, footwear with 8.5 per cent and textile and garment with 2.1 per cent, respectively. — VNS