The IIP in March was up 9.3 per cent from the previous month and 4.5 per cent against the same period last year.— Photo baodongnai

DONG NAI (Biz Hub) — The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in the southern province of Dong Nai increased by 7.1 per cent in the first quarter of this year, ranking third after Hai Phong (11.3 per cent) and Da Nang (10.5 per cent).

According to the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, the IIP in March was up 9.3 per cent from the previous month and 4.5 per cent against the same period last year.

In the first three months, nine out of 16 sectors enjoyed significant growth, including chemical production (26.7 per cent) and leather and associated products (22.2 per cent).

Meanwhile, declines were seen in food processing, the production of tobacco, paper, rubber and plastic products.

Le Van Danh, the department's director, said that to maintain growth, the province would focus on solving administrative difficulties, increasing the sale of inventories and improving export policies.

It would also provide businesses with information about domestic and foreign markets in order to boost exports.

The department also plans to invite enterprises to participate in several fairs outside the province, including the 2014 Lifestyle Fair in April and the International Vietbuild Exhibition in June in HCM City. — VNS