Mekong Delta strives to reach $15 billion in exports in 2017
According to the Southwest Steering Committee, in 2017, provinces in the Mekong River Delta will apply different solutions to reach $15 billion in exports, up 9.4% as compared to 2016.
To accomplish the above objectives, the Mekong Delta region continues to implement critical strategies such as strengthening trade and investment promotion, widening the export market for agricultural products, improving the quality of export products by taking advantages of advanced technology. In addition, the region will start to change its export commodity structure from low-value and low-cost to higher value. For example, in the textile industry, enterprises are encouraged to change its production method from Original Equipment Manufacturer- OEM (Manufacturing based on product design and specifications provided by clients) to Original Design Manufacturer - ODM (create new products designs and manufacture).
The provinces’ authorities also aim to reform administrative procedures, resolve issues related to capital while supporting enterprises in applying advanced technology and modern equipment for the manufacture process.
In 2016, provinces in the Mekong Delta region exported $13.7 billion of goods, up 7.4% as compared to 2015. The key export products of the region include seafood, rice, processed food, textile, footwear and handicrafts. Long An continues to be the province with the highest export value in the region with $6.6 billion, followed up by Tien Giang ($3.3 billion), Can Tho ($1.4 billion) and Dong Thap ($1.2 billion).
Sources: 1, 2