Int’l trade fair under way in An Giang

The fair, which runs until next Tuesday, is showcasing a wide range of agricultural and aquatic products, household products, handicrafts and specialities in 350 stalls.

Over the last 13 years, the annual fair has contributed to introducing Vietnamese goods and promoting exports to ASEAN nations, especially Cambodia, its organisers said. They added that the event has been also a highlight in economic ties and trade co-operation between An Giang and some Cambodian provinces.

Nguyen Hong Quang, Vice Director of the provincial Trade and Investment Promotion Centre, said the fair has not only helped accelerate border economic development but has also allowed Vietnamese goods to better access the Cambodian market.

Quang also described the event as a good chance for Vietnamese and Cambodian enterprises to meet and share experiences, establish partnerships and expand co-operation.

An Giang Province shares a border with Cambodia and is a crucial gateway for Viet Nam to expand trade in Mekong sub-region countries.

The province’s trade turnover had rebounded in the past three months thanks to rising demand from international markets, according to the provincial Department of Industry and Trade.

During the reviewed period, its import-export value saw a year-on-year increase of 30 per cent to US$250 million. Of the total, $212 million came from exports, up 30 per cent, fulfilling 24 per cent of its yearly target.

From now to the year-end, the province will focus on improving the quality of its export products, increasing trade promotion activities and helping local firms accelerate their exports to neighbouring countries, the provincial People’s Committee’s vice chairman Nguyen Thanh Binh told a conference earlier this month.