The first six months in 2011 witnessed strong growth in export and import of goods through Lang Son province. Most of the major export items such as fruits, cassava powder, and dried cassava slices all reached impressive figures. In the recent time, the number of completed cars and car components, electronic components, machinery, chemicals, furniture components imported through the border gate has also increased; thus helping improve trade turnover.
By June 2011, total import and export turnover through Lang Son province reached US$700 million, equivalent to 36.6 percent of the plan, up 68.3 percent compared with the same period in 2010. This is a good sign, affirming border economic position of Lang Son province. Mr Bui Gia Tuan, Deputy Director of the Department of Trade and Industry said: The picture of the import and export of Lang Son in the first months in 2011is brighter than that in 2010. This achievement comes from the improved mechanisms and policies of the Government, the province and the customs, which create a more open trading environment, helping promote the import and export activities in Lang Son province.
It is possible to say that farmers and farm produce exporters are the happiest. The export turnover of farming commodities through the border of the province since the beginning of the year has significantly increased due to preferential tariffs. Also, the beginning of the year is the fruit harvest in the southern provinces, so the number of fruits exported through Tan Thanh border gate is always at high proportion. According to Mr BuiGiaTuan, the export has increased because in addition to supportive measures of the Government to help exporters to remove the difficulties, the province has many mechanisms and policies to bring into full play of all the local potential and advantages to boost export, specifically the preferential policies on investment and calling for investment as well as policies on capital and premises support. So, this has created favorable conditions for businesses to promote production and business activities and to participate actively in the export sector. Another subjective reason which is not less important is the remarkable efforts of businesses in overcoming the difficulties related to capital, markets, and technology.
In condition of continued difficulties, many companies are still active to study the market, invests heavily, expand and complete production facilities, expand goods and types of commodities and gradually improve production capacity. In addition, other factors which have created a momentum for businesses to boost the export is the impact of exchange rate between USD and VND for export promotion, import restrictions, and controlling the trade deficit. Specific evidence is that the recent export turnover has reached US$400 million, up 148.9 percent compared with the same period.
The recent export results are positive, but still not commensurate with the provincial potential. Turnover value mainly comes from businesses with foreign capital while provincial businesses are still in rather poor performance. Most of the items for export must use imported materials and less available local raw materials, so the efficiency is not high. The local products are not much exported. The export turnover reached US$224 million, but import turnover was US$306 million, up 36 percent compared with the same period. This is worrisome because import growth rate is still higher than export.
MrBuiGiaTuan asserted, “Lang Son has many advantagesfor developingtrade andborder economy.Especially,Dong Dang-Lang Son border economic zone is the keyfactorforLang Son to affirmits full potentialinthis field.Andabove all, withthe current mechanisms andpreferential policies, thespeed ofattractingbusinessesto invest inLang Sonin 2011will certainly increase, and coincidentallyimport and exportthrough theareawillthrive.”
DH
Vietnamese
