Dong Nai (VNA) –Exports in the southern province of Dong Nai hit 12.2 billion USD in the first eightmonths of this year, up nearly 12 percent annually, according to the provincialStatistics Bureau.

Duringthe period, imports in the province reached 10.4 billion USD, resulting in a tradesurplus of 1.8 billion USD, accounting for more than 64 percent of thecountry’s total, reported the General Statistics Office.

The province’s high exportcurrency earners include footwear at 2.4 billion USD, up nearly 11 percentyear-on-year; apparel 1.3 billion USD, 7 percent; and fiber 1.1 billion USD, 17percent.

The provincial Department ofIndustry and Trade attributed high export growth to the stable world economyand the high demand with increasing orders from businesses.

Apart from traditionalmarkets such as the US, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the EU, enterprisesalso tapped into free trade agreements that Vietnam signed with countries toenjoy tax incentives, expand markets, and boost exports.

According to the department, DongNai is forecast to achieve a trade surplus of over 2.5 billion USD later thisyear.

Last year, the provincerecorded nearly 2.2 billion USD in trade surplus, making up 77 percent of thecountry’s total of 2.7 billion USD. –VNA