The predominant import and export products included white limestone, wood chips, clinker, machines and equipment, aluminum, steel, polyethylene, electronic components, asphalt, vegetable oil, and petrol.

In addition to the above traditional products, some newer products from businesses which began operation in 2017 have contributed to the increasing import and export value, such as Hoa Sen Group’s steel sheet products.

Chu Quang Luan, head of the Nghe An provincial Department of Customs, says the import and export value grew markedly compared to previous years, rising from US$822 million in 2016 to more than US$1.1 billion in 2017.

He attributed the upswing in trade to the province’s guidelines on attracting domestic and foreign investors and a strong economic restructuring favouring the development of industry and services.

The import and export value of more than US$1.1 billion helped push tariff collection up to VND1,500 billion. Businesses paid substantial amounts in taxes, such as Vietnam BSE Electronics Co. Ltd, paying more than VND125 billion and Sabeco Song Lam Packaging JSC with nearly VND80 billion.