Thailand remains main export market for Saravan
Thailand remains main export market for Saravan
The value of goods exported by Saravan province has been in positive territory this fiscal year, with Thailand still the main export market for the province, a senior official reported.
The provincial Industry and Commerce Department reported at a recent meeting that the value of exports reached more than 218 billion kip (about US$27.58 million) in the first nine months of fiscal year 2015-2016. Most products were exported to Thailand, valued at US$14.62 million, accounting for 53 percent of total exports.
Speaking at the meeting, Department Director MrSisouphanThepvongsa said exports in the first nine months had yielded positive results overall. However, wood and wood products previously accounted for 50 percent of exports but fell to only 15.8 percent this year.
On the upside, agricultural products were the main exports over the first nine months, accounting for 84.34 percent of total exports, he added.
MrSisouphan said that even though agricultural exports had climbed to 84 percent, this was insufficient to cover the loss resulting from the slump in wood and wood products and the gross value of exports had fallen by 10 percent compared to the same period last year.
The province's main export markets are the neighbouring countries of Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and China.
The value of imports fell by 19.77 percent compared to the same period last year, with most coming from Thailand and Vietnam. The products were mostly machinery, tractors and equipment for use in factories, valued at US$1.78 million.
To ensure that export targets are reached as planned, the province will continue to support agricultural production by seeking out more markets and sources of funding for building processing factories.
In the meantime, Saravan should improve coordination between various government sectors, MrSisouphan said.
