Viet Nam-Ukraine trade up 4.5 per cent in 2012

HA NOI (VNS)— The trade turnover between Viet Nam and Ukraine reached US$313 million in 2012, increasing by 4.5 per cent compared to 2011, according to the Viet Nam General Department of Customs.

Viet Nam’s export earnings from Ukraine hit $221 million, up 13.6 per cent. Thirty per cent of the figure was from seafood, garments, pepper, footwear, cashew nuts and rice.

However, its imports fell 12.2 per cent compared to the previous year to $92 million, with 70 per cent focusing on iron and steel, machinery, equipment and spare parts, means of transport, chemicals and fertiliser.

To raise exports, Vietnamese businesses need to boost trade promotion, expand markets, reduce exports of raw materials, and increase exports of processed products, experts say.-VNS