According to Ngo Van Tuan, director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, shipments of processed seafood, particularly Tra fish, drove the export growth. 

The 6-month export value of local fishery commodities, of which 90% were Tra fish products, increased 5.3% from last year to US$132.6 million. 

Tien Giang Tra fish has to date been exported to 50 markets across the globe.

Rice exports were also a highlight, growing 50% during the period compared to last year, with more than 115,000 tonnes of rice shipped overseas, reeling in US$55.7 million.

Tuan said the outcomes are a good start for Tien Giang to realise its export goal of US$2.35 billion for 2017. The target represents a year-on-year climb of 11.4%.

The outcomes also reflects efforts from local authorities and business communities, he noted, adding that the province is working to overcome trade barriers by overhauling local production assembly lines to ensure food safety and goods origins.