The city has so far attracted VND22.95 trillion (over USD1 billion) and USD52.4 million from domestic and foreign investors; registered trade value of VND71.73 trillion (USD3.24 billion); and welcomed over 1.36 million tourists, a year-on-year rise of 16.6 percent, 8.3 percent and 9 percent, respectively.

In 2014, the city has improved infrastructure built for land and waterway traffic, while adopting incentives for businesses at home and abroad, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Planning and Investment Bui Ngoc Vy.

Intensive trade promotion brought Vietnamese goods to rural areas and encouraged businesses to join international trade fairs in the capital city of Hanoi and the southern economic and business hub of Ho Chi Minh city, and other countries and territories like Cambodia, Taiwan (China), France, and Belgium, according to Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Industry and Trade Duong Nghia Hiep.

Local authorities also provided technical assistance for businesses to create new products, reduce production costs, and increase competitiveness in the domestic and global markets.

By concentrating on export staples like rice, seafood and garment, strengthening its foothold in traditional markets, and seeking fresh outlets, the city grossed over VND71 trillion (USD3.2 billion) from domestic goods consumption and USD1.35 billion from foreign exports.

Meanwhile, the tourism sector earned over nearly VND1.2 trillion (USD57.1 million) in revenue, exceeding the yearly target of 4.5 percent and registering a year-on-year rise of 20 percent, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Dang Thai Hoa revealed.

He attributed the outcome to the city’s cooperation with 19 cities and provinces across the country to promote its tourism products and services. Can Tho also partnered with southern An Giang and Kien Giang provinces to develop spiritual and ecological tourism, he said./.