This marks an increase of 27.3 per cent compared to last year, and accounts for 38.3 per cent of the country’s export turnover.

Export earnings excluding crude oil will achieve $14 billion; a year-on-year increase of 34 per cent.

The city’s export revenue, not including crude oil, has reached US$12.98 billion since the beginning of 2008; an increase of 35.5 per cent compared to the same period last year.

For next year, the department aims to achieve $25.46 billion in export turnover, including crude oil, or $16.31 billion excluding the key export.

The city is expected to raise its annual average export growth rate to 19.8 per cent for the 2006-09 period.

Nguyen Thi Hong, deputy chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, said to reach these goals, the department must recognise the pros and cons of local businesses as well as export markets. She added that the department must provide solutions to help businesses overcome obstacles.