Central Thanh Hoa province posted export revenue of $1.461 billion in the first quarter of the year, surging 17.2% compared to the same period last year, according to the provincial Department of Industry and Trade.

Many key export products recorded strong growth year-on-year, including garments and textiles 17.9%, cement 16.1%, benzene 58.9% and sulfur 88%.

With rapid development of industrial parks, particularly the Nghi Son Economic Zone, Thanh Hoa has become one of localities with highest export turnover in the north-central region in recent years.

Meanwhile, the province’s import value stood at $2.575 billion, up 1% year-on-year.

The local market also recorded impressive growth with the total retail sales of consumer goods and products, reaching VND50 trillion ($1.94 billion), soaring 9% year-on-year.