Vietnam is predicted to gain export earnings of 39.5 billion U.S. dollars this year, up nearly 22.7 percent over last year, according to a local news agency report on Thursday.

The forecast is based on the expected hike in Vietnam's export values in the fourth quarter, and the surge in the first nine months, the Import and Export Department under the Trade Ministry said.

The country made export turnovers of 29.4 billion dollars in the first nine months of this year, a year-on-year rise of 24.2 percent.

Vietnam has urged enterprises to ensure goods supplies for export in the remaining months of this year, especially those with high competitiveness, intensify trade promotion, and increase products' quality, the department said.

The country posted export turnovers of 32.2 billion dollars in 2005, up 21.6 percent over 2004. Its key export items included crude oil, garments and textiles, footwear and seafood.

Source: Xinhua