Retail, services sales hit 110 billion USD

TCCT The country's total retail sales and services revenue reached 110 billion USD, rising 9.8 percent over the same period last year, or 9.1 percent, if inflation is excluded.

According to the General Statistics Office (GSO), the retail sales of goods and services in September alone is estimated to reach 270.6 trillion VND (12.27 billion USD) or 0.6 percent increased against August.

According to an expert at the GSO, Mr.Vu Manh Ha, purchasing power had not changed much as residents spent their money on key consumption products.

Revenues in some sectors saw a handsome increase. Food and foodstuff saw an increase of 15 percent, household appliances rose 13.2 percent, garments and textiles up 10.9 percent and transport services are estimated to increase 8.1 percent.

Retail sales of accommodation, restaurant and catering services in the first nine months reached 276.9 billion VND posting a growth of 11.7 percent or a 6.5 percent year-on-year increase. Of this figure, retail sales in Hai Phong city went up 23.9 percent. It was followed by Binh Duong at 19.1 percent, Thanh Hoa at 18.6 percent, Hanoi at 5.9 percent, and HCM City at 5.4 percent.

In the first nine months, the increase in purchasing power equalled H1 and H2 this year. It was attributed to more purchases of essential goods by residents during the country's National Day on September 2, and the Autumn Festival on September 27.

Purchasing power was one of the indicators which reflected the macro-economic recoveries in the first nine month of this year.

Meanwhile, according to the GSO, the consumer price index (CPI) in September continued its downward trend from August./.