Vietnam needs reform

Vietnam needs reform

The Vietnamese administration is stepping up efforts to root
out corruption. It is planning to update its laws on foreign
investment. We hope for further improvements that will renew the
flow of foreign capital. We are concerned, however, that Vietnam
is being overcautious in its foreign relations.

The U.S.-Vietnam talks on a bilateral trade agreement have
been put on hold since basic agreement on the issue was reached
in July last year. Le Kha Phieu, secretary general of the
Communist Party, said in a February speech, "Imperialism still
exists, and it is contemplating ways to obliterate socialist
states." In saying so, the party leader was expressing caution
about Vietnam widening foreign access to its domestic markets.

Vietnam is understandably concerned that further
liberalization and market opening might drive nationalized
enterprises into a corner and throw more workers out of their
jobs. However, the country will not be able to eradicate poverty
if it further delays implementation of its policy of reform and
openness.

A quarter-century after Vietnam won the war, misunderstandings
and prejudice within Vietnam concerning the international
community could now spread among its leaders. We can only hope
that does not happen.

-- The Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo