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