Vietnam scheduled to discuss reforms

Vietnam scheduled to discuss reforms

HANOI (AFP): The Central Committee of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party will hold a key plenum this week to discuss two crucial topics: economic reforms and the question of succession of party chief.

But the country's highly secretive decision-making process remains as opaque as ever -- Vietnam does not officially announce the plenum until after it closes -- and the party's commitment to push ahead with much needed reforms is far from certain, observers say.

The 170-member committee is expected to begin its closed door session today and where it will thrash out the thorny questions of leadership and reform until Dec. 30.

Foreign observers say the meeting could be a turning point in Vietnam's political and economic fortunes, as it will show whether recent promises on reform are genuine or whether the country will remain in policy gridlock.