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.