Vietnam's persistent poverty
In the article "Vietnam on
the path of reform" (Op-Ed, Tuesday),
Prime Minister Phan Van Khai claimed that Vietnam has graduated from the
list of the 50 poorest countries in the world as a result of its economic
reform during the past 10 years.
But data published by the
World Bank in April 2005 do not appear to support this claim.
According to the World
Bank's 2005 World Development Indicators database, the gross national income
per capita of Vietnam was $480 in 2003, which ranked 134th of 174 countries
with available data. Vietnam was tied for the 40th poorest nation in the
world in 2003.
In East Asia and the
Pacific, Cambodia and Laos were the only nations having a lower GNI per
capita than Vietnam. About one third of the Vietnam population is unable to
make more than $2 a day, the international poverty line currently used by
the United Nations.
QUANG NGUYEN
Covina, Calif.
The Washington Times
www.washingtontimes.com
Vietnam on the path of
reform
By Phan Van Khai
Published June 21, 2005
HANOI, Vietnam. -- Vietnam
has made great progress since embarking on Doi Moi, our process of economic
reform over 10 years ago. Our country
has graduated from the list of the 50 poorest nations,
maintained political and social stability and is now among the most dynamic
and fastest-growing economies in the world. These impressive achievements
are a result of the sound reform policy, of opening our doors to the world,
working proactively to integrate our nation with the international community
and normalizing and strengthening relations with the United States.
We cannot grow complacent,
but must continue to accelerate the pace of reform, ensuring a greater
harmony between economic growth and the resolution of social issues it
generates. Economic reform may have taken one step ahead, but it must be
linked to political reform.
Within the framework of
political reform, establishing a state governed by law is crucial to
increasing the people's participation in governance. We are and will remain
focused on reforms aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the National
Assembly so as to strengthen the role and powers of popularly elected
bodies. We are introducing new legislations that ensure greater openness and
transparency for operations of government.
We are also accelerating
the building of the institutions of a market economy eliminating favoritism,
striving for greater liberalization, transparency and consistency, all of
which are critical to meet the demands of economic integration.
Foreign-invested and
private enterprises play an increasingly important role in generating growth
and employment. The success in expanding relations with other countries,
including the United States, Europe and Asia have deepened Vietnam's
integration into the global economy. We attach much importance to learning
from the success of other countries, especially from our East Asian
neighbors. We understand that only by unleashing the dynamism of every
economic sector and investing in health, education and other social
services, can Vietnam succeed in reducing poverty and achieving equitable
and sustainable economic development. In these endeavors, we view the United
States as a great power with its unparalleled economic and scientific and
technological capabilities — an essential partner.
A vibrant press
complements our reform strategy and is an indispensable weapon in the fight
against corruption and red-tape. The Vietnamese press are taking active
measures to expose injustice, earning the admiration of our citizens. These
heroic efforts are encouraged and protected by the government.
Mass media, especially the
Internet, recently enabled Vietnamese Catholics, in spite of the
geographical distance, to witness and share their sorrow with each other and
the world on the sad occasion of the passing of Pope John Paul II, and to
hear a speech by the new pope in which he conveyed his hope for an early
establishment of diplomatic relations with Vietnam. In recent years, ties
between Vietnam and the Vatican have significantly improved, paving the way
for further development.
Vietnam is a country of
many religions. Major religions in the world like Buddhism, Catholicism and
Protestantism are all present in Vietnam. They exist in harmony with
traditional beliefs and indigenous creeds. Indeed, religion is central to
the identities of many of my fellow countrymen.
It is our consistent
policy to regard beliefs and religion as a basic spiritual need of the
people. The freedom of religion and of non-religion is respected and
protected. We are working with religious groups in Vietnam to strengthen our
society. We welcome and appreciate the participation by religious
organizations in national construction, national defense and endeavors to
improve people's lives.
The winds of globalization
have brought to Vietnam favorable opportunities as well as unforeseeable
challenges and evils. HIV/AIDS and the frightening consequences of avian
influenza pose two of the big challenges. We will do everything in our power
to prevent the spread of these pandemics, but on its own Vietnam cannot
defeat these threats. The government of Vietnam requests assistance from the
international community, including the United States, in meeting these
threats. We greatly appreciate the existing cooperation between our two
governments and peoples in this regard and look forward to its continued
growth and effectiveness.
The continued
strengthening of the society in combination with domestic economic growth
enables us to gradually raise our capabilities to cooperate with the
international community for the sake of peace, stability, and development in
the region and the world.
Terrorism has become a
global threat. The horrific losses suffered by the Americans on September 11
and people in other parts of the world are a somber reminder of the grave
danger of terrorism. It is imperative to rule terrorism out of human life
and prevent the disasters it causes to innocent people. Asia and Vietnam are
not immune from this scourge, and we pledge to work shoulder-to-shoulder
with our neighbors and the United States to combat terror.
The people of Vietnam
appreciate that ending conflict is a prerequisite for progress. Vietnam has
been participating in and making many contributions to United Nations
activities, and will share the U.N. responsibility in maintaining
international security and keeping peace. Our country will
participateinpeacekeeping operations appropriate to our current capacities
such as sending field hospitals and de-mining teams. Vietnamese soldiers,
who proudly serve under the yellow-starred red flag, will stand beneath the
blue colors of the United Nations as guarantors of peace.
We know well that our
Vietnamese soldiers will perform their mission with discipline and
professionalism for the sake of global peace and prosperity.
The
Washington Times
