Hardback
Economic Transition in Vietnam
Trade and Aid in the Demise of a Centrally Planned Economy
9781840645774 Edward Elgar Publishing
This book provides an incredibly detailed and thorough account of how Vietnam’s dependence on Soviet aid during the 1960s and 1970s sustained and yet ultimately undermined the centrally-planned economy. Foreign aid provided most of the resources which, in the context of an under-developed agrarian economy, permitted planned industrialisation. Yet, as in other socialist countries, chronic shortages emerged and, particularly when aid supplies were cut after 1975, encouraged individuals and enterprises to divert resources to local uses.
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Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
This book provides an incredibly detailed and thorough account of how Vietnam’s dependence on Soviet aid during the 1960s and 1970s sustained and yet ultimately undermined the centrally-planned economy. Foreign aid provided most of the resources which, in the context of an under-developed agrarian economy, permitted planned industrialisation. Yet, as in other socialist countries, chronic shortages emerged and, particularly when aid supplies were cut after 1975, encouraged individuals and enterprises to divert resources to local uses.
The authors show how development of non-plan trading relations was based on supplies of scarce, aid-subsidised goods which provided the means for local authorities, enterprises and individuals to convert their positions of political and social power into capital. They further highlight the ways in which new, market-oriented trade relations emerged in symbiosis with the planning system and continue to influence the economic structure and institutions today. Economic Transition in Vietnam outlines the many problems currently facing Vietnam, not least how new global forms of integration are affecting future development.
The authors show how development of non-plan trading relations was based on supplies of scarce, aid-subsidised goods which provided the means for local authorities, enterprises and individuals to convert their positions of political and social power into capital. They further highlight the ways in which new, market-oriented trade relations emerged in symbiosis with the planning system and continue to influence the economic structure and institutions today. Economic Transition in Vietnam outlines the many problems currently facing Vietnam, not least how new global forms of integration are affecting future development.
Critical Acclaim
‘. . . this book by Melanie Beresford and Dang Phong is a welcome contribution . . . Economic Transition in Vietnam is written by two Vietnamese-speaking authors, both with a thorough knowledge of Vietnamese culture and traditions . . . Economic Transition in Vietnam is, to summarize, a very useful complement to the more theoretical literature on problems of transition . . . the focus is original and helps us to a better understanding of the key role played by the bottom-up and spontaneous elements of the reform process.’
– Stefan de Vylder, Journal of Economic Literature
‘This is an invaluable contribution to our understanding of an important yet still enigmatic Asian economy. Vietnam clearly has the potential for high speed, export-oriented economic growth, yet its performance and institutional transition during the past decade have been disappointing. The authors throw much light on this paradox. Particularly eye opening are sections dealing with the roles of smuggling, illicit trade, students and diplomats in Vietnam’s modern development. Not to be missed by anyone seriously concerned with Asian trade and economics.’
– Christopher Howe, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, UK
– Stefan de Vylder, Journal of Economic Literature
‘This is an invaluable contribution to our understanding of an important yet still enigmatic Asian economy. Vietnam clearly has the potential for high speed, export-oriented economic growth, yet its performance and institutional transition during the past decade have been disappointing. The authors throw much light on this paradox. Particularly eye opening are sections dealing with the roles of smuggling, illicit trade, students and diplomats in Vietnam’s modern development. Not to be missed by anyone seriously concerned with Asian trade and economics.’
– Christopher Howe, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, UK
Contents
Contents: Preface Part I: The Development of Foreign Trade and Aid Since 1960 1. Foreign Trade and Aid in the Development of a Market Economy 2. Reform of the Foreign Trade System Part II: The Development of Unofficial Trade and Aid 1976–1996 3. Introduction 4. Commercial Links with the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe 5. Goods Sent by Overseas Vietnamese to their Relatives 6. The Intershop System 7. VOSCO Goods 8. Cross-Border Trade between Vietnam and Laos 9. Trade Across the Cambodian Border 10. Cross-Border Trade with China 11. Sales of Goods and Services to Foreigners 12. International Payments Part III: Conclusion 13. Past, Present and Future References Index
