The changing nature and adaptability of the Vietnamese economy is shown most vividly by the substantial reorientation of trading relations away from the former Soviet bloc. As trading relations with Western and Asian countries are developed and the US embargo fades, exports are set to become the leading edge of the economy. Hard currency imports are also increasing, including a large percentage of smuggled consumer goods.
Capital inflows are also likely to increase.
This is modest in comparison with other Third World debtor nations. There is active discussion about how and when Stock Markets could and should be introduced in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The Vietnamese authorities are known to be looking closely at regional models, and especially at China's experience. They are unlikely to act prematurely.