Vietnam's doors, it seems, are not going to open any wider. That is one clear message from the sweeping policy blueprint published on Tuesday to guide the Communist Party's upcoming congress. As Vietnamese and foreign analysts digest the 57-page tome, many are struck by how widely its tone and intent seems to vary page to page. In it, Vietnam embraces continued robust growth, private enterprise and new and open ties with the outside world. Yet the same document also hangs tough, warning of greater state economic management and the evils of 'money cults', talking of 'peaceful evolution' and 'degenerate' party members abusing democracy. Wholesale capitalism and political pluralism are openly lamented. Real policy reforms seem thin on the ground. It is not just that Vietnam wants the best of both worlds. It is that many key issues remain undecided ahead of the congress, the first in five years. The internal debate is deep and complex, party sources warn, fuelled by a solid economic boom making Vietnam one of the world's fastest growing countries. It is not the black and white decision taken 10 years ago to open the country up and allow private enterprise. It is partly a matter of control and how Vietnam's two million Communist Party members can best keep in power and boost legitimacy and ideology in times of great change. Vietnam's few major cities are far outpacing the countryside, where most people live. It is clear that for some in the party, Army and Government, traditional ideology is under question as incomes rise for some. Another key certainty is the utter rejection of Western economic notions that more state control will only stifle growth. Already Vietnam's ministries control most economic activities through a complex bureaucracy, often nurturing their own sideline money-making ventures. But to ensure fast renewal and growth, top party official Hong Ha stressed on Tuesday, it was necessary to extend state management. No one should be too surprised, or expect sudden change. Even the most reform-minded in the leadership jealously guard Vietnam's independence. This should never be underestimated after 40 years of war. Vietnam, through the party, is determined to do things its own way.
