|
HO CHI MINH CITY - CONCLUDING his official visit to Vietnam yesterday, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said that the key difference between now and when he last visited the country in 2003 is the sense of confidence in Vietnam's leaders.
Four years ago, there was still debate about the economic reforms that had been launched to shift Vietnam to an open and vigorous market-oriented model.
Some conservative elements in the ruling communist regime remained wary about the effect of these reforms on the country's social and political life.
That is no longer the case, said Mr Goh.
'After talking with leaders across the country, I sense that there is unanimity that the reforms must continue and even be increased so that Vietnam can benefit more from economic growth,' he said.
He expects Vietnam to play a larger role in the region.
'As its economy becomes more powerful, Vietnam, with a population of over 80 million people, should play a bigger role in Asean,' he said.
Indeed, it could become a new economic engine of growth for Asean and play a greater role in integrating Asean economies, especially since it will require the regional market to spur its own development.
Ties with Singapore remain good, he said, based on the close cooperation nurtured between the two countries for many years.
Earlier in the day, Mr Goh had an hour-long breakfast meeting with former premier Pham Van Khai, an old friend from the days when both were prime ministers.
'Many of the bilateral projects we see today are the result of the close cooperation we had back then,' said Mr Goh.
He also toured a residential and commercial property development by Singapore's Guocoland in Binh Duong province.
Later, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, Mr Goh launched a high-tech park being built jointly by Singapore company Ascendas and Vietnam's Protrade Corp.
rogermitton@hotmail.com
|
