i) Vietnam has experienced rapid economic growth but also increasing income inequality and pockets of poverty. The government still plays a large role in the economy through state-owned enterprises. ii) Both corruption and poverty are problems the government acknowledges and is working to reduce through policies like increasing media coverage of corruption cases. iii) Challenges for Vietnam include an unskilled labor force, lack of access to credit for private businesses, and information gaps that leave farmers vulnerable to global market fluctuations. Government reforms are needed in areas like education, land rights, and developing a sustainable market structure.

1. International Colloquium on Business & Management Bangkok 2007 Bangkok, Thailand, 19-22nd November 2007 Social and Economic Development of Vietnam: Governmental and Management Challenges Dr. Ulas Basar Gezgin, PhD, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam E-mail: [email_address]

26. International Colloquium on Business & Management Bangkok 2007 Bangkok, Thailand, 19-22nd November 2007 Social and Economic Development of Vietnam: Governmental and Management Challenges Dr. Ulas Basar Gezgin, PhD, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam E-mail: [email_address]