Changing Political Economy of Vietnam

"The book explores the way the state has become commercialised under reform as party and government officials have gone into business, and considers the impact this has had on politics within Ho Chi Minh City and on relations between the city and Hanoi. The book charts the way power has been decentralised to the lower levels of the party-state but argues that the central state retains significant power. These issues are explored through a variety of case studies, including the implementation of different reform policies, struggles over political and business appointments, clampdowns on speculative business activity, and the prosecution of two major corruption cases. Particular emphasis is placed on piecing together the myriad of informal practices that dominate business and political life in Vietnam." "This book challenges many of the preconceptions about reform in Vietnam. It will be invaluable to scholars interested in politics, economics and business in Southeast Asia."--BOOK JACKET.