Number: 96-898 Title: Vietnam: Economic/Political Developments and U.S. Relations Authors: Raymond J. Ahearn and Robert G. Sutter, Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division Abstract: Vietnam's experiment with economic reforms continues to outpace liberalization of its political system. The Eighth Vietnamese Party Congress, which ended on July 2, 1996, failed to resolve deep-rooted differences among the communist leadership concerning the pace and scope of economic reforms. These continuing divisions among Vietnam's top leaders likely will affect relations with the United States, including efforts to normalize commercial relations. Pages: 6 Date: Updated November 22, 1996