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Foreign Trade of Vietnam was an important area of concern post reunification as it had the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s economy. During the 80s the focus was placed on possible items of export. Marine products, cash crops and handicrafts figured in the list of exportable items. A further step in the process of expansion of Vietnamese foreign trade was undertaken when a number of import export organizations were established. This, however, greatly flustered the Communist regime as it called for liberalization of the market. The free enterprises were brought under governmental control. Economic reforms were introduced in the late 1980s which included currency diminution, repealing the limitations on foreign trade and the adoption of a pliable exchange rate system. The annulment of the economic sanctions imposed by USA in 1994 and the internalization of Vietnam in the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) in 1995 boosted the cause of foreign trade. The main items of import comprised of steel and petroleum products, tires, textiles and vehicles like tractors. The chief exportable goods constituted of footwear, apparel, petroleum, coffee, shellfish and rice. The trading partners of Vietnam included the South Asian countries of China, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, United States, Australia and Germany. The trade policy of Vietnam government in recent times is progressive in nature. They include the extension of import and export rights to organizations in every sector of the economy. The import and export duties have also been modified.
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