But despite launching its doi moi reforms, growth stalled long before the economic crisis hit Asia.

CNN: Stops and Starts

And back home, Vietnam had begun experimenting with Doi Moi , or market-based reforms within the ongoing socialist structure.

FORBES: Vietnam's First Billionaire And The Triumph Of Capitalism

Reform has come in fits and starts since doi moi began but, at present, Vietnam's palpable success encourages boldness.

ECONOMIST: Vietnam

The first round of reform, called doi moi, was started in 1986, only to fizzle out in the early 1990s.

ECONOMIST: Hanoi Bill

Money poured in at the launch of doi moi, but as reforms moved slowly, if at all, the cash flow slowed to a trickle.

CNN: Stops and Starts

This presents Mr Phieu with the biggest test to come the way of a Vietnamese leader since the doi moi reforms began over a decade ago.

ECONOMIST: Vietnam