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Declassified per Executive Order 13526, Section 3.3 NND Project Number: NND 63316. By: NWD Date: 2011  C. LONGER RANGE DEVELOPMENT TOWARD SELF-SUSTAINING ECONOMY

1.

The earliest possible consideration of the emergency projects mentioned above is essential, in connection with military-security efforts, but the current successful programs in the economic and social areas must be continued.

a.

The Vietnamese economy is based on its agriculture. This heavy reliance will undoubtedly continue. To improve the productivity of Viet Nam's agricultural resources, further efforts should be encouraged in training of agricultural personnel, research, diversification of crops, more intensive use of fertilizers, and the provision of adequate agricultural credit facilities. Particularly promising are the possibilities in the development of livestock and fisheries and complementary processing activities.

b.

While the agroville-land development program merits special action on a more immediate basis, the build-up of economic and social services to the great mass of the rural population not encompassed by the agroville-land development program must be continued. Such improved services as extension education, agrarian reform, pest control, and farmers' cooperatives and production credit can yield considerable economic and social benefits in return for relatively limited investment.

c.

Taking into account the anticipated population increases, the future of Viet Nam will, however, demand a reorientation of its economy toward one with stronger reliance on a firm, viable industrial base. To achieve this Rh