Log in
Vietnam

Former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai dies at age 85

Phan Van Khai, former Prime minister from 1997 to 2006, died of old age on March 17 at his home in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh, according to Vietnam News Agency.

Khai was widely praised for boosting the country's economic development.
 
Former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai dies at age 85.
Former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai dies at age 85.
He was born on December 25, 1933 in Cu Chi and joined the country's revolutionary movement at the young age of 14 before becoming a member of the Communist Party at the age of 26.
Before he was elected Prime minister in 1997, Khai was deputy secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, the city's chairman, head of the State Planning Commission (now the Ministry of Planning and Investment), vice chairman of the Council of Ministers, and deputy PM.
In 2002, PM Khai was reelected, but resigned in 2006 one year before his term ended. 
"I am concerned over the bureaucracy, waste, corruption and the theft of public assets. As seen in recent cases of embezzlement, part of the responsibility lies with the investors, but the government and I should also be blamed," Khai said in his resignation speech.
"I hope that my successor will learn from my weaknesses."
The former PM was regarded by many economists as a leader and reformist with a strong determination to integrate with the world market and realize the full potential of the economy, especially the private sector. 
Khai was responsible for submitting the Law on Enterprises in 1999 to the National Assembly (NA), and defended the law before the Politburo and the NA. 
He then set up a working group to implement the law and started by reducing sublicenses, cutting half of them to make things easier for businesses and contributing a significant part in helping the growth of the private sector.
Khai also presented the bill on the US-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), which was signed in 2001 and became the first Vietnamese leader to visit the US at the invitation of former President George W. Bush in 2005, opening a new chapter for cooperation between the two nations.
In 2014, he was awarded the Gold Star Order, the highest decoration given by the Vietnamese government to a military or civil personnel who made exceptional service for the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation.
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Vietnam keeps 8% GDP growth target unchanged for 2025

Vietnam keeps 8% GDP growth target unchanged for 2025

Vietnam is expected to capitalize on opportunities to drive stronger growth amid global uncertainties, while maintaining macroeconomic stability and keeping inflation under control.

Composer Hoang Van's legacy inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register

Composer Hoang Van's legacy inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register

The recognition of the collection is not only a great honor for the musician but an affirmation of Vietnamese music's place in the stream of human intellectual heritage.

More than trade: A partnership that works

More than trade: A partnership that works

Local experts said that Vietnam and the US have the potential to force a trade partnership rooted in complementarity, equity, and shared prosperity.

As US tariffs loom, PM urges support for people, businesses

As US tariffs loom, PM urges support for people, businesses

Government agencies and local authorities are instructed to prevent job losses and to identify vulnerable labor groups, especially in the textile, footwear, furniture, and seafood industries.

First Vietnamese-language newspaper in history

First Vietnamese-language newspaper in history

The Gia Dinh Bao was born in Cochinchina in mid-19th century, greatly contributed to spreading and perfecting the national language in the development of Vietnamese historical fiction.

Vietnam, US agree to negotiate bilateral trade deal

Vietnam, US agree to negotiate bilateral trade deal

A ministerial-level working group is expected to be established shortly to detail the scope and terms of the talks

Vietnam, Spain eye Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Vietnam, Spain eye Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

The two countries chart a new strategic vision for deeper cooperation.

VITM Hanoi 2025 honors 155 organizations, 69 tourism leaders

VITM Hanoi 2025 honors 155 organizations, 69 tourism leaders

As Vietnam’s tourism rebounds stronger than ever, VITM Hanoi 2025 shines a spotlight on the industry’s remarkable success story.