AN INVITATION TO THE CLUB                                  

Dear Young Economists:

  Vietnam is experiencing a period of dramatic change. Driven by internal and external forces, its economy is being transformed greatly. The people's lives are also changing. In the age of international integration, Vietnam needs good leaders and analyses to seize this historic opportunity and avoid the problems that rapid growth tends to generate.

  To contribute to this process, we have decided to offer a forum for young Vietnamese economists -- and anyone who is seriously interested in Vietnam's economic development -- to exchange their research outcome and policy proposals. We should strive for quality rather than quantity, and policy relevance rather than theoretical beauty. We will broaden the scope of our activities for policy impact in the future, including publication, seminars, and policy dialogue. While we provide initial support, the main responsibility for executing this academic task must be borne by Vietnam's new generation.

  Japan is a large source of trade, investment and ODA for Vietnam. Japan also offers many opportunities of education and training for Vietnamese nationals. It is highly appropriate that the friendship between Vietnam and Japan is extended from the economic and official fields to intellectual activities like this.

  We encourage all people with a warm heart and a cool head to join our effort, and contribute to the Vietnam's development in the field of your expertise.

Prof. Kenichi Ohno
GRIPS

Prof. Tran Van Tho
Waseda University