Hanoi, Sept. 23 -- As Vietnam marks 40 years of "Doi moi" (Renewal), debates about the outcomes and limitations of the reform process continue to attract public attention. Views questioning the achievements of Doi moi often point to income gaps with developed economies, relatively low labour productivity, or the significant role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in exports. Such assessments, however, need to be viewed in the context of Vietnam's starting point in 1986 and the broader trajectory of its development. A country emerging from prolonged wars, facing severe socio-economic difficulties and economic embargo has undergone profound changes over the past four decades. Before "Doi moi", Vietnam was experiencing a serious socio-econom...