Zoe Lofgren: “Vietnam should be able to trade with America, but only when Hanoi halts human rights abuses and establishes a fair…”

“Vietnam should be able to trade with America, but only when Hanoi halts human rights abuses and establishes a fair, sound economic environment that embraces human rights. It is clear that Vietnam is eager to have an economic relationship with the United States and is willing to take the steps necessary to do so. Unfortunately, they are not where they need to be and they will not get there unless we stand firm for democratic principles and for human rights for the people of Vietnam. Vietnam embarked down the road to reform in 1986, achieving high economic growth of 8 percent per year with low inflation. As a result, the U.S. lifted economic sanctions in 1994 and normalized diplomatic relations in 1995. It was all downhill from there. The economic growth did not produce democratic and market reforms. In addition to quashing the religious, political and social freedoms of its citizens and restricting their rights to emigrate, Hanoi has taken giant steps backward from fostering sound policies and stability to bolster its economy and attract foreign investors. Erratic decision making, government red tape and high overhead makes many businesses unviable. The government's refusal to loosen its political domination and accelerate the transition to a market economy has brought the country to a critical juncture. We cannot abandon the Vietnamese people and American businesses at this critical juncture.”