This paper is a short version of a larger study entitled Options and Recommendations for a Comprehensive Development Strategy for the Services Sector in Viet Nam up to 2020,1 conducted in 2004 in the framework of the project “Capacity Strengthening to Manage and Promote Trade in Services in Viet Nam in the Context of Integration” (or “Trade in Services” Project VIE/02/009), which is currently being funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and implemented by the Department of Trade and Services of the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI).

The project has conducted the above mentioned study according to the specific objectives and implementation plan of its first outcome. This paper presents a summary of the interim-report of such study, which provides a detailed analysis of the competitiveness of Viet Nam’s services, followed by options for addressing weaknesses and leveraging strengths and opportunities, recommendations for a national service sector development strategy, implications for international services trade negotiations strategies, and suggestions for strengthening services statistics. The analyses and recommendations contained in the study are based in part on initial studies also undertaken by the project of the following sub-sectors: air transportation services, banking services, business and training services, financial services (insurance, securities, accounting and auditing), maritime transportation services, telecommunication services, and tourism.