Vietnam’s foreign trades in the 17th and 18th century

Abstract

While the general history in the 17th and 18th century has been closely studied; the economic aspects especially foreign trades in these two centuries which still remain untouched upon carefully need further consideration. Based on the historical facts and a systematic approach the author presents some of the major problems related to foreign trades of the country in these two centuries, analyzes both objective and subjective factors influencing the process of development, the successes and outstanding problems, reasons and challenges facing Vietnam’s foreign trades in the history, as well as trading relations between Vietnam and other countries in the region and the world, through which the country’s foreign trade has been taken shaped and developed. The country’s foreign trades include:

1. Trade relations wit China
2. Trade relations with Japanese merchants
3. Trade relations with Western merchants
4. Some conclusions

Through the history of Vietnam’s foreign trades in these two centuries the article introduces some fruitful ideas for the “ doi moi” process ( renovation) and an open- door economy for the country. Economic Studies No.9 (292) 2002 p.60-68