VIETNAM

Reform of Financial Markets Due: Vietnam will soon form a capital markets authority, set up a pilot stock market and issue bonds abroad as it strives to attract foreign investment, State Bank Governor Cao Si Kiem said. But he admitted his nation has a way to go to catch up with its future partners in the Assn. of Southeast Asian Nations. Kiem said the government was focusing on modernization and reform of the financial and banking system to fit international standards and meet economic goals set by the National Assembly. The main goals this year are annual economic growth of at least 9%, following a rate of 8.8.% in 1994, while reining back inflation--14.4% last year--to single digits.