Vietnamese Communists begin key economic meeting

The Central Committee of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party has begun a meeting which is expected to determine the direction of the country's economic policy.

Correspondents say the meeting in Hanoi will be one of the toughest held by the party in years.

Supporters of economic liberalisation are expected to propose continued privatisation of Vietnam's state-owned enterprises and further efforts to reduce government bureaucracy.

But conservatives are said to be concerned such policies might undermine the party's grip on power.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service