Nong Duc Manh

Nong Duc Manh became the leader of Vietnam's Communist Party in April 2001, succeeding Le Kha Phieu. His rise to power followed large-scale demonstrations that expressed impatience with government corruption and slowing economic growth. As party leader, Manh took steps to curb corruption and integrate Vietnam more fully into the global economy, leading to a surge in GDP growth. Trade negotiations with the United States were rekindled, and an accord was signed in the same year. Vietnam also ratified its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in late 2006, becoming a member in January 2007. Nguyen Phu Trong replaced Nong Duc Manh as party leader in January 2011.12