Hanoi 's streets to face traffic jams

It is anticipated that the flow of traffic in Hanoi will grind to a halt within a few years. As a condition entering the WTO this year, Vietnam is required to eliminate its 50% tax on automobile purchases. That's a pretty stark example of how a trade agreement can undermine the the quality of life in an urban center, and comprimise the ability of a state to manage its own transportation infrastructure. Maybe Vietnam can copy Singapore's example and require that car owners purchase vehicle permits.