Community colleges are poised to play a vital role in Vietnam and other Pacific Rim nations currently seeking to develop their business sectors and economies. Projects and partnerships with U.S. community colleges are currently in progress in India, Malaysia, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. In addition, the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training has expressed interest in establishing a community college system in Vietnam. Currently, the Vietnamese educational system places high school-aged students on either a university preparation, vocational technical college, secondary technical education, or teacher training track. The Ministry, however, has identified major problems in this system, including inappropriate curriculum, a lack of training in the right areas of business/industry and of continuity, a lack of business/industry participation in curriculum development, outdated facilities and equipment, and poorly trained and low paid staff. Although Vietnam has recognized the need for a community college system, the upper level educational hierarchy is unfamiliar with participatory curriculum development, tax supported education, and open enrollment policies and is moving slowly. Another major barrier is funding, as sources for loans are limited and politics can interfere with funding efforts. U.S. colleges can help Vietnam develop a college system through feasibility studies, funding, or improving the understanding of international development. (TGI)