This project was started in 1992 as one of the pilot projects of SPAF with the purpose assisting ongoing economic reforms of Indochinese countries. The objectives of the projects are: 1) to increase knowledge of how market economies operate; 2) to prepare documents on market economies for future use; 3) and to create a human network among Indochinese countries, Japan and ASEAN officials in the economic and business sectors.

The Human Resources Institute of Thammasat University organized 5 week training programs once a year in 1992 and 1993 including one week study trip to Malaysia and Singapore. In 1994, the training was conducted in Bangkok and Khon Kaen in May-June for 4 weeks and the participants enjoyed a short break in Phuket Island during the program.

Regarding the trainees, a majority was invited from the State Planning Committee (SPC) of Vietnam. Some government officials from Laos, Cambodia and also Myanmar have participated in the training programs with the intention of seeking a possibility to hold the same kind of programs for their countries in near future. The total number of trainees for three years was 99 including 7 Laotians, 7 Cambodians and 5 from Myanmar. Due to the highly satisfactory results from the last three training programs, the Thai Government has taken over this training program under the government special aid scheme called "Thai Aid".

In connection with this project, SPAF also provided funds for the SPC to translate the textbooks into Vietnamese language in 1993. 2000 copies of hard cover books titled "Market Economy: Theories and Reality" have been published in Hanoi.