This book describes the opening of the Hungarian economy from the early This book describes the opening of the Hungarian economy from the early1980s to the current transition. It analyses the management of external debt and international competitiveness, and shows that the dismal economic performance of the country was only partially homemade. Assurances by the international financial community - that uninterrupted debt service would guarantee access to international capital markets - as well as protectionist western trade practices contributed considerably to Hungary's difficulties in credit management and export performance.