HO CHI MINH CITY, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Former Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai died here Saturday at the age of 85.

He was born on Dec. 25,1933 in Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City.

As one of the high-ranking Party and State leaders in the first phase of the country's Renewal and nation-building cause, Phan Van Khai was active and determined to build the institution under the spirit of renewal to utilize the capacity of all economic sectors, especially the private one, together with opening door to the world and integrating internationally, Vietnam News Agency reported on Saturday.

During nearly two working terms as the prime minister, fundamental laws in the first phase of the Renewal and door-opening process were built.

The government chaired by Khai left its working-term marks by the issuance of the Business Law, the annulment of hundreds of licences, the involvement in many tough talks to negotiate on Vietnam's admission to the World Trade Organization, and more.