Vietnam is located in Southeastern Asia Shares a border with China, shares socialist ideals, still

dispute over territories Capitol: Hanoi

There are many ethnic groups in Vietnam, most predominant is the Kinh (native Vietnamese)

Vietnamese is the official language Tonal language with 6 different tones that can change the

meaning of words entirely Language was influenced by the French due to colonial rule English is growing as a secondary language

Most predominant religion is Buddhism Most Vietnamese practice indigenous religions

o Ancestor worship and worship of personal gods Affiliation with China brought Confucianism and Taoism

influences

Vietnam has a fast growing economy Predicted to be one of the fastest by 2025 Unemployment is very low 2.3% Traditionally agricultural economy

o Manufacturing and It are growing in businesso 3rd largest oil producer in southeast Asia

Vietnam is a socialist republico Led by both a president and prime minister who

share power One of only 4 remaining single party socialist states

o Chinao Cubao Lao People’s Republic

Unicameral legislature called the National Assembly President is elected every 5 years Communist Party of Vietnam is the only party legally

allowed to hold power

Vietnamese People have Chinese originso Greatly influences culture o Collectivismo Family values

Hiring an interpreter is very important Much more comfortable speaking in native language

o Influences negotiations Appreciate when a few words are learned

o “seen Chow” means helloo Even this small gesture can make a partner feel

welcome

Saving face is a very important thing to the Vietnamese Inappropriate to show any form of negativity Loud voices also can be interpreted as hostility

o Leave Vietnamese guest feeling uncomfortable

Always be on time Vietnamese expect you to value their time as well as your

own

Meetings will almost always begin with a handshake If a woman does not offer her hand

o Slight bow is appropriate Some people will use 2 hands to shake

o Place left hand on top of the wrist

Refusing an offer of food or tea is seen as very rudeo Even just tasting the food or drink is more respectful

than refusing Modesty is really important so if a compliment is offered

always deny it

In the first meeting it is always custom to trade business cards

o Always take the time to actually read theirs before putting it away

o They will feel valued Use both hands when passing items Never reach over someone’s head

o It is the most sacred part of the body

Due to collectivism and socialist ideals, consensus is very important to the Vietnamese

Have all written documents translated

Names start with the last name, then middle, followed by the first

Always gesture with your whole hando Pointing is very disrespectful

The first meeting is always a get to know you meeting

o Don’t expect to get any real business done until atleast the second or third meeting

It is not uncommon for a Vietnamese person to take a long period of time before responding

o Silence can also mean that there is a disagreemento Vietnamese people would rather not speak then risk

losing face