Chapter Thirteen: Vietnam

Vietnam is a narrow, S-shaped country, often described as looking like a farmer’s pole with a rice basket hanging from its ends. Its land area extends about 1,000 miles south from China to the Gulf of Thailand. To the east, Vietnam is bordered by the South China Sea; to the west, by Cambodia and Laos. For a small country—30 miles at its narrowest point—Vietnam is made up of a variety of land forms: mountainous highlands, covered with forests or jungles; coastal plains; and fertile delta regions formed by the country’s rivers. Over time, Vietnam has been ruled by China, occupied by the French and the Japanese, and, for 30 years, engaged in civil war. In 1974, at the end of the Vietnam War, the country was united under a communist government.

What Time Is It in Vietnam?

Vietnam is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. When it’s 10 a.m. in Washington, D.C., then it’s 10 p.m in Vietnam.

People

Vietnam’s history dates back thousands of years. Over 85 percent of the population is ethnic Vietnamese. The remainder are Chinese and numerous other minorities who have their own language and customs. The population is young—approximately 40 percent are under the age of 25. The majority of Vietnamese live in villages on the river deltas and along the coasts where they farm and fish to earn a living. Although life for many Vietnamese is much like that of their ancestors, the end of the Vietnam War brought new technology, businesses, and jobs to the country. The Vietnamese are an energetic people. At the beginning of each day, it is not uncommon to see both young and old jogging, shadowboxing (tai chi), or practicing yoga.

Doing business in Vietnam.

If you are planning to do business in Vietnam, then here are a few tips you might want to know.

Greetings

• The Vietnamese shake hands with both men and women before and after a meeting.
• When addressing someone, a person’s first name is used along with a title (Dr., Mr., Mrs., Madame).

Gestures

• Always taste any food or drink you are served. It is considered impolite to refuse your host.
• Both hands should be used when passing an object from person to person.

Protocol

• If possible, arrange introductions and meetings with a go-between. Letters work best if your company is large and well known.
• Be punctual and exchange business cards at first meeting. Never write on someone else’s card.
• At the beginning of the meeting, engage in small talk. Be humble and express appreciation at the opportunity to meet. Offer to reimburse your business counterpart for communication expenses, which are very expensive to the Vietnamese.

Want to know more about Vietnam?

Visit www. Britannica.com.