Vietnam

Majority of outside investments come from Europe, Japan and other Asian countries but Vietnam wants greater American participation in their economy
An estimated 6.4% growth of GDP in 2000 and a forecast of 4.7 % in 2001
Total imports rose by 32.9% in 2000, with non-oil imports rising by 26.4%
Foreign investment has decreased from over $2 billion to just $600 million in fewer than 3 years
Vietnam has a population of around 80 million people, apporaximately 85% of which are educated
Despite their high level of education, 25% of the 40 million people who are 25 or younger are unemployed
Vietnam signed a trade agreement with the U.S. during the second half of the Clinton administration, ending U.S. embargoes that existed since just after the Vietnam War

While in Vietnam, you should pay special attention to what you say and do since it is normal for the government to monitor telephone and fax lines.
Try to hire your own translator or interpreter since other organization's translator or interpreter will place their best interest in mind rather than yours
Corruption is still a problem in Vietnam, remaining the basis for many business transactions
Remember to bring lots of business cards and brochures, as these materials are very important in Vietnamese business culture
If you don't have appropriate business literature, it is not unusual for Vietnamese to think that your company is questionable or that you have something to hide
Even though many Vietnamese today are fluent or semi-fluent in English or other foreign languages, most Vietnamese are more comfortable with their own language; therefore, it is highly recommended that you translate your materials into Vietnamese
Don't forget that most Asian countries use the day/month/year format for dates. For example, 1/2/01 means February 1, 2001
If you're served something, remember to try it even if it's just a small amount. Failure to do so is considered impolite
Vietnamese really like authentic American products and will pay high prices for them over their domestic counterparts.

Before and after a meeting, Vietnamese shake hands with both men and women. If someone does not extend his or her hand, a slight bow of head will be sufficient
At the first meeting, Vietnamese always exchange their business cards. To indicate respect, they often use both hands in receiving or giving cards and also slightly bow their head while doing so
As a courtesy, when given a complement, it is polite to deny it. Doing so is considered a blessing in Vietnam even more so than in other regions
Be aware and respectful of local culture although you're not expected to know everything
As you're walking with your business counterpart of the same sex, don't be surprised if he or she tries to hold your hand or touch your elbow since this type of action has no sexual implication
Since Vietnamese men often don't feel comfortable socializing with foreign women, they'll assume that you feel the same way and will often seat people according to gender at meals or occasionally at social meetings
Face is also crucial to Vietnamese; an employee's face represents the face of his or her entire company
Common greetings such as "xin chao"(pronouced seen chow) which means both hello and goodbye should be used upon meeting with someone. However, Vietnamese often associate titles when greeting each other. For example, they would say "chao" accompanied with "anh" (to older males), "chi" (to older females), "em" (to people younger than you)

DO's	DON'T's
Be aware of the importance of face. Remember all favors done for you and respond in kind Try to learn a few words of the local language Use both hands to pass things from one person to the next Treat others with respect	Don't make fun of someone, especially using their parents and family as the subject Do not touch a person's head, for it is considered "sacred" Do not point your finger at someone, to beckon a person, use your whole hand Do not wear hats inside a building

Vietnam's legal system is based on communist legal theory and French civil law system