Vietnam
Vietnam, on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia, is bordered by China to the
north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea
to the east.
The country has a population of more than 86 million, making it the 13th most populous
country in the world.
Comments from many of the sizeable expat contingent in Vietnam describe a locale
that offers ample business opportunities, superb beauty and an outstanding lifestyle.
Vietnam is one of Asia's most open economies. Vietnam's economy has notably improved
as a result of its government's more liberal policies, which aimed to create an
advantageous investment environment – in part by introducing significant incentives
for foreign investors. The country continues its integration into the global economy.
In 2007, a PricewaterhouseCoopers' study into investment opportunities in emerging
markets found Vietnam to be the most "attractive destination for manufacturers,
whilst a macroeconomic study published by PricewaterhouseCoopers in March 2008 concluded
that Viet Nam has the highest GDP growth potential in the world for the next few
decades."
Although not its capital (which is Hanoi), Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city
in Vietnam and also commonly known as Saigon.
Ho Chi Minh City is considered "the heart and soul" of Vietnam – a vibrant metropolis
that combines the country's past traditions and ancient culture with the best of
what the modern world has to offer.
With a growing population of more than five million people, the city is often termed
the second China, and is the most significant economic centre in Vietnam. Accounting
for a large proportion of the country's economy, Ho Chi Minh City produces more
than one quarter of the country's GDP.
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Economy
Ho Chi Minh City is the country's key economic, literary and scientific centre and
maintains an important role in drawing foreign direct investment into Vietnam.
Investment in the Ho Chi Minh City abounds; the city is currently the host for about
one-quarter of the total FDI in Vietnam, thanks in part to its robust economy and
superior business infrastructure.
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Among Ho Chi Minh City's noteworthy investment projects:
- Quang Trung Software Park: The Quang Trung Software Park
was launched in July 2000 by the Ho Chi Minh City government. The Software Park
is the biggest software park in the South of Vietnam, and is one of twelve main
projects in the city's economic and scientific development plan.
- Saigon High-Tech Park: The Saigon High-Tech Park is one
of the nation's only two high-tech park projects. The park covers 913 hectares and
is 15 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City's downtown area. The park is a technical
economic zone, and has attracted significant foreign investment.
- Thu Thiem New Township: Thu Thiem New Township is Ho Chi
Minh City's innovative and contemporary centre, located on an area of 770 hectares.
- Ho Chi Minh City Export Processing Zones and Industrial
Zones: The Vietnamese government encourages local enterprises, foreign organizations
and foreign businesses to invest in industrial, export processing and high-tech
zones. In Ho Chi Minh City, there are two EPZs and 11 IZs in operation. The government
is particularly interested in promoting certain new businesses, and offers many
incentives, including tax exemptions and eased licensing requirements.
The city is home to close to 300,000 businesses, including many sizeable companies
in the high-tech, electronics, construction, building materials and agricultural
sectors. In 2007, the city's GDP was estimated at $14.3 billion – an increase of
13 percent over the previous year.
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Country of Superb Beauty
The beauty of Vietnam is always described in superlatives. Locals and expats alike
describe a country that is overwhelming in natural splendour - from its subtle design
to its extraordinary sunsets – and all points in between.
The country's natural setting is absolutely exquisite, including the Red River Delta
in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south and the entire coastline, which features
marvellous beaches offset by towering mountains, some of which are covered by intense
and gorgeous forests.
From the omnipresent natural vistas, to the vast and flourishing rice fields, to
the hubbub of the cities where modern Asia meets ancient Asia, Vietnam is absolutely
stunning.
Ho Chi Minh City is adorned with broad and graceful boulevards and celebrated French
colonial structures, including Reunification Palace, City Hall, City Theatre, and
Notre-Dame Cathedral.
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Culinary Delights
Are you a gastronomic aficionado? Well, then Vietnam will in no way disappoint you.
The country offers a wealth of choices – with more than 500 local dishes.
Vietnam's cuisine, which uses limited little oil and an abundance of vegetables,
features many dishes that include soy sauce, rice and fish sauce (nuoc mam) – the
latter of which is considered "as compulsory as ketchup for the Vietnamese." Mint
and basil are also prominent in the country's delicious culinary offerings.
In terms of nightlife, both locals and expats frequent a wide variety of pubs, clubs
and karaoke bars - which feature music in both English and Vietnamese. Casinos are
also a popular pastime – for tourists and expats, as they are illegal for the local
populace.
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Cultural and Leisure Pursuits
In years past, Vietnam's cultural and leisure lifestyles were massively influenced
by the government-run media and the country's socialist programs. However, since
the 1990s, the country has witnessed a significant increase in the influence of
the cultures of countries in Southeast Asia, Europe and the United States.
Ho Chi Minh offers a variety of cultural pursuits – including a choice of excellent
museums, such as the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, the Museum of Vietnamese History,
the Revolutionary Museum and the War Remnants Museum.
In the realm of theatre, the most popular performances generally comprise a variety
of musical theatre, including classical opera (hat tuong); "reform" theatre (hat
cai luong); and hat cheo, a rural folk tradition. Although Western drama was introduced
to the country by the French, its popularity continues to lag behind that of musical
theatre.
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For further information about Vietnam we recommend that you visit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam where you will find many useful links
and informative articles to prepare you for your move.
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