Ho Chi Minh City Economy

Most senior staff in large and international companies will speak English but it is not common in smaller companies. It is essential to make appointments for business meetings and to exchange business cards. Business cards should be offered and received with both hands. Vietnamese hosts are quite likely to present their guests with gifts, such as lacquerware, so visitors should take along a gift typical to their own area of residence in order to reciprocate.

Vietnamese business people are generally quite formal so protracted niceties are inevitable before getting down to business. Also, it is important to realise that the Vietnamese never like to say no to any request, so arrangements and contracts should be checked and rechecked. As a socialist country, women in a business context are treated as equals and great respect is shown to an older person, which is even reflected in the language.

Long lunch breaks are a legacy from the French so visitors should not schedule appointments between 1130 and 1400, unless invited to lunch. Alcohol is rarely served at a business lunch as Asian people do not drink very much as a general rule. Offices tend to open early between 0730 and 0800 and close around 1700 or 1800. Many offices are also open on Saturdays but this has changed to a certain extent with the introduction of a five-day week. Vietnamese business people are gradually becoming more formal in their dress, as contact with international business increases. However, because of the extreme heat, it is quite acceptable, and practical, to dispense with the wearing of a suit jacket. There is a lot of after-work socialising but this tends to be only among the expat community.