Basic country info Official Name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Capital: Hanoi. Population: 81.6 million. Currency: Dong ( 1 us dollar = dong)

Business trip Flight cost from U.S to Vietnam is $ = 18,245, Dong

Major exports: crude oil, rice, coffee, tea, shoes, garments, rubber. Major imports: machinery, petroleum products, fertilizer, steel products, raw cotton. Major trading partners: japan, china, australia, singapore, taiwan, germany, u.s, south korea, and thailand.

The culture is significantly influenced by religion. Active religions include buddhism, confucianism, taoism, christianity, islam, caodaism, and hoahaoism. Several generations may live together in the house, children show great respect for the elders of the family, even their older brothers and sisters.

When doing business in vietnam you will need to get approvals from several level of government agencies. Making connection with government official and joint venture partner is especially important for business success.

At start of a meeting the exchange of business card occurs. Card should be presented and received with both hand. If your card has a both english and vietnam, it is polite to have vietnam side facing up. You may ask how old are you, this classifies you as either older or younger then vietnam person.

Business meal is likely to include tea and exotic foods. -Bat meat, stir-fried baby birds, dog, or snake, and many type of seafoods. * It is polite to taste and drink small amount of all items offered to you.