Vietnam

War, the collapse of the Berlin Wall, the Asian financial crisis as well as the global recession following 9/11 have all left their marks on the past three decades in Vietnam’s turbulent history, yet the future looks bright for this rapidly emerging country. Vietnam has been slowly changing from a command to an increasingly market-oriented economy since the introduction of doi moi (‘renewal’) policies in 1986. In January 2007, Vietnam became the 150th member of the World Trade Organization.

Foreign investors from Australia, Asia and Europe in particular have been quick to recognize the potential Vietnam holds. Aside from its oil deposits, and rich mineral and agricultural resources, the country’s main attraction has been its 43 million strong labor force, and total population of 87 million – the second largest in south-east Asia. With investors pouring into the country, there is no doubt that Vietnam is a country to watch closely in the coming years.