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Vietnamese culture is in many ways similar to Chinese
culture, and foreign businesspersons may as a first approximation act like they
would in
China.
However,
Vietnamese culture is in many subtle ways in different from
Chinese culture, and repeat visitors should develop an understanding of the
specific traits of Vietnamese culture.
A formal greeting in Vietnamese is quite complicated, as it
reflects a person’s gender, relation with the speaker and the age difference.
However foreign business persons would rarely need to say greetings in
Vietnamese as most of business partners or government officials meeting foreign
visitors would speak English or bring an interpreter. Therefore, foreign
visitors may either make it precise or avoid it, unless they want to create
some humor for a friendly start. A handshake with a friendly smile while bowing
the head slightly to show respect would usually be fine.
Business cards are usually exchanged at the first meeting.
Vietnamese names can be a little tricky for Westerners as it starts out with
family name, then comes one or more middle name and lastly comes a given name.
As only the given name is used in both formal and informal contexts, when given
a business card, one should quickly look at the last name in the long row to
identify the person’s name. The family name will not ring any bell if used to
address someone since thousands of people share the same name.
It is common for a drink to be offered to the visitor.
Usually, the hosts offer what they have instead of asking what the visitor
likes, as may be the practice in the West. The traditional drink is green tea
but visitors may be offered mineral water or a soft drink instead.
It is common in
Vietnam for gifts to be exchanged
on certain occasions to express respect, appreciation or gratitude. Gifts are
usually exchanged at the end of meetings or parties. Only small gifts, such as
a company tie, and handicraft item or a book on your country, are necessary.
Like other Asian cultures, Vietnamese are very hospitable
and avoid to say ‘no’ or to indicate negative attitudes. Warmth and enthusiasm
of the Vietnamese counterparts may not indicate their level of interest but
merely be a polite courtesy to the visitor and should not be taken to indicate
the level of interest. Vietnamese also place a great deal of importance on
saving face. Thus, ‘yes’ may merely imply ‘I am listening’. Compared to other
Asian countries, Vietnamese are proud people and treating them with respect and
courtesy will go a long way.
Contacting the right partner is essential for successful
business in
Vietnam. |
Why Viet Nam 
