business communications

DOING BUSINESS IN VIETNAM

By ____________

April 13, 2020

(Note: This is a sample of assignments.)

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Business Communications

3. Vietnam’s Economic Outlook

4. Tourism and Culture

1. Introduction: About the Speaker

• BComm (Concordia), MA Economics (UBC), PhD Asian Research (2004, UBC)

• Post-doctoral Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto

• Lecturer, University of Toronto, in Asia-Pacific Studies, Gender Studies and Political Science (2005-10).

• Professor, Centennial College, International Business (2009 – now)

• Board Member, Organization of Women in International Trade-Toronto

2. Business Communications

• Introduction: Self-introduction is less common. Third-party introduction is more effective.

• Everyday communications: - People smile often, just to be polite, even when they disagree with you.

- You can say and repeat “Vâng” (= yes) and nod to show that you are paying attention.

Source: Itour Vietnam (2019)

Vietnamese Names

• Last name then first name. - Nguyễn Kathy

• “Thị” often indicates a female, and “Văn” indicates a male.

• People go by first name, because there are only about 14 last names:

- Ms. Thanh = Cô Thanh (general) or Bà Thanh (formal, or older women).

- Mr. Khôi = Anh Khôi (general) or Ông Khôi (formal, or older men).

• Therefore, the Vietnamese might call you by first name.

- For example: Ms. Kathy or Mr. Kevin.

Photo: Kevon Kevono

Everyday Communications and Customs

• Modesty and respect are expected. - “Xin mời” = Please …

- “Xin phép” = I ask for permission to…

• Harmony can be more important than individual preference.

• Indirect communication is sometimes preferred.

• Personal recommendation = trust. Source: Global Affairs Canada (2020)

3. Vietnam’s Economic Outlook

• GDP growth: 7% in 2019 (World Bank, 2020).

• Political environment is stable. Government continues economic restructuring.

• Improvements to regulatory systems and state management capacity that encourage business environment for start-up companies (Hayatt, 2016).

Well-Connected with the World with FTAs

Source: Vietnam Net (2016)

Vietnam: Canada’s Largest Trade Partner in ASEAN

• Canada-Vietnam trade was $6.46 billion in 2018: Vietnam is Canada’s 15th-largest trading partner in the world (Trade Commissioner Service, 2020)

• High growth rate of trade with Canada in Southeast Asia. (Government of Canada, 2020a)

• Highest number of international students from ASEAN (Government of Canada, 2020b)

Photo: viethighlights.com

4. Tourism and Culture

HO CHI MINH CITY

HA NOI

Paris of Vietnam

Must- see Bay

Imperial City

APEC Meetings

Ethnic Minorities

Magnificent Caves

The Tunnels

Everyday Don’ts

• Don’t lose temper or criticize others in public.

• Don’t wave at another person with your fingers up (fingers must be down).

• Don’t touch another person’s head.

• Don’t get upset when someone asks about age, salary, marital status, or religion.

Source: Itour Vietnam (2019)

Safety Don’ts

• Don’t flash your money or jewellery in public.

• Don’t carry a money pouch.

• Don’t try to cross a busy road without streetlights by yourself.

Source: Itour Vietnam (2019)

Food

• It is customary to have food leftover as proof that guests are full.

• Vietnamese prefer to share food during meals instead of individual plates (Itour Vietnam, 2019)

Photo: Gato Travel

References

The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Canada (2020). Vietnam-Canada relations. Retrieved from https://vietnamembassy.ca/vietnam-canada-relations/.

Export Development Canada (2020). Vietnam. Retrieved from https://www.edc.ca/en/country- info/country/vietnam.html.

Global Affairs Canada (2020). Country information: Vietnam. Retrieved from https://www.international.gc.ca/cil-cai/country_insights-apercus_pays/ci-ic_vn.aspx?lang=eng.

Government of Canada (2020a). Embassy of Canada in Vietnam. Retrieved from https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/vietnam/index.aspx?lang=eng&_ga=2.108155457.2111514389 .1602779876-1676165668.1571344184.

Government of Canada (2020b). Canada-Vietnam relations. Retrieved from https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/vietnam/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/index.aspx?lang=eng.

References (cont’d)

Hayatt, P. (2016). Top 5 things you need to know to export your product to Vietnam. Retrieved from http://www.tradeready.ca/2016/topics/market-entry-strategies/top-5-things-you- need-to-know-to-export-your-product-to-vietnam/.

Itour Vietnam (2019). What to know about the Vietnamese culture. Retrieved from https://www.itourvn.com/blog/what-to-know-about-the-vietnamese-culture.

Trade Commissioner Service (2020). Doing business in Vietnam. Retrieved from https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/vietnam-viet- nam/index.aspx?lang=eng&_ga=2.3283187.2111514389.1602779876-1676165668.1571344184.

Vietnam Net (2016). Vietnam involved in 16 FTAs. Retrieved from http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/170059/vietnam-involved-in-16-ftas.html.

World Bank (2020). Vietnam. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/vietnam/overview.

XIN CẢM ƠN!

Résumé - Canadian Format.docx

PAT M. SMITH

702 - 1234 College Street, Toronto, ON M4C 1Z1

Home: (416) 123-1234 Cell: (647) 123-1234

Email: [email protected]

CAREER OBJECTIVE

Position as a Cargo and Freight Agent where my freight forwarding experience, knowledge of international trade and strong customer service skills will contribute to your company.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

· Over three years of experience in international logistics and freight forwarding positions

· Experience arranging and negotiating all freight movements, job costing and cost accounting for multinational companies

· Excellent knowledge of International Trade Law and related legislation

· Strong team player who can work well individually or within a culturally diverse team

· Fluent in English, Mandarin and French

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Security Guard 2020 – Present

Toronto Security Services, Toronto, ON

· Answer inquiries and provide general information to visitors

· Perform administrative duties according to established procedures

· Maintain composure and professionalism under pressure

Customer Service Specialist, Logistics Department 2019 – 2020

ABC International Inc., Toronto, ON

· Oversaw all freight classification, routing, dispatching and tracing responsibilities

· Accurately completed all domestic/foreign documents in accordance with government, bank, customer and freight forwarder requirements

· Handled all overseas shipments promptly and efficiently

· Ensured compliance with logistics regulations

· Prepared all custom clearance documentation and bills of lading

· Provided excellent customer service to existing and prospective clients

· Performed all related administrative duties according to procedures

International Sales Representative 2015 – 2018

Logistics International Ltd., Beijing, China

· Professionally dealt with companies that imported and exported electronics, medical equipment and household goods

· Facilitated sales presentations for prospective customers

· Negotiated, prepared and finalized all new contracts

· Increased contracts by 27% in 2002

· Met company controls, financial and credit requirements for new clients

Shipping and Receiving Clerk 2013 – 2015

Alegra Inc., Beijing, China

· Expedited shipments throughout China

· Followed up with clients to ensure prompt deliveries

EDUCATION

Graduate Certificate, International Business Management Expected 2020

Centennial College, Toronto, ON

Relevant courses included:

Customs Procedures Traffic and Transportation

Exporting and Importing International Trade Law

Bachelor’s Degree, International Business Relations 2015

University of Beijing, China

Major paper focusing on transportation of goods between China and Europe.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Certification: … (2020)

Computer Skills: MS Office Suite, Email and Internet Applications

Languages: English, Mandarin and French

REFERENCES

Available upon request