The chart below, compiled from statistics from the United Nations, shows where Vietnam stands with the rest of the world in terms of health and wealth. Health is measured by deaths before 5 years old and wealth is measure by Gross National Income. Where Vietnam stands may surprise you. … [Read more...] about The Healthy and the Rich: Where Vietnam Stands
Talking about Vietnam: The Need for a Forum
A few of us had dinner and started talking about Vietnam. The topic started from our traveling experience there but eventually ended up at the crux of what this organization is aiming to accomplish: we started a dialog about what Vietnam needs, the issues that exist, and actionable steps for us to take to make it better. We asked if there was one thing you want to do for … [Read more...] about Talking about Vietnam: The Need for a Forum
Vietnam’s Own Financial Crisis Averted
The chart to the left shows how many Vietnam dong can be purchased with 1 USD. Since Vietnam's currency exchange is fixed, the black market exchange rate is a better indicator. In 2008, Vietnam's inflation was out of control and the dong was worth less, much less. On May 2008, Merill Lynch speculated Vietnam will suffer an inflation shock that may cause investors to pull … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s Own Financial Crisis Averted
Bourdain Loves Vietnam, Wants to Move In
The Travel Channel's Anthony Bourdain revisited Vietnam yet again on the last episode of No Reservations. Bourdain fell in love with Vietnam the first time he visited it and likens his feelings to "when you meet the love of your life for the first time." Bourdain's book, A Cook's Tour, is often called his love letter to Vietnam. Whether he is serious or not about moving there … [Read more...] about Bourdain Loves Vietnam, Wants to Move In
Vietnam: Hard Workers but Low Producers, not quite a Tiger Yet
The two charts below were published by Harvard's Michael Porter, arguably the top mind in business and economics, in a presentation on Vietnam's Competitiveness in December 2008: The graph labeled Labor Force Utilization shows that Vietnam is amongst 1st world countries in labor participation. 55% of the working age population in Vietnam is apart of its labor force. This is … [Read more...] about Vietnam: Hard Workers but Low Producers, not quite a Tiger Yet