International Seminar in Vietnam

In September 2010, Business Professor, Dr. Richard Gayer, was invited to speak at at 2 seminars. The first seminar was in Vung Tau City, a beach city approximately 3 hours from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) by car. The 2nd seminar was in Hanoi.

In Vung Tau City, the students gathered in a hotel conference room prepared by our host. The topic of discussion was International Business. In Hanoi, a similar topic was presented - International Management. Instead of presenting the topic as a Vietnamese expatriate entering into foreign countries to conduct business, the perspective was reversed. What can Vietnamese business leaders expect when conducting business or employing foreigners who come to work in Vietnam?

Both topics are relevant to Vietnam's position now as an emerging economy. International Business Times claims that "...the once-battered country is now one of the most dynamic and promising economies in Southeast Asia." According to Trademark, China's increase in minimum wage back in 2008 could bring more business knocking on Vietnam's door as the next country. A $5.6 billion nuclear power plant deal was recently signed in Oct with Russia.

Respectful and curious, the students were "all ears" when Dr. Gayer spoke. The students questions and responses demonstarted that the students had a strong understanding of Vietnam's global position. According to EENI- The Global Business School, Vietnam still boasts low total GDP and GDP per capita against its Asian counterparts. They shared ideas and discussed what Vietnam needed to do to climb to the levels of China and Taiwan. Vietnam still has many challenges to support its growth, including training its workforce, eliminating corruption, and encouraging entrepreneurism. However, all agreed that education is what is needed to prepare the Vietnamese workforce for the positive changes to come.

This experience also was a memorable cultural experience for Dr. Gayer and his wife, Jean, who accompanied. Read about their trip.