Remember the Asian concept of "face". You should practise giving "face" (eg. praise, acknowledgement, status) and saving face (eg. don’t be directly confrontational in a group).
Vietnamese names, like Chinese, have the family name first and the given name last. In Vietnam, people are usually addressed as Mr or Mrs then their given name. For example, Ngo Chi Hung – the family name is Ngo but he is addressed as Mr Hung (his first or given name).
The Vietnamese enjoy an excuse for a banquet with plenty of alcohol, especially those from the south. Take time to socialise and get to know your potential customers or partners.
General advice on understanding cultures and how to negotiate in the Export guide.
The Vietnamese are now getting used to working with foreign partners with a Western business culture. They will speak their mind once they trust you.
Get general advice on cultural differences in the workplace in the Export guide.
One low cost way to employ a translator is to contract a student or recent graduate. They are often keen to improve their English and business knowledge. A student or graduate translator can be employed for US$30 a day.
Get translations checked by a Vietnamese person with a good understanding of New Zealand English, so that the meaning is clear in the Vietnamese language.
Get general advice on interpreting and translating in the Export guide.
