Agri-Food Trade Service

Agri-Food
Past, Present & Future Report
Vietnam

January 2010

The Government of Canada has prepared this report based on primary and secondary sources of information. Readers should take note that the Government of Canada does not guarantee the accuracy of any of the information contained in this report, nor does it necessarily endorse the organizations listed herein. Readers should independently verify the accuracy and reliability of the information. This report is intended as a concise overview of the market for those interested in its potential and is not intended to provide in-depth analysis which may be required by the individual exporter. Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information is correct, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada assumes no responsibility for its accuracy, reliability, or for any decisions arising from the information contained herein.

Please address any comments or suggestions you have on this report to: Ben Berry – ben.berry@agr.gc.ca

Overview

Since Vietnam began its transition towards a market based economy in 1986, its economic performance has been remarkable. Over the past five years, Vietnam's growth has been second only to China in the Asian region and many believe that growth could match or exceed China's if infrastructure development and privatization keep up with economic expansion. Vietnam became a member of the WTO in January 2007, shortly before the global financial crisis hit; therefore, the gains from increased liberalized trade have yet to be fully realized.

Substantial increases in spending power show that GDP growth is trickling down to the average consumer. Urban consumers have much higher levels of income and are increasingly looking to new retail outlets for new products that meet their evolving lifestyle. Increasingly, Vietnam is turning to imports to address the growing needs of its ever expanding consumer base.

Opportunities exist for agri-food exporters specializing in dairy products (powder and fresh), beef products, soybean products, fresh and canned fruits, confectionery products and organic farming knowledge.

Vietnam's international presence has expanded in recent years. During the 2008-2009 term, Vietnam held a seat on the UN Security Council and beginning January 6, 2010, Vietnam assumes the role of President of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Both experiences will bolster global confidence in Vietnam's ability to develop and lead.

Canada - Vietnam Relations

Canada-Vietnamese relations have been expanding considerably since diplomatic relations were formally established in 1973. Since 1994, the Canada-Vietnam relationship has developed greatly, due in part to a series of high level diplomatic missions by both countries. This expanding relationship has led to significant increases in bilateral trade, facilitated by a bilateral trade agreement implemented in 1997, an Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation, and an economic co-operation agreement. Additionally, Vietnam and Canada are both members of La Francophonie which has allowed leaders from both countries to conduct less formal yet fruitful meetings.

Vietnam's admission to the WTO in January 2007 has created new opportunities for Canada-Vietnamese trade. Negotiations began in February 2008 to develop a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) between Canada and Vietnam. Additionally, Canada's foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam shot up to $4.2 billion in 2008, making Canada the sixth largest investor in Vietnam that year. Furthermore, in the first eight months of 2008, Canadian exports to Vietnam increased 26%, making it the third fastest growing Canadian export market in Southeast Asia. However, concerns regarding human rights in Vietnam, particularly in freedom of expression and association, are critical issues in completing the FIPA negotiations.

Since 2004, bilateral trade between Canada and Vietnam increased from roughly $109 million to over $317 million in 2008. However, between 2007 and 2008 trade increased by only $28 million, a significant decrease from $78 million growth in the previous year. The decrease in trade growth is attributed to the global economic slowdown.

Canada - Vietnam Bilateral Trade

Vietnam Total Trade 2009
Exports	$ 65.1 billion
Imports	$ 78.1 billion
Trade balance	($13 billion)
Canada- Vietnam Trade 2009
Exports	$316.9 million
Imports	$953.5 million
Trade balance	($636.6 million)
Canada – Vietnam Ag Trade 2009
Exports	$34.1 million
Imports	$64.3 million
Trade balance	($30.2 million)

• Canada's top exports to Vietnam are Fertilizers (23.4%), Cereals (16.2%), Machinery; Reactors and Boilers (10.6%) and Meat (6.1%).
• Canada's top imports from Vietnam are Furniture and Bedding (15.3%), Footwear (14.8%), Woven Apparel (12.4%) and Knit Apparel (11.5%).

Agricultural Trade

Traditionally, Vietnam has been a difficult agricultural market to access due to strict import regulations and high duties and tariffs. However, Vietnam's acceptance into the WTO and its voluntary tariff reductions have contributed to sharp increases in imports, notably from the United States (US), Brazil, Japan, India and Indonesia.

In 2008, Vietnam imported $7.3 billion worth of agricultural goods. Vietnam's primary agricultural import suppliers include China, Australia, Thailand, New Zealand, ASEAN countries, Argentina, the European Union (EU) and the US. Key agricultural imports include dairy, tobacco and grain (wheat) to meet consumer demand, while other major agricultural imports, such as fertilizer, animal feed and pesticides support Vietnam's significant agricultural sector.

The key staples of the Vietnamese diet (fish and rice) are produced in abundance domestically and have naturally limited agricultural imports in the past. However, the makeup of agricultural imports is changing as more affluent urban consumers seek more variety and convenience options. In turn, the processing sector is looking to imports to supply this rapidly expanding industry.

Vietnam's top five agricultural imports in 2008 along with their corresponding supplier in brackets were:

• Residues and waste from the food industries (used as animal feed) $1,329 million (India)
• Meat and edible meat offal $900 million (India and US)
• Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleava $647 million, (Malaysia and Indonesia)
• Beverages, spirits and vinegar $507 million (Singapore and Hong Kong)
• Cereals $443 million (Australia)

Bilateral agricultural trade between Vietnam and Canada was valued at $98 million in 2009, a three quarter drop from $172 million in 2008. However, before the global economic crisis hit, total agricultural trade nearly doubled between 2004 and 2008.

Canada's Top 5 Agricultural Exports to Vietnam (2009)

Rape/Colza seed oil-cake	$6.3 million
Bovine cuts, frozen	$2.4 million
Animal feeds, complete	$2.1 million
Soybeans	$2.0 million
Swine edible offal	$1.9 million

Canadian exports peaked in 2007 at $117 million with a slight decline in 2008 before dropping two-thirds in 2009 to $34 million. The decline is attributed largely to the financial crisis and to increasing trade with competitors in Asia, Europe, South America and the US.

Top consumer oriented exports in 2009 were bovine products ($5.3 million), swine/ham products ($5.2 million), chick and capon cuts ($1.5 million), food preparations ($900,000), and animal/vegetable oils ($600,000).  Exports in this category decreased by 29% between 2008 and 2009, but have increased by nearly a sevenfold since 2006.

Exports of intermediate goods dropped 43% between 2008 and 2009 to reach $15.1 million.  Despite the decrease, export totals in 2009 are roughly doubled the value of 2006.  In this category colza seed oil-cake, poultry and animal feeds experienced significant growth since 2006, while exports of bovine hides fell 80% to $2 million in 2009.

Exports of bulk products dropped sharply from $52 million in 2008 to $2.5 million in 2009. Bulk wheat exports dropped from $68.7 million in 2006 to just over $25,000 in 2009 and bulk barely exports dropped from $1.3 million to $450,000 during the same period. However, soy bean exports have increased significantly from $47,000 in 2006 to nearly $2 million in 2009. 

Despite the drop in Canadian exports, overall bulk commodities continue to dominate the Vietnamese agricultural import market, a trend that will likely continue over the next five years due to three key factors. 

• First, outside Vietnam's two key cities, high value and processed goods are in very low demand throughout the country.
• Second, the government is building a viable, modern food processing sector able to process the country's vast ag-resources, while importing bulk items from the domestic and regional market.
• Finally, most Vietnamese food purchases continue to be made in outdoor, informal wet markets. Food purchases made in modern supermarkets sit at roughly 10% of total purchases.

Despite these factors, growth in semi-processed and high-value commodity imports has been very strong since 2000. Furthermore, due to the rapid increase in the number of young, affluent, urban Vietnamese consumers, this cannot be ignored as a viable niche market.

Since Vietnam's admission into the WTO, creating a viable partnership in Vietnam is not only more feasible than it was a few years ago, it is a wise business move considering Vietnam's agricultural need and desire to expand.

Canada's reputation as a supplier of safe, quality food products, as well as excellent agricultural technology and expertise, aids in expanding opporunities for Canadian exporters. Canadian exports of wheat (bread and noodles), barley (beer), soybeans (soy foods) and other carefully targeted and higher processed foods and beverages, are imported by Vietnam and consumed locally. Other products such as beef, canola oil, bovine hides, animal genetics (breeding swine; dairy semen), animal feed, wine and spirits and frozen seafood (crab and shrimp) are imported for processing in Vietnam to be re-exported.

Economy

Overview

Vietnam experienced incredible growth and development between 2000 and 2006. Average GDP growth rates for the period exceeded 8%. However, in 2008 GDP growth dropped to 6.2% and continued declining in 2009 to approximately 4.7%. Despite the decline, for an export-reliant economy 4.7% GDP growth is very healthy during an economic downturn. Furthermore, higher GDP growth is forecasted for 2010 and 2011.

Much of the country's past growth came thanks to a rapidly expanding export sector, which since 1990 has exceeded China's. Vietnam's increasing export capabilities have allowed it to compete with Brazil in products like coffee, Thailand in rice and India in tea.

The truly remarkable aspect of this growth is the trickle down to the general population. While Vietnam is still one of Asia's poorest countries, GDP PPP has tripled since 1990. The percentage of the population that lives in deep poverty (less than US$1 per day according to the World Bank) has dropped from 50% of the population in 1990, to less than 10% to date. Over 15 years, Vietnam has passed India, China and the Philippines in terms of percentage of population living out of poverty. The country has better life expectancy and infant mortality rates than much richer countries like Thailand, and school enrollment is better than all of the above mentioned countries.

The Vietnamese economy has a number of notable strengths, such as key natural resources including oil reserves and an expanding educated workforce. In fact, 75% of Vietnam's population was born after 1975 and the country's median age is only 27.4 years.

Current:

Gross Domestic Product (2008)

GDP	US$90 billion
GDP growth	4.7% (2009) 6.0%(2010e)
GDP/capita	US$1024
GDP/capita (PPP)	US$2,800

Vietnam's admittance to the WTO in 2007 bodes well for future trade. While admittance came shortly before the global financial crisis, which had adverse effects on the country's employment and living standards, these effects should be temporary.

Inflation rose sharply in the first half 2008 as global food prices rose. Inflation peaked at 27% in July when the Government of Vietnam abruptly removed fuel subsidies, which subsequently led to inflated fuel prices. High inflation persisted into the beginning of 2009, giving Vietnam's economy a bleak outlook, similar, if not worse, than other export-oriented economies. In the first eight months of 2009, families suffering food shortages rose by a fifth and FDI tumbled by 82%. Fortunately, by July 2009 inflation fell dramatically to a stable 4%. Despite Vietnam's weak position at the beginning of 2009, the economy is now expected to grow robustly over the next couple of years.

The Government of Vietnam worked actively to reduce adverse effects of the financial downturn by implementing a bold stimulus package. Vietnam's stimulus funded four main initiatives.

• An interest-rate subsidy programme worth US$12 billion was the central element to Vietnam's stimulus package. It seems to have succeeded in stemming the growing worries of factory closures.
• Mobilizing and disbursing foreign direct investment (FDI), especially for infrastructure projects and high-tech production projects that increase exports and job creation.
• Personal Income Tax (PIT) was deferred during the first five months of 2009 to stimulate domestic demand.
• Corporate Income Tax (CIT) for small and medium sized enterprises declined by 30% in the last quarter of 2008 and 2009.

Government of Vietnam focuses on the "5 groups of measures" to adjust to the changing global market.

• Implement solutions to stimulate domestic demand and consumption.
• Gradually restructure the economy.
• Furthering the exploitation and expansion of markets for exports
• Actively preventing recurrence of inflation
• Continuing to make good progress reducing poverty

Thanks to the above measures, Vietnam's stimulus was considered a success. The economy grew 4.5% for the first nine months of 2009, which exceeded the growth of the region and the whole world. Inflation was also contained at 4.1% in the first nine months of 2009. While FDI fell dramatically in the first part of 2009, FDI continued to come into the country. This demonstrates that foreign investors are confident in Vietnam's medium and long-term economic perspective, specifically better production and business activities and recovered real estate and securities markets.

Concerns

Despite the positive economic recovery, possible negative consequences resulting from the stimulus package are cause for concern. The first major concern is unless the Government of Vietnam reduces its budget deficit, it will be hard to ease persistent and perhaps self-fulfilling fears about the return of inflation. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) predicts that Vietnam's budget deficit will rise from 4.1% of GDP in 2008 to 10.3% in 2009.

A second major concern is that stimulus has distracted micro reforms such as opening up the telecom and retail industries to foreign competition, streamlining the clunky, all-pervasive state-owned enterprises, tackling the scourges of corruption and red tape and addressing WTO reform committments.

Forecast:

Although Vietnam's long-term economic growth prospects remain positive, the next two years will be challenging.

• Loose fiscal and monetary policy that was used to keep the economy afloat in 2009 may turn inflationary, which would restrict policy flexibility the next two years.
• Although inflation is forecast to average 8.9% a year within the next two years, in some months, inflation will reach double-digit rates.
• The current account will remain in deficit in 2010-11, averaging the equivalent of around 10% of GDP, compared with an estimated 8.3% in 2009.
• A study conducted by the UN Development Programme suggests that unemployment in Vietnam could rise to 8.5% in 2010, up from 5% before the global economic downturn.
• Global economy recovery bodes well for Vietnam's export sector. Also, the recent rise in imports suggests that domestic demand is strengthening.
• Forecasts of GDP growth suggested in 2010 and 2011 are 6.0% and 6.8% respectively.
• According to a recent ranking by PricewaterhouseCoopers, Hanoi, the second largest city in Vietnam will be the fastest growing city in the world in term of GDP growth from 2008 to 2025.

Consumer Market

Despite everything positive at a national level, Vietnam remains a very poor country.  Vietnam is roughly separated into three separate economic regions surrounding core urban centers: the South centered on Ho Chi Minh City, the North based in Hanoi, and the Center focused on Danang.  For new Canadian exporters it is highly recommended that the focus be on penetrating Ho Chi Minh City which apart from being an economic hub also represents over 50% of the country's total purchases of imported consumer goods, has a healthy tourist and expartiate community and a high overall per capita GDP.

Regional consumer brief: Ho Chi Minh City.

Overview

• Disposable income is increasing very quickly and is out pacing the rising higher costs of living.
• Vietnam's per capita GDP stands at around $1024, while unofficial estimates put Ho Chi Minh City's per capita GDP as high as $1,700.
• GDP per capita (PPP) in Ho Chi Minh City is reportedly as high as US$9,000.
• The City's GDP growth rate was 12.6% in 2007, double the national growth rate that year.

High-value consumers

• A growing number of tourists are driving developments Ho Chi Minh's hotel and foodservice industry, and are leading growth in high-valued consumer foods.
• Expatriates are an increasingly important niche consumer group.
• Despite an increase in awareness of health quality standards, this is still a price sensitive market.

Retail

• Supermarkets are rapidly increasing; from two in 1999 to over 100 today.
• Modern retail outlets/supermarkets account for roughly 10% of food sales.
• Consumers generally shop daily. 
• Supermarket shoppers are increasingly looking for pre-made ready to cook meals. Local industry is currently meeting this need, but this trend is illustrating an opportunity for future growth.
• Wet markets continue to dominate food shopping. Processed goods are becoming increasingly available at wet markets.  Many exporters have found this an interesting entry point for processed products (non-perishables).

General preferences for Vietnam

• Fresh food is preferred and/or required due to daily food shopping habits and low levels of refrigerator ownership.
• There continues to be a strong French influence in some cooking.
• Fruit is an important component of the Vietnamese diet.
• Pork has traditionally been the country's meat of choice. The recent blue ear disease has reduced the size of Vietnam's swine herd, which creates opportunities for frozen pork sales in Vietnam.
• Issues with chicken safety have led to supply issues which have opened the door to beef.  While current sales have been limited to high-end consumers (e.g. hotels, restaurants, etc.) beef has been introduced to some of the larger local supermarkets.
• Fast food restaurants are fewer in Vietnam than in neighbouring countries because of lack of familiarity.
• Alcohol sales, in particular beer, are growing rapidly.
• Wheat consumption per capita in Vietnam is low compared to "wealthier" neighbouring countries. However, as incomes increase demand for wheat may follow suit.
• Vietnam has been described as a "snack-happy" society. Since imported snacks are subject to some of the highest import rates, Western producers are moving toward domestic production to meet consumer needs and introduce new brands and products.
• Consumer confidence in Western products is high and there has been a notable fascination among younger consumers with Western-styled goods.
• Brand recognition and loyalty is very low for imported or Western foods.
• Key consumer imports include:  dairy products, fresh fruit, confectionery products, chilled and frozen meat, snacks, and general canned goods (e.g. meat, fruits and vegetables, etc.).

Opportunities

• Dairy product (powder and fresh) consumption has an annual growth rate of about 18%. Imports are being targeted at general consumers and the processing industry. Canada has had success in the past with powder exports.
• Beef products benefit from new and expanded market access.
• Protein, especially livestock and aquatic products, is increasing in demand as incomes rise.
• Oilseed production in Vietnam does not fulfill the country's protein needs. In the long term, this may benefit soybean exporters.
• Imported fresh and canned fruits are growing in popularity, particularly apples and grapes.
• Organic farming knowledge is in demand in Vietnam, so opportunities exist for certified organic producers in Canada.
• Confectionery product imports took place for the first time in January 2009.

Competitors

Vietnam's Southeast Asian neighbours are the dominant food exporters in this market. Vietnam's trade with Asian economies accounts for about 80% of the country's total trade. Their products are recognized, have the advantage of proximity and price, and in some cases can avoid logistical issues by circumventing borders (illegally). With regards to bulk products and processed goods commonly produced by Canada, competition comes chiefly from Australia and New Zealand. The EU and the US have also established a strong presence in Vietnam.

Vietnam's main sources of agricultural imports in 2008 were India (16%), US (13%), China (11%), Hong Kong (7%) and Indonesia (6%)

Australia and New Zealand have focused a great deal of time and effort advertising and promoting their national foods in the region, particularly in Vietnam, and have been rewarded. In addition, the modern hotels and restaurants in Vietnam are dominated by Australian and European managers and chefs who have shown a preference for their home products. The food retail industry has a strong French presence and while retail stores are not yet importing directly, they may show similar favouritism.

The US-Vietnam trade agreement makes the US an increasingly important player in the country and it now controls 28% of the consumer oriented food import market in Vietnam.

Vietnam has an established and growing domestic agri-food industry that features familiar products at very competitive prices, and increasing quality standards make Vietnamese products very competitive in this market.

Access Issues

Overview

For more detailed information on the import regulations in Vietnam visit: www.infoexport.gc.ca

• Bureaucracy – a legal framework is in the works to support a healthier, more transparent business environment. Presently, foreign firms are commonly subject to up to 15 bureaucratic inspections per year or the occasional unclear and complex administrative licensing procedures.
• Corruption is ever present and corruption-related delays are common. It has yet to be decided how effective efforts are to curb corruption and increase transparency.
• Infrastructure is inefficient and will struggle to meet increasing demand in coming years. However, between 2012 and 2014 reliability of infrastructure is expected to improve significantly as a result of heavy investment.
• Shipping costs to Vietnam are higher than to other countries in the region, impeding Canadian exports.
• Refrigeration infrastructure is improving but is still weak and does cause spoilage issues with fresh and frozen products.
• Tariff rates are high, even by regional standards, for processed food and beverage products, especially if local production is in practice. Also, favouritism is practiced toward local state-owned enterprises.
• Tariff rates on Vietnamese imports – Dairy (3-10%), wheat (5%), wheat flour (10%), apples (18%), grapes (19%), beef (17%)
• Vietnam can be a risky environment because its export-reliant economy is sensitive to fluctuations in global trade. Also, lack of reliable information makes it extremely difficult to assess true economic performance.
• Investment Climate – Despite general risks, Vietnam was ranked sixth among the ten most attractive destinations for FDI over 2007-2009 by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Agriculture was not included in sectors listed to benefit most from Vietnamese growth, but it is an encouraged investment sector subject to tax incentives.
• Labour Disputes occur often and are generally targeted at foreign institutions.
• Legal issues can be very complex, a local lawyer is considered essential.
• State-owned firms are beginning to open up, due to WTO commitments, in order to acquire new technologies and attract increased foreign direct investment.
• The key to success is to establish a relationship with an established local food trading company, senior level government officials, key business influencers, associations and chambers of commerce.

Travel

For more travel information visit: voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=316000

• Exercise high degree of caution while travelling in Vietnam.
• Hotel rooms and electronic communication may be monitored.
• Hotels may insist on keeping your passport until departure; however, there is no legal reason to do so. Travellers may request the return of their passport once registration is completed.
• Occurrence of dengue fever has been increasing in Ho Chi Minh City so residents and travellers are advised to take appropriate precautions by using mosquito repellent (DEET).
• Typhoon season extends from June to December in northern and central Vietnam, so travellers should plan their travel dates accordingly.
• In Vietnamese business culture, suits and ties in subdued colors are the norm. Bright color of any kind is not appropriate.
• Gift giving is important in Vietnamese because of the significance of interpersonal relationships in Vietnamese culture.

Agriculture Sector & Policies

Overview

Vietnam's agricultural success mirrors the overall economic success of the country. Only 15 years ago Vietnam was a net importer of food, while today the country has become the world's second most important exporter of rice, and the world's largest coffee exporter and producer of cashew nuts. Tea exports continue to rise and pepper, nuts and spices are all major international exports. Despite impressive developments, the value of Vietnam's agricultural exports continues to be very susceptible to international price fluctuations due to the fact that exports are largely commodity based. Rice and coffee account for about half of agricultural export revenues.

Vietnam's agricultural fishing and forestry industries together produce over US$3 billion of goods annually. The government has openly emphasized the importance of continuous development in the agricultural sector. Roughly 55% of Vietnam's workforce is employed in agriculture.

Products Vietnam key agricultural exports include paddy rice, coffee, rubber, cotton, tea, pepper, soybeans, cashews, sugar cane, peanuts, bananas, poultry, fish and seafood.

The agricultural sector's share of the overall economy continues to shrink in the face of the performance of the industrial sector; however, farmer harvests continue to grow and exports are on the rise. The sector had gone from a 25% share of GDP to less than 20% in 2008. By 2010, it is estimated that agriculture will contribute 15% to the economy as a whole. Farm products accounted for 22% of the country's income in 2008, down sharply from 50% in 2005. Finally 17% of all of its exports are related to the agricultural, fisheries or food processing industries, down from 55% in 2006. Despite this numerical recession, the sector in general will continue to be very important as it raises the productivity of 70% of Vietnam's population that lives in rural areas.

Used and low cost machinery is common and there continues to be a demand for innovative, cost-effective production techniques which improve efficiency and productivity, but do not require large investments in capital equipment. Many economists and policy makers seek solutions for Vietnam's rural sector where the overwhelming proportion of the population lives and works. Crop diversification, rural industrialization, increased farm size, greater mechanization, application of science and technology, and diversification of crops are all ideas for greater growth and further poverty reduction in rural areas. Food safety, both for domestic and export markets, is an increasingly important issue in Vietnam, but overall standards continue to lag behind Western levels.

The Vietnamese government is actively pursuing investment in the agri-food sector as a way of building on competitive advantages in agri-food exports. Food processing is expected to expand in several commodity areas, such as rice, coffee and cashews, particularly as further liberalization of these markets takes place. Demand will increase for technologies in production, processing and storage facilities. Over the past decade, only 5% of FDI in Vietnam has been directed toward the agri-food sector, mainly for commodities such as sugar.

Contact Information

For more information on Vietnam please visit:

The Embassy of Canada to Vietnam
31 Hung Vuong Street
Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: (011-84-4) 734-5000
Fax: (011-84-4) 734-5049
Email: hanoi-td@international.gc.ca
Website: www.infoexport.gc.ca/vn

Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Canada
470 Wilbrod Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 6M8
Tel: (613) 236 0772
Fax: (613) 236 2704
Email: vietem@istar.ca
Website: vietnamembassy-canada.ca

Key Resources

Viet Nam Fact Sheet – Asian Development Bank – 2009.
ss.adb.org/?cx=003580287232275984586%3A28nh6wpajf4&q=vietnam

Viet Nam Takes Over as CPR Chair – Association of Southeast Asian Nations – 2010
www.aseansec.org/24157.htm

Background of Canada-Vietnam FIPA Negotiations – DFAIT – 2009 
www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux...

Vietnam World Factbook – CIA – 2008
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/vm.html

An Investment Guide to Vietnam – DFAIT – 2009 
infoexport.gc.ca/eng/document.jsp?did=91398&cid=539&oid=852

Doing Business Abroad – CTC – DFAIT – 2007 
infoexport.gc.ca/eng/document.jsp?did=76861

Opening Doors to Asia – DFAIT – 2009
www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux...

Doing Business Abroad – Agriculture, Food and beverages – Hanoi – Vietnam – DFAIT – 2010
infoexport.gc.ca/eng/document.jsp?did=91680&_requestid=92824

Vietnam Travel Advice and Advisories – DFAIT – 2009 
www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=316000

Country Commercial Guide for U.S. companies – US Commercial Service – 2009
www.buyusa.gov/vietnam/en/

Country Forecast Summary – Economist Intelligence Unit – Views Wire – Vietnam – 2009 
viewswire.eiu.com/

From basket case to rice basket – The Economist – 2008
www.economist.com/

Tax Regulations – Economist Intelligence Unit – Viewswire – Vietnam – 2009 
viewswire.eiu.com/

Country Report – Vietnam - Economist Intelligence Unit – 2009
portal.eiu.com/

Country Factfile – Vietnam – Euromonitor International – 2010
www.portal.euromonitor.com/PORTAL/ResultsList.aspx

Vietnam Country Overview – Export Development Canada – 2009 
www.edc.ca/search/search.asp?target=vietnam&slang=e

Japan-Viet Nam Relations – MOFA – 2009
www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/vietnam/index.html

Relations Canada-Vietnam – Canada's International Gateway – 2008
www.canadainternational.gc.ca/vietnam/bilateral_relations_bilaterales...

Statement by the Hon. Nguyen Van Giau at the Joint Annual Discussion – The World Bank – IMF – 2009
www.imf.org/external/country/VNM/index.htm

Membership in 2009 – UN Security Channel – 2009
www.un.org/sc/members.asp

Vietnam Investment Climate – US Commercial Climate – 2005 
www.buyusa.gov/vietnam/en/vietnam_investment_climate.html

Toward Cooperation for Mutual Benefits – Vietnam in ASEAN – 2009
www.aseansec.org/10098.htm

V not yet for Victory – The Economist – 2009
www.economist.com/

Images

Canada's Exports of Bulk, Intermediate, and Consumer Goods to Vietnam

	Bulk	Intermediate	Consumer
2006	70.1	13.9	2.1
2007	84.5	28.2	4.7
2008	52.4	26.2	23.1
2009	2.6	15.1	16.5