What do Vietnamese think about Vietnam today?
When I left my homeland of Vietnam for the U.S. in 1991, the country had very little international trade. Consequently, the economy was not yet robust; inflation soared to 700%, and farmers lived in poverty. Business activities were confined entirely to the domestic market. However, over time, the Vietnamese government adopted a fresh, more open diplomatic perspective, welcoming foreign investors into the country. This shift paved the way for the emergence of numerous businesses, both large and small. These changes have brought about significant transformations in Vietnam over the past 50 years, affecting both domestic and foreign affairs. The economy has grown stronger and more sophisticated, attracting international tourists and generating substantial economic benefits. Given these many developments, I find myself wondering what people—both at home and abroad—think of the country today.
A large number of young people within the country are turning toward entrepreneurship. According to data from Mekong Capital, private enterprises and home-based businesses (mostly family-run) in Vietnam contribute 51% of the GDP and provide 42 million jobs. A report by the Associated Press notes that while the average Vietnamese person’s monthly consumption was just 1,200 USD in 1990, that figure has since increased thirteenfold, reaching 16,385 USD. Additionally, many young people from the overseas Vietnamese community are returning to the country to start businesses. The government plans to ease regulations for foreign investors—such as lowering taxes—to make business operations and growth easier.
I had the opportunity to meet a man named Vinh Lê, who had returned to Vietnam from the United States to explore business opportunities. Initially, he opened a coffee shop in Ho Chi Minh City. After a year, he noticed a growing trend of people exercising at gyms. At that time, there were very few gyms in the city, and membership fees were prohibitively expensive. This inspired him to open his own gym; he found an affordable location and set up a facility with lower rates than the competition. Before long, his gym had attracted a large number of Vietnamese and expatriate members. He told me, “Vietnam offers so many business opportunities right now; we just need creativity and patience.” These developments demonstrate that young people view Vietnam’s economic prospects optimistically and are full of hope for the future.
Politically, however, the mention of Vietnam often immediately brings the war to mind. Many older people—particularly former soldiers of pre-1975 South Vietnam now living in the U.S.—harbor lingering resentment toward the communists. Within the Vietnamese American community, many still fly the “Yellow Flag with Three Red Stripes” as a symbol of the Republic of Vietnam and of democratic freedom. They frequently follow news regarding politics, the economy, and daily life in Vietnam to stay informed about current events and to express their desire for democracy in the country.
Nevertheless, the younger generation tends to view Vietnam with a more open and pragmatic attitude than their elders. In my interactions with young people both in Vietnam and abroad, I have found that they regard the Vietnam War as a matter of history—something that is no longer a topic of discussion. Some have said, “We were born and raised in a peaceful country and never gave war a second thought.” In conversations with young people, I found that they view Vietnam as a nation brimming with opportunities for economic growth and believe that people should be more enthusiastic about seizing these chances.
I also had the opportunity to meet Khoa Nguyễn, a 70-year-old Vietnamese man who moved to the U.S. two years ago. He noted, “Vietnam's current president is spearheading a campaign to root out officials involved in bribery and corruption, including high-ranking government figures.” He views this as a significant step toward more effective governance and greater national stability. Most citizens are employed and enjoy a more comfortable standard of living than in the past.
He also mentioned that the transportation infrastructure has improved considerably; roads have been widened, and his commute by private vehicle takes much less time than it used to. Furthermore, the government is investing in a North-South high-speed railway system with a total budget of $67 billion USD, a project designed to cut travel time between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to just eight hours.
Socially, there are slight differences in perspective between the generation born in Vietnam and those raised abroad, such as in the United States. Many born in Vietnam are eager to return and visit their homeland after years of living abroad. Meanwhile, some young Vietnamese Americans travel to Vietnam to explore the country their parents and grandparents left behind to settle in a foreign land—a place that serves as their own second home.
After years of reform, Vietnam has developed across many areas. I have interacted with people who have lived in the U.S. for years, as well as those who have recently arrived from Vietnam. I notice that many acknowledge Vietnam as one of the most dynamic nations in the world. Once an impoverished country, it has risen to become a leading global rice exporter. With economic growth, the people are far less destitute than they were when the communist government first took over the South.