Business Etiquette in Vietnam

Vietnam business etiquette is somewhat conservative.

Vietnam relies on other countries for imports like petroleum products and electronic equipment, but also provides various parts of the world with textiles, rubber, rice and coffee. Because of this, professionals in Vietnam do business with international colleagues often. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam soon, here are a few things you should know concerning business etiquette, so that you and your company can make a great first impression.

Professional Greetings

In a business setting in Vietnam, the handshake is the most common form of greeting. Men shake hands with one another when entering and leaving a business meeting, and usually shake with both hands. The handshake is not too firm, and very short. It is acceptable for women to shake hands with one another as well, although a nod of acknowledgment is sufficient as well. When men and women are greeting each other, they can nod to one another, or shake hands; the man should wait for the woman to initiate the handshake.

Business Attire

Men are expected to wear business suits in dark, conservative colors like black, dark gray or navy blue, with ties and white shirts. Men do not have to wear suit jackets to all meetings, but they are a good idea if the meeting is especially formal. Women can business suits as well, in pants or skirt form, in the same color scheme(s). A blouse and skirt is appropriate as well, but women should not wear form-fitting or sleeveless attire to the workplace.

Business Cards and Professional Titles

In Vietnam, it is best to address professionals by their titles and last names, or by using Mr., Mrs., or Miss, followed by the person's last name. It is appropriate to hand out business cards at the beginning of a meeting, and cards should be given and received with both hands. International professionals should be sure to have one side of the business card translated into Vietnamese.

Punctuality and Business Meetings

It is most appropriate for all business meeting participants, especially those visiting from other countries, to show up to professionals events on time--even though the meeting may not start precisely on time. During the business meeting, it is proper etiquette to refer to the person with the highest professional rank when beginning, guiding and ending conversations. Long pauses are also common during the meeting conversation; it is not necessary to fill the silence with small talk, and it is rude to interrupt another colleague when he or she is speaking.

Giving Gifts

While it is not required, it is acceptable to present small, simple gifts to a Vietnamese professional at an initial meeting. A gift that includes the company logo of the international colleague is appropriate. If invited to the home of a Vietnamese professional, proper etiquette suggests bring a gift for the host's children, as well as gifts like scented soaps. It is not acceptable to bring flowers to a host. In all settings, Vietnamese individuals do not open their gifts in public.

References

• Economy Watch: Vietnam Trade, Exports and Imports
• Culture Crossing: Vietnam