Business meetings

• Appointments are required and should be made several weeks in advance.

• The best means of doing so is through a local representative who can act as a reference and also translator/interpreter.

• The Vietnamese are punctual and expect others to be so to.

• Handshakes are used upon meeting and departing.

• Have your written materials translated into Vietnamese. Most, however, still feel more comfortable with their own language.

• Silence is also common in meetings where someone disagrees with another but remains quiet so as to not cause a loss of face.

• Relationships are critical to successful business partnerships. Always invest time in building a good relationship based on both personal and business lines. Any initial meeting should be solely used as a “getting to know you” meeting.

• Negotiations can be slow so it is important to bear in mind that decisions have to go through a lot of red tape and also group consultation. Be patient.

• Business gift giving is fairly common at the end of a meeting or during a meal in honor of your business associates. Gifts should be small but not expensive.

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Business cards

• Business cards are always exchanged at the first meeting. The Vietnamese often use both hands to receive and give cards and also slightly bow their head to indicate respect. Taking a minute to look at the persons card, to pronounce their name and to acknowledge their title are often good ways to show your counterpart that you value the opportunity to meet with them.

• Asians view the exchange of business cards in particularly as a very necessary opening ritual. Not presenting your card often can be construed as your company is not genuine or you have something to hide, so please prepare the necessary materials prior to your visit.

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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 wear 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.

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