Vietnam Study Tour Report

Hosted by: AIIA Victoria

The event will start on: Wednesday, 01 June 2011 5:30 PM

And will end on: Wednesday, 01 June 2011 7:30 PM

At Dyason House

124 Jolimont Road East , Melbourne Victoria

03 9654 7271     events.vic@aiia.asn.au

Posted by: vic   

Vietnam has undergone profound social and economic transformation since the doldrum years following the ending of the Vietnam War in 1975.  By almost any measure Vietnamese are much better off than previously.

The visit took place between the quinquennial session of the Communist Party Congress in January and the parliamentary elections scheduled for May 22nd.  We were able to discuss with experts the governmental and political processes in play and the complexities of governing “a socialist economy with a market orientation”.  While Vietnam is undeniably a one party state it has embraced capitalist economic principles and there is increasing scope for criticism and debate though not on issues that question the role of the state.

Whereas tourists were a novelty and their itineraries were highly circumscribed at the beginning of the 1990s, tourist numbers have skyrocketed and there are now close to 5 million annually.

The group travelled widely in Vietnam from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong in the south.  They had discussion with academics, business people, economists, diplomats, lawyers, public servants and ordinary Vietnamese.  They visited sites of sublime natural beauty such as Halong Bay and Da Lat and places of great historical and cultural significance such as Hue and Hoi-An.  Travelling around the country they were able to observe the rapid development taking place in different regions and get a sense of how life is lived by Vietnamese in the cities and the countryside.

In addition to those with a general interest in Vietnam the session will be of particular interest to those thinking of visiting the country and those contemplating coming on future study tours.

Please note that in order to provide time for members to make their presentation and to allow sufficient time for discussion and questions the session is scheduled to finish at 1930

Event flyer:    AIIAV 2011 Vietnam Study Tour Report 01.06.11 (137.11 kB)

Payment is preferred at the door:

• AIIA members $20
• Non-members $30
• Student AIIA members $10
• Student non-members $15

If you plan to attend this function, please advise us at least 1 day before the event.

Snacks and refreshments will be served.