I sit down with Guillaume Rondan of Move to Asia and discuss Vietnam's most challenging year-to-date.
We rewind to the beginning of the spring when the delta variant started to take hold, talk about the visa fiasco foreigners had to deal with, and explain the devasting wake from closing down the economy and country for nearly four months. 
Finally, Guillaume and I give our 2022 predictions on Vietnam opening up to the rest of the world and what the economy may look like.
 
Guillaume Rondan (www.movetoasia.com)
Vinh Ho (www.focusasiapacific.com)
 
 

Parag Khanna is one of the world's foremost speakers on geopolics and globalization.
Parag is adept at explaining globalization, the rise of Asia, mapping the future, and defining migration and the future of work.
In this episode, I introduce you to Parag and tell you a bit about his background. 
Be sure to learn more about him by visiting: www.paragkhanna.com
 
www.focusasiapacific.com

Both China and Laos reached a milestone this week as a high speed rail through Laos was completed.
Part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), this 6 billion USD, 414 kilometer, high speed railway took nearly five years to construct.
Despite this win for Beijing, the advent of the Coronavirus most likely will slow down other Southeast Asia infrastructure plans financed under China.
www.FocusAsiaPacific.com
 
 
 
 

In this podcast, I discuss the three reasons why the China-ASEAN relationship is one of the most important.
www.FocusAsiaPacific.com

Nearing a decade in construction, the Saigon metro has been plagued by delay after delay.
 
When will the Japanese-built and financed trasportation line open?
 
Source: Nomadic Notes and Future Southeast Asia.
 
www.FocusAsiaPacific.com

After 10 years of fits and starts, Vietnam opened it's first metro line in Hanoi.
The nearly 900 million US dollar project was largely financed by China and was delayed for 6 years.
This is exciting times as Vietnam joins it's Southeast Asian neighbors in building and investing in railway and infrastructure to alleviate traffic congestion and pollution. 
 

I first met Nicole at a networking event in Saigon in 2019. At that time she was working in real estate.
 
Two years later, I caught up with Nicole again and learn of her newest food and beverage business venture, Finest Fresh Pasta.
 
www.focusasiapacific.com

Guillaume and I discuss life in the West compared to Vietnam.
 
What are some aspects that we like in France and the USA that we can't get in the Vietnam?
 
What are some things we absolutely love about Vietnam that we can't get in our home countries?
 
Listen untilt the end where Guillaume and I share what we would do upon returning to our homes if we could go back today.
 
www.focusasiapacific.com
 

After graduating from college in the early 2000s, Michael Michelini worked on Wall Street but felt pulled to become an entrepreneur. He dabbled in e-commerce and eventually found himself exploring China before moving there in 2007, where he has been based ever since.
I talk to Mike about his entrepreneurial journey, how China's manufacturing and economy have changed, as well as his recommendations to someone who would like to start a business.
Resources mentioned: www.GlobalFromAsia.com, Tropical MBA, Dynamite Circle, Made in China podcast.

Guillaume and I finish the Exploring Vietnam series by discussing northern Vietnam, including Sapa, Halong Bay, and Cat Bat Island.
Listen to what we have to say about traveling Vietnam coast-to-coast.
 
More information: Focus Asia-Pacific