Below is Mr. Gallagher's first hand summation of the financial infrastructure in Vietnam and a brief glimpse of life in Ho Chi Minh City. The first local businessman I met quickly answered that question. This outlook is prevalent across Vietnam as the country prepares to make its entrance into the world marketplace. Looking to the future is a key aspect of Vietnam's long term strategy. Following a similar course of action taken by Singapore three decades earlier, Vietnam's objective is to position itself to interact with the global community with greater efficiency than its neighbors.
Education is the top priority for the young.
In fact, all children are required to learn English in pre-school. Amazingly, every one of my cab drivers could communicate with me in proper English. A particular emphasis is placed on math skills at all levels of education and the workforce is young and intelligent. They all seem to be drawn to one of the many rotaries that connect the crowded streets. Motor bikes zigzag in and out of traffic and are a nuisance.