Last Day - Tuesday Transparency International and The United States Embassy

On our last official day in Vietnam, we visited Transparency International, an organization that attempts to assist in curbing corruption in government and business. What was most enlightening was that efforts to change the situation in Vietnam have met with some acceptance, but progress is very slow. Support from interested parties is strong on the surface, but very slow to move toward reform in the real world. We then had another great lunch, and went to the United States Embassy in Hanoi. I must admit it was a great feeling to see the Great Seal of the United States of America on the building, and once inside, it was indeed a great pleasure to see all things U. S., including photos on the walls of landmarks, as well as pictures of our President, V. P. and Secretary of State. What I remember most was the feeling when I saw the American Flag inside the offices. We met with Brent E. Omdahl. He is the commercial attaché in the U. S. Commercial Services Department, and at one time had worked for Amcham. Brent explained that his role is that of support for and creation of U. S. jobs. His office is also responsible for trade promotion portfolio, including services to help U. S. companies sell in Vietnam, commercial advocacy, and commercial diplomacy, including improvement of the business climate for doing business. He cited his work with Lockheed Martin in getting a contract selling to Vietnam, as well as work with the telecommunications industry. He described Vietnam as a “hot market” (where have I heard that before – only everywhere we’ve gone in Vietnam so far). President Obama’s National Export Initiative has a goal of doubling exports in five years, and while that may be aggressive, it is nevertheless a goal to work towards. He mentioned telecommunications and education as two growth exports from the U. S. Brent noted that there is a still developmental need in health care, infrastructure, environmental regulations and assistance programs. He also noted issues with energy, and the need for Vietnam to recognize the value of public-private partnerships in the development of Vietnam. Brent noted that state owned entities make up over 25% of the economy, and Hanoi and Saigon are the two fastest growing cities by populating in the world (WOW), and poverty has dropped in Vietnam to below 11%. This visit was an eye opener, and rounded out our Vietnam tour, building on what we had already learned about the country. I mentioned it before, Vietnam is a country that grabs you and cannot let go. Later that evening, a water puppet show, a trip through the city on the pedacycle, dinner and pack up for the 30 hour trip home (Hanoi to Hong Kong, to Philly).