Doing Business in Vietnam

This case gives an overview of the current business environment in Vietnam as of 2012. The first part of the case introduces the main economic, political and cultural aspects of the country of which anyone who has business interest in the country ought to be aware. The second section highlights some of the advantages and challenges of investing and doing business in Vietnam, by drawing upon the experiences and insights of HBS alumni who have worked in the country. Finally the case presents the decision of an HBS alumnus who is a director of a multinational cement company in Vietnam. The company's concrete business would benefit from full integration of its supply chain, which would include securing a quarry. He must decide how best to pursue this integration, given the business and regulatory environment in Vietnam and weighing other factors such as the macroeconomic outlook and the forecast for the construction industry in Vietnam.