[Vnbiz] Vietnam's growing economy throws up more options for its youths

[Tai Phan]

Vietnam's growing economy throws up more options for its youths
By Ca-Mie De Souza, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 16 January 2008 1744 hrs



HANOI, Vietnam: Vietnam – the second fastest growing economy in Asia – has a
young population where more than half of the people are under 35. And as
these young Vietnamese get plugged into the world, new doors are opening for
them.

Tran Thuy Linh and her friends are pursuing Australian college degrees in
order to get ahead in life. She enjoys shopping, but hopes to be the one
doing the selling in the future.

She said: "Nowadays, Vietnam has a high rate of economic growth and as
Vietnam just joined WTO, a lot of foreign investors want to do business
here. So I think we will have more chances to succeed if we do business."

Running their own business is an aspiration of many young and
entrepreneurial Vietnamese. "Cos it's a good way to get a lot of money,"
said Nguyen Ouynh Nga, another college student.

Shops sprouted up in major cities after the government launched 'doi moi',
or economic reform.

Former village teacher Nhan was one of many who left the countryside in
search of opportunities. Her language skills gave her an edge when she
sought jobs in hotels.

But she has ambitions for much higher level positions than the current one
she's holding at the front desk.

Ho Thanh Nhan, a hotel receptionist, said: "In five more years, I cannot
continue to be a receptionist, I'll be too old. So I'm going to find another
job, but still in the hotel, using my English and my experience in the
hotel. That's not difficult for me or for anyone who can speak English, and
who can operate a computer."

Like Nhan, many IT savvy young Vietnamese speak an international language,
have a broad outlook, and are hungry for success.

"Youths in Hanoi now are so creative, they have more chances to study and
get in touch with the new things than the last generation," said Tran Thuy
Linh.

And Vietnam is riding on this vibrancy and optimism as it surges ahead to
take on the world.


- CNA/so
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