The Israel-Vietnam relationship is very strong and multifaceted but the cultures are worlds apart. The Vietnamese culture is very hierarchical and great pains must be taken to avoid causing the Vietnamese a loss of face. In Vietnamese, there are ten words for “yes” but no words for “I,” “me,” or “you.” The following are among the issues discussed during this fascinating podcast:

• How should contracts with Vietnamese partners be drafted to ensure maximum enforceability?
• To what extent is Vietnam a springboard for Israeli companies to penetrate other Southeast Asian countries?
• How developed is the infrastructure in Vietnam and how reliable is the electricity?
• Which Vietnamese industries have the greatest pain points, and thus greatest receptivity to Israeli technology?
• What is expected in terms of gift giving? How should one respond to inducements to pay bribes?
• What are the underpinnings of an increasingly warm Israel-Vietnam relationship? 

Einat Halevy Levin is the President of the Israel-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and the Vietnam Desk Manager at BDO. Einat lived in Vietnam for five years and speaks Vietnamese fluently.