viet nam embassy supplement 2015
DESCRIPTION
Explore all that Viet Nam has to offer: From its vibrant history, to its exotic locations and investment-friendly climate. Our special supplement covers it all!TRANSCRIPT
INVESTMENTDESTINATIONREASONS WHY YOU SHOULD INVEST IN THIS ASIAN GIANT!
EXPLORE VIET NAM: FROM ITS VIBRANT HISTORY TO ITS EXOTIC LOCATIONS AND FRIENDLY CULTURE
VISIT VIET NAMAND EXPERIENCE ITS TIMELESS CHARM
TASTEVIETNAMESE
CUISINE!
VIET NAM
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AMBASSADOR’S WELCOME MESSAGE
SOCIO-ECONOMIC STRIDESAfter nearly 30 years of reform (Doi Moi), Viet
Nam has obtained remarkable achievements in
socio-economic development. Once an under-
developed nation, Viet Nam has developed into
a middle-income economy. Since the launch of
the reforms policy in the mid-1980s to date, the
economy has shown a steady growth rate of
seven percent per year. After slowing down in
the 2011-2012 period, due mainly to impacts of
the global financial crisis, our economy is mak-
ing a positive recovery, and macroeconomic
stability has been restored. Economic growth
reached 6% in 2014 and is expected to achieve
between 6.5% - 7% in 2015.
Besides economic goals, Viet Nam has at-
tached special importance to social develop-
ment, creating opportunities and conditions for
its people to participate in socio-economic de-
velopment and enjoy the fruits of development.
Viet Nam has mainstreamed the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) into its socio-eco-
nomic development strategy and other national
programmes on education, health, labour, pov-
erty alleviation, environmental protection and
climate change.
Some of the most significant achievements in-
clude; lowering the amount of poor-households
to just 7.8% in 2013. According to the Human
Development Report 2013 (HDR) issued by the
UNDP, Viet Nam belongs to a group of 40 de-
veloping countries that made progress beyond
expectation in human development with its in-
dex increasing by 41% over the past two dec-
ades. Internet connectivity is on the rise, demon-
strating Viet Nam’s strong resolve and efforts in
increasing human development, which has been
acknowledged by the international community.
Overall there is strong evidence to suggest that
Viet Nam’s consistent policy and willful deter-
mination in aligning economic growth with so-
cial equity and progress, has paid off.
INVESTMENT DESTINATIONAttracting foreign businesses and direct invest-
ment (FDI) has always been a key strategy of
Viet Nam’s external economic affairs. Viet Nam
already has many comparative advantages and
a strong investment climate, but we are work-
ing hard to become even more appealing to for-
eign investors.
As of June 2015, there were more than 18,500
active FDI projects in Viet Nam that have collec-
tively pulled in a total of USD 257 billion. These
investors came from more than 100 countries
and territories, and many of them are some of
the world’s leading multinational corporations.
Denmark ranks 26th in the list with a total of 116
projects (about USD 708 million). Here is why
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Independence of the Socialist
Republic of Viet Nam, it gives me great pleasure to present, in this supplement,
a small glimpse into the timeless charm and momentous achievements of our
great nation.
3
foreign investors and holiday makers are flock-
ing to Viet Nam’s shores:
1. Viet Nam has been securing socio-political
stability, and is known to be one of the most
dynamic economies. Several international
forecasts suggest that the trend of favoura-
ble economic growth will continue in 2015
and beyond.
2. The country is in a period of a golden pop-
ulation structure – 60% of its population are
of working age. It also has a favourable geo-
graphical location right at the heart of East
Asia – home to a number of large and vi-
brant economies. Furthermore, the country
is a market economy, a member of the WTO,
and a party to multiple frameworks for in-
ternational economic integration, including
free trade agreements with partners both
within and outside the region.
3. The Vietnamese government is committed
to creating a fair and attractive business en-
vironment for foreign investors, and con-
stantly improving its legal framework and
institutions related to business and invest-
ment.
4. The country offers a unique travel experi-
ence, and the best part is that there is so
much to discover, as you will read in this sup-
plement. The affordability of Viet Nam
brings in a large chunk of revenue year-on-
year.
The government remains determined to fulfil
its treaty obligations and promote the negotia-
tion and conclusion of a new generation of free
trade agreements. Viet Nam views the success
of FDI enterprises as its own success. As such,
the government is committed to ensuring a sta-
ble socio-political environment, protecting the
legitimate rights and interests of investors, and
creating an enabling environment for FDI enter-
prises in the country.
ON DANISH RELATIONSI personally have been in Denmark as Ambas-
sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of S.R. Viet Nam for more than three years. I
love this country and its people. The Danish
people are very friendly and open-minded, and
our relations as nations follow the same suit.
Among my duties here as an Ambassador of
our country, I also pay so much attention to the
history and culture of Denmark, and although
our socio-economic and cultural exchanges are
in good stead, I feel that we have big potential
to make more cultural exchanges between our
two countries in the years to come!
Thank you.Ambassador Lai Ngoc Doan
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
4
Ambassador Doan (end right) and his wife Nguyen Thi Ngoc Bich (end left),with President Truong Tan Sang (centre left) and his wife Mai Thi Hanh
(centre right), on a state visit to Denmark in September 2013.
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
WELCOME TO VIET NAM: APPLYING FOR YOUR TRAVEL VISA
Nationals of certain countries may visit Viet
Nam without a visa for a period of time, Den-
mark is one such country, as travellers are not
required to have a visa for a stay of 15 days
or less. In all other instances, a travel visa is a
requirement. So to avoid missing your plan on
that holiday of a lifetime to Viet Nam, it is im-
portant that you consider all visa requirement
eventualities.
The Embassy of Viet Nam in Copenhagen is the
only Competent Authority responsible for issu-
ing Vietnamese visas in Denmark and Iceland,
it is therefore strongly recommended that you
get in contact with the Vietnamese Embassy in
Copenhagen to find out all the details about
how and where to apply.
APPLYING FOR YOUR VISADanish nationals can apply for a visa to Viet
Nam in three different ways:
1. Apply for a visa to Viet Nam through a
travel agent in Denmark or through an
online visa processors like Travisa, Travelvis
apro, or Traveldocs using Denmark passport.
The process and fee for your visa may vary
depending on the agent used or the visa
required.
2. Apply for a Vietnamese visa in person at the
nearest Embassy of Viet Nam in Denmark.
No prior appointment is needed with the
Embassy for this application route.
3. Application via post, through the Vietnamese
Embassy in Denmark. It is important to note
that your passport and visa will be returned
by post with registered delivery only. A
self-addressed, with registered delivery,
stamped envelope and postal registered
delivery service fee is required.
PROCESSING TIMESThe normal processing time for a travel visa to
Viet Nam is five working days (from the date
when all required documents are received by
the Embassy). However an urgent application
can be made with the Embassy for an expedit-
ed visa (with additional fee).
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATIONThe following documents are required when
making your application:
✔ Original passport.✔ One completed application form (available for the Embassy).✔ One passport-size photo.✔ Return registered envelope or registered delivery fee (in case by post).
A visa fee may be required depending on the type of visa and the length of your stay in Viet Nam. All payments should be done on appli-cation (including registered delivery fee), and should be paid in DKK cash, by check or bank transfer.
CONTACT THE EMBASSYThe Embassy in Copenhagen is open for visa applicationfrom 10h00 – 13h00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, at the following address: Bernstoffsvej 30C, 2900 Hellerup, Copenhagen.
For more information, please contact +45 3918 3932 or email: [email protected].
Application forms, and further information on the visa application process can be accessed via the Embassy website, www.vietnamembas-sy-denmark.vn
Sources: http://www.vietnamembassy-denmark.vn/; http://www.vietnameseembassy.org/
Thinking of a visit to Viet Nam?
Applying for a visa is easy, all you
need do is follow these simple
steps…
5
The tremendous economic reforms that have
taken place over the past two decades of Doi
Moi, have yielded encouraging results as far as
Viet Nam’s economy is concerned, as the coun-
try has created an increasingly competitive and
dynamic economic environment. More impor-
tantly, Viet Nam has opened its doors to the
global community, encouraging investment in
its socio-economic development. Its policy of
openness and industrialisation has opened up
new opportunities for foreign investors to make
use of the country’s inherent comparative ad-
vantages, such as; its vast natural resources,
abundant workforce and low labour costs due
to its large, 87 million population ranking 14th in
the world, most of whom are of working age.
WHY INVEST IN VIET NAM? Other than its large population with favoura-
ble labour rates and natural resources, why do
foreign investors find the country so appealing?
According to the Danish Embassy in Viet Nam,
it is because of the following key numbers:
5.9 – The percentage rate at which the country
is growing as of 2014. Viet Nam has for many
years been among the fastest growing econ-
omies with a GDP growth rate around the six
percent mark.
17 – The percentage growth that Viet Nam ex-
perienced in both imports and exports of goods
and services.
6.2 – The percentage increase in domestic de-
mand (as of 2013) that the country has experi-
enced.
130 – The number of Danish companies present
in Vietnam – and more are on their way!
In addition, the country has a well-developed
infrastructure with several new ports, roads and
airports, and is located centrally in Asia.
INVESTMENT SECTORS Sines 1988, there have been over 13 000 foreign
investment projects with a total registered cap-
ital of USD 213 billion. The foreign investment
sector is said to occupy about 17% of GDP,
43.4% of industrial product value and attracted
1.7 million direct labours and millions of indirect
labours.
Whilst the agriculture sector still forms a major
foundation of the Vietnamese economy, espe-
cially fishing, other industries including the in-
dustrial and service sectors have been seen to
have taken great strides in recent years as a
result of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Oth-
er sectors with investment prospects include:
The garment and textiles industry, furniture,
jewelry, arts and crafts, shipping and logistics,
oil and gas, clean tech, ICT and software, food
products, engineering equipment, training and
education.
Based on the socio-economic development
planning and orientation for each five year pe-
riod, the Ministry of Planning and Investment
issues a list of specially encouraged investment
projects, investment regions and sectors which
will and will not be licensed for foreign invest-
ment.
The following investment projects will be con-
sidered for approval and granted with invest-
ment certificates by the Prime Minister. These
relate specifically to projects with foreign cap-
ital:
Shipping business
Installation and provision of postal, express,
telecommunication and internet network;
development of broadcasting and telecom
munication networks
Printing, publication and press
Development of independent scientific
research institutes
GETTING STARTED Depending on the size and the sector of the
A country on the rise! Discover the investment opportunities and profitability in this future emerging market.
INVEST IN VIET NAM
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
6
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
WE ARE DEDICATED TO INVEST IN CHILDRENWe work to lift the social conditions of disadvantaged and vulnerable children and youth facing problems because of drugs abuse and/or child abuse and neglect and assist them to transform their lives. We believe that education is a fundamental ingredient in the fight for a bet-ter tomorrow.
VISIT NGO FONTANA IN VIETNAMAt our Clinic or later also at our Residential Center (opening in 2016) in Khanh Hoa, we will provide each child with the tools needed to become strong, healthy, well equipped and independent person.
You are always welcome to contact us for further information about our programmes.
We kindly ask for in-kind contributions (equipment, furniture, materi-als, volunteering etc.) or monetary donations from individuals and or-ganizations.
Ved Glyptoteket 6 DK 1575 Copenhagen V • www.ngofontana.org - [email protected] • www.facebook.com/ngofontana
HELP US TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF ABUSE!CALL US AT +45 70 13 59 00
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investment, different licensing and registration
procedures will be applied when setting up for
a FDI. Business registration, investment regis-
tration and/ or investment evaluation investors
must follow different licensing and registration
steps depending on the size and the sector of
investment.
According to the Law on Enterprises, a for-
eign-invested enterprise may be established as
either a sole member limited liability or a lim-
ited liability with more than one member, or a
joint stock company, or a partnership.
For more information on starting up a business
or investing in Viet Nam, it is recommended
that you speak to the Embassy in Copenhagen
or the Danish Embassy in Viet Nam. They will
be able to put you in contact with the relevant
authorities and advise further on information
that you may require.
Sources: http://www.vietnamembassy-denmark.vn/; http://
www.investinvietnam.vn/; http://vietnam.um.dk/
Viet Nam has a history as rich and evocative as anywhere on the planet. Yes, the American War in Viet Nam captures the minds of international visitors, but the country has a much greater, more interesting story to tell.
THE FIRST STATE Viet Nam is located in a region considered a cradle of mankind, one of the earliest agricultural centres practicing wet rice farming, where the stone and metallurgical revolutions took place. The first state in Vietnam, Van Lang, was established in the 7th century B.C. Thanks to their hard work and creativeness, Van Lang (and then Au Lac) residents created a civilisa-tion that influenced the entire Southeast Asian region. Viet Nam evolved into a diverse economy and advanced culture known as the Red Riv-er civilisation (or Dong Son civilisation) symbolised by Dong Son bronze drum, a heritage reflecting the quintessence of the lifestyle, traditions and culture of the ancient Vietnamese.
CENTURIES OF CONFLICT In the cause of nation building, the Vietnamese also had to cope with many years of foreign aggression. During 12 centuries from the resistance against the Qin dynasty in the 3rd century B.C. until the late 20th century, the Vietnamese had to endure hundreds of wars and uprisings against foreign aggression.
Since the 2nd century B.C. Viet Nam was dominated by different Chinese dynasties for more than a thousand years. During this period, the exist-ence of the nation had been challenged which helped give rise to the spirit of indomitability and staunchness of the Vietnamese in the struggle to maintain the nation’s vitality, preserve and build on the quintessence of its culture and the determination to gain national independence. A typical feature of Vietnamese culture is the village culture. It is Vietnamese vil-lages that have nurtured and fostered the quintessence of the traditional culture, the spirit of unity among the Vietnamese in the struggle against the domination of the North and the policy of assimilation of Northern dynasties to gain national independence. Thus, striving to maintain the nation’s traditions and cultures.
The Bach Dang victory in 938 opened up a new era in Viet Nam’s his-tory – the era of development of an independent feudal state, national
construction and defence. As a result, the centralised-administration state was established under the Ngo (938-965), Dinh (969-979) and earlier Le (980 - 1009) dynasties. Then, Viet Nam entered the period of renaissance and development under the Ly (1009-1226), Tran (1226-1400), Ho (1400-1407) and Le So (1428-1527) dynasties. Dai Viet, the name of the country under the Ly-Tran-Le So dynasties, was known as a prosperous country in Asia. This period marked the golden age of Viet Nam’s history. Eco-nomically, this period saw the development of agriculture, irrigation (with the construction of the Red River dike) and the formation of traditional handicrafts.
COLONIAL RULE From the 16th century, the backwardness and weakness of the feudal re-gime under Confucius ideology were revealed, feudalism fell into a de-cline. While many nation states in Europe were moving to capitalism, Dai Viet was bogged down in internal wars and divisions, which heavily impeded the country’s evolution. In the 19th century, Western capitalist countries entered the period of imperialism and colonialism. Through missionaries and trade, the French gradually dominated Viet Nam, and for the first time in history, the Vietnamese nation had to cope with the invasion of a Western country. Viet Nam became a semi-feudal colony for nearly 100 years from 1858 to 1945.
Eventually, the struggle against the French colonialists was initiated by two forces; the bourgeoisies (represented by Viet Nam Quoc Dan Dang and Yen Bai revolt in early 1930) and the proletarians led by the Com-munist Party of Viet Nam. The formation of the Communist Party of Viet Nam marked the prevailing strength of the working class and revolution-ary movements led by the proletarians. A successful liberation struggle lead to independence on 2nd September 1945, and the Democratic Repub-lic of Viet Nam came into being.
However, South Viet Nam was under the temporary control of the French and the Americans in the run-up to the general elections, and eventually the Republic of South Viet Nam headed by Ngo Dinh Diem was estab-lished by the United States. Viet Nam continued to be divided for more than 20 years. Between 1954 and 1975, Viet Nam had to fight another war for national liberation and unification.
BUILDING A GREAT NATION With the famous victory of the Ho Chi Minh Operation, came once again independence in 1975. Since then, the unified Viet Nam has ushered into a new era of peace, unification and national construction.
At the 7th Congress of the Communist Party in 1986, the Doi Moi (reform) policy was launched with the focus on economic reform. This marked an important milestone in the new stage of development of the Vietnam-ese nation. The Doi Moi policy was consistently reaffirmed throughout the later Party Congresses. With the implementation of four five-year socio-economic development plans, Viet Nam, from a food importing country, has become the second largest rice exporter in the world. The economy attained high growth rate in the late 20th century and the early years of the 21st century, people’s lives have been significantly improved; social policy received greater attention, the legal system has become in-creasingly complete and social management based on the rule of law put into place.
Sources: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/
Take a journey back in time as we explore what has
created one of Asia’s (friendly) giants.
8
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
VIET NAM: A VIBRANT HISTORY
Although the American War is long past, its im-
pact endures, and visitors to this country that is
steeped in international history will still find re-
minders of that devastating conflict everywhere
they travel. But Viet Nam is so much more than
just the remains of a war zone; its cities are dy-
namic, natural wonders awe-inspiring and its
people jovial, all this contributing to a thriving
tourism sector. Viet Nam is well worth a visit,
and here are just a few reasons why…
Vietnam is located in both a tropical and a
From beautiful beaches, expansive
mountain ranges, breath-taking
national parks and cities that are
a mix of both modern architecture
and natural charm, Viet Nam truly
has it all.
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
EXPERIENCE THE TIMELESS CHARM OF VIET NAM!
10
Nha Trang
Ha Noi
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
11
temperate climate zone. The country’s climate
is characterised by strong monsoon influences,
but has a considerable amount of sun, a high
rate of rainfall, and high humidity. Regions lo-
cated near the tropics and in the mountainous
regions are endowed with a temperate climate.
Three quarters of Viet Nam’s territory consists
of mountains and hills, and the country is di-
vided into four distinct mountainous zones. The
mountainous regions are contrasted by the
hundreds of kilometres of sand and surf not for-
getting the many beautiful resorts tourists can
visit for some beach-side relaxation.
TOURIST HOTSPOTS On your next visit to Viet Nam, take the time
out to explore these top locations and attrac-
tions! You won’t be left disappointed:
➊ HA NOI: The capital of Viet Nam. Through-
out the thousand years of its eventful history,
marked by destruction, wars and natural ca-
lamities, Ha Noi still preserves many ancient
architectural works including the Old Quarter
and over 600 pagodas and temples. Many tra-
ditional handicrafts are also practiced in Ha Noi
including bronze molding, silver carving, lac-
quer, and embroidery.
➋ COSTAL SPLENDOUR: Nha Trang is Viet
Nam’s most popular seaside resort town, and
is located along the second most beautiful bay
in the country. It is lined with beautiful beaches
of fine, clean sand and clear ocean water with
mild temperatures – ideal for scuba diving.
➌ CU CHI TUNNELS: This immense net-
work of connecting underground tunnels lo-
cated about 40km northwest of Ho Chi Minh
City (Saigon), were used as hiding spots during
the Viet Nam War. The tunnels have become
a popular tourist attraction, and visitors are in-
vited to crawl around in the safer parts of the
tunnel system.
➍ THE “VENICE OF VIET NAM”: Known for
its narrow canals that cut through part of the
town, Hoi An has been an international port
since the 16th century. Although much of the
shipping trade industry has moved to the city
of Da Nang, the heart of the city is still the Old
Town.
➎ NATURAL BEAUTY: Da Nang City is locat-
ed in middle of Central Viet Nam, between Ha
Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, separated from Laos
by the western Truong Son Mountains. It is sur-
rounded by Thua Thien-Hue along the northern
border and Quang Nam on the southern border,
and is embraced by the East Sea with 150km
of spectacular seacoast. Da Nang is an ancient
land, closely related with the Sa Huynh cultur-
al traditions. Many imposing palaces, towers,
temples, citadels and ramparts can still be seen
in Cham Museum, along with other fascinating
attractions in the region including; Ba Na Tour-
ist Resort, Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains)
as well as the Linh Ung Pagoda, Han River, and
My An, Non Nuoc beaches, stretching on doz-
ens of kilometres.
Sources:http://www.lonelyplanet.com; http://www.vietnam-
tourism.com/
Cu Chi Tunnels The “Venice of Viet Nam”
Da Nang City
12
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
THE CROSSROADS OF CULTURES
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
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Like many of its neighbours in Southeast Asia,
Viet Nam has a precious treasure: Its diverse
people. Everywhere you go, you will be wel-
comed by smiles and kind gestures from the
locals.
Viet Nam is a country built on an array of influ-
ences and reference points. It can be said that
there are three layers of culture overlapping
each other during the history of Viet Nam: Lo-
cal culture, the culture that mixed with those of
China and other countries in the region, and the
culture that interacted with Western culture. In
the south, Indian and Hindu culture has had a
lasting influence, and is evident in the remark-
able Cham temples, whilst to the north Chinese
sways are far more apparent. In addition, the
French colonial legacy, as well as American in-
volvement in the country have all shaped the
culture, and people of this unique land.
ETHNIC ORIGINS The Vietnamese people have their origin in the
Mongolid race, believed to be one of the major
or races of the world; its people often found in
northern and eastern Asia. The Vietnamese na-
tion was formed through a process of two ma-
jor ancient cultures, the Chinese and the Indian.
At present there are 54 different ethnic groups
inhabiting Viet Nam, in which Kinh (Viet) people
make up nearly 90% of the whole population,
and 53 other ethnic groups represent over 10%.
Through the course of national development,
all these groups of people have been closely
attached to one another in sharing the same
tasks of fighting against foreign invaders, de-
fending the country’s territory, gaining the right
to live and the right to national independence
and self-determination. Each ethnic group have
developed their own language and identity, thus
making the Vietnamese culture, long known for
its variety, a well-blended combination of dif-
ferent cultures.
VALUES, BELIEFS AND IDEALS The period of modern Vietnamese culture has
gradually taken shape since the 30’s and 40’s
of this century under the banner of patriotism
and Marxism-Leninism – a socialist ideology.
Vietnamese culture, with the increasingly inten-
sive integration into the world modern civilisa-
tion and the preservation and enhancement of
the national identity, promises to reach a new
historical peak, using its diversity in cultural in-
fluence to its advantage.
On the scale of spiritual values, the Vietnamese
highly appreciate “Benevolence” and closely
combined it with “Righteousness” and “Virtues”;
no benevolence and righteousness are tanta-
mount to no virtues. When it comes to religion,
the major traditions in Viet Nam are Buddhism
(which fuses forms of Taoism and Confusian-
ism), Christianity (Catholicism and Protestant-
ism), Islam, Caodaism and the Hoa Hao sect.
More than its natural spender,
Viet Nam has its people, who are a
melting-pot of beliefs, languages
and philosophies.
A TRADITION OF FESTIVALS:Thanks to its long history, rich
tradition and Buddhist influence,
Viet Nam has festivals organised
all year round, many of which are
unheard of in the West and real-
ly fun to learn about. Tet holiday,
for example, is an ideal time to see
how families celebrate their love
for their ancestors and for each
other.
The Vietnamese eating habit tends towards
vegetarianism; rice and vegetables are the main
course of the meal that may be diversified by
adding boiled salty fish. Although this may not
seem very appetising nor something you would
find at a gourmet restaurant, the Vietnamese
cooking style involves many diverse materials
and ingredients that visitors to this country
will discover on just about every street corner.
Many of the most popular dishes can be made
just as well on the side of the road as in a top-
end restaurant. It is this simplicity, with subtle
variations by region and the fresh ingredients
that keep you coming back for more.
VIETNAMESE STAPLES Plain rice (com trang) is at the centre of the Vi-
etnamese diet. Steamed rice is part of almost
every meal. The Vietnamese prefer long-grain
white rice, as opposed to the short-grain rice
more common in Chinese cooking. Rice is also
transformed into other common ingredients
such as rice wine, rice vinegar, rice noodles, and
rice paper wrappers for spring rolls.
Just as essential to Vietnamese cuisine as rice
DISCOVER VIETNAMESE CUISINEFood from the streets of Viet Nam
to your dining room table, discover
the simple flavours that make Viet-
namese cuisine simply enjoyable.
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
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EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
15
and noodles is nuoc mam, a salty fish
sauce that is used in most Vietnam-
ese recipes (just as salt is used in most
Western dishes). Nuoc mam is produced
in factories along the coast of Vietnam.
Anchovies and salt are layered in wood-
en barrels and then allowed to ferment
for about six months. The light-colour-
ed, first-drained sauce is the most desir-
able. It is also the most expensive and
reserved primarily for table use. Less
expensive nuoc mam is used in cook-
ing. When shopping for nuoc mam, one
should look for the words ca com on the
label, which indicates the highest qual-
ity.
The most popular condiment is nuoc cham (dipping sauce), which is as com-
mon in Viet Nam as ketchup is in North
America. Saucers filled with nuoc cham
are present at practically every meal,
and diners dip everything from spring
rolls to meatballs into it. Nuoc cham is
quite simple to make and will keep in
the refrigerator for up to 30 days. A few
spoonful’s over a bowl of plain rice can
be considered an authentic Vietnamese
peasant meal.
EASY RECIPE: CHÁ CÁ THÁNG LONGThis is a popular dish in the capital city of Viet Nam, and like many other Vietnamese dishes, this
recipe is all about balance of flavours, textures and colours. Mouth-watering fried morsels of fish
served seasoned with garlic, ginger, turmeric and dill will have you coming back for more! Try out
this simple recipe.
Ingredients:500g White Fish, cut into 4cm pieces
3 Tablespoons Vietnamese Fish Sauce
1 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder
1 Tablespoon Fresh Garlic, finely minced
½ Tablespoon Fresh Ginger, finely grated
2 Tablespoons Shallots, finely diced
1 Tablespoon Fresh Dill Fronds, chopped (for marinade)
¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper
4 Scallions, sliced into 4cm segments
1 Small White Onion, sliced
1 Large Bunch of Dill, without stems
3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil, divided
1 packet Vermicelli Noodles, boiled according to package directions
Method:In a large bowl, mix fish sauce, turmeric, garlic, ginger, shallots, dill fronds, and black pepper. Add
fish and mix well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. In a large skillet,
heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Cook the white onions until lightly golden. Add 1/3 of the dill and ½ of the
sliced scallions. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes. Plate the onions, scallions and dill on a serving
platter.
Remove fish the refrigerator and drain off the marinade. Using paper towels, pat off any excess
liquids. Using the same skillet, heat the remaining oil to medium high. Pan-fry the fish for about
three to four minutes on each side until the fish is evenly browned. Plate the fish on top of the bed
of cooked onions, scallions and dill. Immediately top with the remaining fresh dill and scallions.
Serve with vermicelli noodles and sauces.
Sources:http://www.foodbycountry.com/; http://www.cnn.com; http://theculinarychronicles.com/
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Scan-Shipping offers a full-service solution for all of your logistic needs in Vietnam.
Since 1969, Scan-Shipping has been serving
our customers with one motto:
“Small enough to know you.Big enough to serve you.”
We are committed to fulfilling our clients’ shipping requirements and meeting their expectations by providing first class
logistic solutions rapidly, efficiently and cost competitively.
Regardless of the size and cargo specifics, we have the skills and the local experience needed to bring your products from
point of loading to final destination.
Contact Copenhagen office, Jens B. Agerskov at [email protected] or our office in Ho Chi Minh City at
[email protected] for enquiries on our services in Vietnam.
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Global Transport Solutions Since 1969
Scan-Shipping is part of Scan-Group, an international shipping and logistics provider with more than 145 offices globally.
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