Flipside – Asia: Vietnam takes to the capitalist road

Urban Vietnamese are leaping on the capitalist bandwagon, driving it as fast as they can in an effort to build a lead on the foreign companies that will inevitably tap a burgeoning market.

If you crossed the street 10 years ago in downtown Saigon, the biggest risk would be the steady stream of cyclists. Attempting the same feat today in the bustling business centre officially known as Ho Chi Minh City is a bigger challenge: bicycles have been replaced by a wave of mopeds and scooters. Toyota Land Cruisers, Asia’s vehicle of choice, are already starting to appear. Vietnam has embarked on capitalism’s long road to riches, and there is no room for U-turns.

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