Research Institute for High-Life

Japan-Asia Collaborative Research Project
Study report "The New Trends in Asian Urban Lifestyle"

"The New Trends in Urban Lifestyle in Ho Chi Minh" (serial in 4 parts)

Part 2 Economic Growth of Ho Chi Minh City and Changes in the Life

DO My Hien, Ph.D student at Nagoya University, Graduate School of International Development. Lecturer at Foreign Trade University, Ho Chi Minh City.

NGUYEN THI BICH THUY, Hanoi Foreign Trade University, Ho Chi Minh City, Japanese lecturer.

Summary
In spite of some flagging industries including construction and home appliances, Vietnam economy is firmly growing as the inflation has leveled off, the nominal GDP of 2012 was 138 billion dollars (11.7% up over previous year), and the nominal GDP of Ho Chi Minh City in 2012 was about 28.4 billion dollars(9.2% up over previous year). This part reports the background of this economic growth and the aim of Vietnam government that positively promotes TPP and other free trade agreements for future economic development.
In Ho Chi Minh City where the citizens' real income has been improving, the middle and potential middle classes are expanding while their working style and lifestyle have been significantly changing. These days the wealthy and middle upper classes have started to purchase overseas designer products, as their affluent consumption life has started to expand.
On the other hand, disparities between urban and rural areas, within cities and farming villages, and educational inequality against poor ethnic minority are also widening, as the income gap is as large as 9.2 times. Widening gap is undesirable for socialist Vietnam. Considering such circumstances, this report examines future measures for gap elimination.

Principal Author DO My Hien
2002 　Hanoi Foreign Trade University, International Economics Faculty, Japanese Language Department, BA Joined Canon Vietnam, HR Department
2006　Shinshu University Graduate School, Division of Industrial and Social Studies, MA in economics
2007～　present Nagoya University, Graduate School of International Development, PhD program
2011～Feb.2013　 Lecturer at Foreign Trade University, Ho Chi Minh City (History of Economic Thought) Fields of Research: Rural Development, Development Economics, History of Economic Thought

Principal Author NGUYEN THI BICH THUY
1999 Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences & Humanities, enter Department of Oriental Studies
2001 Kobe University, Faculty of Intercultural Studies
2003 Graduated from Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences & Humanities
2009 Japanese Instructor at Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences & Humanities
2011 Columbia Southern University in the US, Completed Master’s program of Marketing
2011 Hanoi Foreign Trade University, Ho Chi Minh City, Japanese lecturer
2012 Bulacan State University, Doctor’s program of Management
2013 Saigon Arts College Assistant to the Headmaster
Field of Research: Cross culture of Japan and Vietnam
Field of Business: 2009 Founded Lapis School of Japanese
2010 Founded Aqua Palace Wedding & Event Hall

Co-Researcher:
Furukawa Ichiro, Professer, Hitotsubasi University
Fukuda hiroshi, Chairman, Joumon communication Inc.

Editing and Delivery Public-Interest Incorporated Foundation
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