76TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE DAY OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM AND THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK
Ambassador’s Words
On the occasion of the 76th Independence Day anniversary of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (2 September 1945-2 September 2021), on behalf of the Government and the People of Viet Nam, I would like to extend my best wishes to the friendly people of Denmark and my warmest greetings and felicitations to the Vietnamese community in Denmark. Exactly 76 years ago we witnessed one of the most significant events in the history of the Vietnamese nation when our beloved founding father – President Ho Chi Minh – solemnly read the Declaration of Independence on 2 September 1945. It opened up a new page in the history of Viet Nam, as Vietnamese people could finally enjoy the feeling of being true masters of the country and our own destiny for the very first time. While they are proud of their glorious history, Vietnamese people stand ready to look forward to a brighter and prosperous future. Visiting Viet Nam today, you will witness tremendous changes for the better across the country, from the North to the South, from the plains to mountainous areas. From its roots as a heavily devastated colony, Viet Nam has now risen to become an economic powerhouse and a friendly and attractive destination in Southeast Asia – a country of optimistic and hard-working people. In addition, Viet Nam is also committed to renovation and further comprehensive reforms for the prosperity of the nation. After 35 years of reform (Doi Moi) and 30 years of the implementation of the Platform on National Construction in the period of transition to
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socialism, Viet Nam has constantly made tremendous strides, growing more vibrantly and comprehensively than the pre-Doi Moi period. The size of the economy and the level of development has significantly expanded and elevated. For example, the total GDP of Viet Nam was estimated to be US$ 343 billion in 2020 – up from US$ 6.3 billion in 1989. Accordingly, the well-being of the people improved remarkably as GDP per capita grew to US$ 3,521 in 2020 – up from US$ 159 in 1985. Even during the pandemic, while the global economy contracted by 4 percent, Viet Nam enjoyed positive GDP growth of 2.91 percent.
to expanding and improving bilateral relations. On the Vietnamese side, many dignitaries have visited Denmark: PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (2018), President Truong Tan Sang (2013), Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung (2009), Prime Minister Phan Van Khai (1999), the Chairman of the National Assembly, Nong Duc Manh (1998), Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet (1995) and Prime Minister Pham Van Dong (1977). On the Danish side, Queen Margrethe II (2009), Crown Prince Frederik (2011), Prime Minister Helle Thorning Schmidt (2012), and two Speakers of Folketing, Mogens Lykketoft (2012) and Erling Olsen (1995), have visited Viet Nam.
Viet Nam’s achievements in development depend not on Viet Nam’s efforts alone, but also on the support and collaboration of its network of friends and partners. On this occasion, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the Danish Government and People for their most active co-operation with and support for Viet Nam over the years. As the Danish proverb notes: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” Of such occasions, we have both. Viet Nam and Denmark treasure a time-honoured history of exchanges and share a great deal of cultural similarities spanning over 50 years, and today we are once again advancing shoulder-to-shoulder in the new era. It is no exaggeration to assert that the Viet Nam-Denmark comprehensive partnership is thriving more than ever before in almost all areas of cooperation: politics, economics, trade and investment, healthcare, agriculture, education and training, and science and technology – both bilaterally and multilaterally, among others.
In trade, economic and investment relations, Denmark was one of the first and largest donors, providing development assistance to Viet Nam worth a total of more than US$ 1 billion. With 139 investment projects worth US$ 430 million, Denmark ranks 30th among 136 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam. The two-way trade volume between the two countries in 2020 was nearly US$ 500 million. The outlook for bilateral trade and investment is even brighter with the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement coming into force in 2020. There is an increasing engagement of Danish companies in Viet Nam’s critical sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, water and waste management, food production, and clean energy – to name just a few. I strongly believe that given the positive momentum of our relations, there are even greater potentialities for brighter future co-operation between Viet Nam and Denmark.
In 2013, Denmark was the first Nordic country to sign a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement with Vietnam, marking an important milestone in our bilateral relations. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, Vietnamese and Danish Heads of State and leaders have frequently exchanged high-level visits, reaffirming our commitment
In this joyful atmosphere, as we celebrate the 76th anniversary of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Denmark, I trust the friendship and partnership between our two countries and people will continue to grow. May I wish all of you good health and happiness. Thank you very much. Mange Tak. HE Ambassador Pham Thanh Dung
A Word from Denmark
Viet Nam and Denmark share a long history of close-knit ties and co-operation. The first concrete manifestation of DanishVietnamese diplomatic relations took place in 1971 with the opening of the Danish embassy in Hanoi. This year, we are happy to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries – an anniversary that will be celebrated both in Denmark and Viet Nam. From the outset, our co-operation has been strong. But after half a century, it is safe to say that our bilateral relations have grown from close to even closer and stronger. Our relations have evolved over the years – from development co-operation in the early years to a broad and comprehensive partnership covering a wide range of areas of mutual interest. Today, a key focus and common goal is to create a sustainable socio-economic platform for the continued economic development of Viet Nam. Over the course of the last decades, Viet Nam has delivered an impressive transformation into a lower-middle income country. Even more impressive is that Viet Nam
has accomplished this whilst addressing climate change and the need for a preservation of natural ecosystems, which risk becoming collateral damage of its rapid economic development. By signing the Paris Agreement, Denmark and Viet Nam have committed to the ambition to reduce our national CO2 footprint and work for a greener and more sustainable future. As a close and longstanding partner to Viet Nam, Denmark and Danish companies already contribute extensively to Viet Nam’s green transition with technology, expertise and investments – i.e in renewable energy. Denmark fully supports Viet Nam’s aim to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels that today play a significant role in its energy system. In the area of commerce, we are proud that Denmark ranks sixth among the EU member states that invest and do business in Viet Nam, and we are keen to further strengthen these commercial ties in areas where Danish companies have a lot to offer. The EU Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which came into force only one year ago, has great potential to bolster these commercial ties even further.
This contribution was written by HE Steen Hommel, the State Secretary for Trade and Global Sustainability at the Danish Foreign Ministry resulted in close working relations to enable a more ambitious approach to the green transition. Sector co-operation in the areas of vocational training, statistics, health, agriculture and food safety is also a part of Denmark’s broad engagement with Viet Nam. In the midst of the challenge of COVID-19, we are now celebrating the 50-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Denmark. The global pandemic has reminded us of the importance of mutual interlinkages and interdependencies of populations and nations, strengthening our resolve to work together as close partners. We celebrate the excellent partnership between our two countries and stand ready to strengthen our ties even further. The potential is immense and the basis of our collaboration is solid. Happy Anniversary!
Within the framework of the Danish Energy Partnership Programme with Viet Nam, which is now in its third phase and amounts to about USD 9.8m., a valuable government to government co-operation has been ongoing since 2013 in technical areas pertaining to the green transition of the energy system. Notably, the program focuses on modelling and energy planning including offshore wind, the integration of renewables, and energy efficiency in energy-intense industry sectors. It has
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VIET NAM
Danish association’s efforts underline
STRONG TIES BETWEEN NATIONS The Danish Vietnamese Association reports an excellent rapport with the people of Ho Chi Minh City, where there is serious work to be done in the wake of COVID-19 By DANISH VIETNAMESE ASSOCIATION
Trine with VN colleagues in the Mekong Delta The ties between the peoples of Viet Nam and Denmark are strong and go a long way back, spanning intercultural collaborations and initiatives for decades. The two peoples get along very well, and what is normally known in Denmark as sarcastic Danish humour is actually also plentiful in Viet Nam.
Always a good laugh “It is never dull to work with the Vietnamese; it can of course be challenging to work
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across the two cultures, but you always have good times and a good laugh along the way,” enthused Trine Glue Doan, the chair of the Danish Vietnamese Association (DVA). Trine, who has lived and worked in Viet Nam for more than 15 years, has participated in such collaborations since the 1990s and seen Viet Nam develop from within. “I am thrilled to be the chair of the Danish Vietnamese Association and to be part of further developing the intercultural ties
and initiatives between the two peoples on behalf of the association,” she added.
Active efforts DVA conducts development projects and humanitarian efforts in Viet Nam alongside cultural and informational activities showcasing Viet Nam in Denmark. COVID-19 restrictions have unfortunately limited DVA’s possibilities for physical events in Denmark, but as the country is getting back to normal, DVA is stepping
up on events – especially with the jubilee of diplomatic relations approaching in November. In July, the DVA was able to throw its first physical event of the year: a talk about Viet Nam today with a focus on the economy, COVID-19 and the political situation after the Election for the National Assembly in May etc. There is great interest in and demand for events and updates related to Viet Nam among friends of Viet Nam in Denmark. The July event sold out in just a few days.
Mad about the food Vietnamese food is also extremely popular amongst Danes and the DVA has decided to hold cooking workshops every now and again. They began in August with the legendary bass player Chris Minh Doky teaching how to cook Bun Cha, a famous Vietnamese noodle dish. The attendees absolutely loved it – both being taught how to cook it as well as enjoying the meal together in a Vietnamese style seating. They sat around a big table with shared dishes and lots of good stories. It became very clear that there's high demand for such events.
Supporting the needy Over the years, the DVA has overseen several development projects and charities in Viet Nam. “Luckily, we have been able to continue some of our development projects and humanitarian efforts in Viet Nam for the most part during the pandemic, though slowing down since the outbreak in June 2021,” revealed Trine.
The girls who have found a home at the Little Rose Warm Shelter
Noble charity efforts DVA also runs two charity collections in Viet Nam: the Little Rose Warm Shelter Collection and the Bảo Lộc Hospital collection. DVA raises funds for and supports the Little Rose Warm Shelter, which is home to about 20 underprivileged girls aged 9-18. Over the years more than 800 girls have received their school education while living in the shelter and have been given the opportunity to learn a trade in order to make them selfsufficient. DVA also raises funds and provide technical training and English teaching for the hospital in Bảo Lộc, which has 500 beds and 240,000 outpatients a year.
DVA: FUTURE EVENTS DVA welcomes you to join our upcoming activities in the autumn of 2021. Don’t miss the exciting new Music Gala for Friends of Viet Nam in the Lunar New Year in 2022. Are you curious to learn more about DVA? Stay tuned on our Facebook page or sign up for our newsletter by emailing: info@davifo.dk. You can support the charities by MobilePay or bank transfer. Visit davifo.dk/indsamlinger for more information.
Despite Viet Nam reaching a lower middleincome development status, there are still many vulnerable and underprivileged groups in its society in need of support. It’s a need that has increased with the pandemic, which has hit the most vulnerable the hardest. Hence, the DVA continues to conduct both projects and charity collections.
Photo: davifo.dk
Current DVA projects include the Sexual Education Project in co-operation with the Thai Nguyen University, as well as the Child Abuse Project in Ho Chi Minh City aimed at protecting and preventing abuse of the 4.3 million children living in the streets, which it has implemented together with our local partner NGO Ho Chi Minh City Child Welfare Association.
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VIET NAM: TRADE
CONTINENTS APART, BUT ON THE SAME PAGE
EU-Viet Nam free trade and investment protection agreements yield new opportunities for Danish enterprises By NGUYEN THI HOANG THUY & NGUYEN THANH TAM
By Ben Hamilton
Two new major trade agreements set the EU and Viet Nam up as significant trading partners and put the EU on course for the expanding ASEAN market in the years to come.
EVFTA and the EVIPA The EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into force on 1 August 2020, while the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) will come into force once it has been ratified by all the EU members. The EVIPA will by then replace 21 bilateral investment treaties in force between Viet Nam and the EU members, confirms the European Commission. The Agreements are the most ambitious the EU has ever concluded with a developing
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country. It was made possible due to its strategic importance to both parties, while its implications go beyond economics.
Beneficial to both For the EU, it paves the way for future EUASEAN trade and investment agreements. ASEAN is the EU’s third largest trading partner after the US and China. Ensuring better access for the EU’s enterprises to the ASEAN market is a priority for the EU, especially in the context of existing and potential trade tensions worldwide. In addition to its geopolitical role, Viet Nam has become the EU’s 15th most important trading partner worldwide – and the EU’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia in 2020.
For Viet Nam, it is a crucial step to consolidating its long process of international integration. The Agreements are one of 16 current global and regional FTAs in which Viet Nam actively participates. Such FTAs help Viet Nam reduce its trade dependence on China and the US and seek to balance its long-term trade and political interests in a sensitive geopolitical context. The EU is Viet Nam’s second biggest export market after the US and one of its main suppliers. The EU ranks fifth out of Viet Nam’s FDI partners. The EVIPA that accompanies the EVFTA will help promote high-quality investment between Viet Nam and the EU. Both parties have agreed on a modern and reformed investment dispute resolution mechanism
that guarantees the respect of the substantive investment protection rules applicable to investors of both parties. Investors will be protected against discrimination, expropriation and nationalisation by the host state without adequate compensation or denial of justice in the national administrative and legal systems.
Opportunities for Denmark The Agreements will open new opportunities for Danish enterprises to explore the Vietnamese market and build on trade relations that have evolved over 50 years into a modern and mature partnership. Today, Viet Nam is politically stable with a vibrant economy of almost 100 million inhabitants. It has one of the fastest growing middle classes in the ASEAN area, as well as a young and dynamic workforce. Vietnamese key exports are in food, textiles and electronics with agricultural exports ranked second in the ASEAN and 15th in the world. In addition, Viet Nam has shown considerable economic resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, as exemplified by 2.9 percent GDP growth in 2020 and the maintenance of production of its primary exports.
New playing field The Agreements will level the competition for EU enterprises with those countries with whom Viet Nam has already concluded FTAs – for example, ASEAN countries, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, China, India, Japan and South Korea. The Agreements reduce the costs for Danish enterprises to do business in Viet Nam due to the elimination of nearly all tariffs and the reduction of non-tariff barriers. Moreover, the Agreements contain many cost-reducing provisions that make doing business easier and more transparent. IPR holders will be granted strengthened legal protection and can take more effective action against IPR infringements. Viet Nam further liberalises its services markets by offering access beyond their WTO commitments. The Agreements promote EU-Viet Nam value chain integration via increased FDI activity and expanded bilateral trade in intermediate goods and services between the two parties. Both Danish and Viet Namese enterprises can take advantage of this opportunity with the support of the Agreements.
Clearer following corona The COVID-19 crisis has made it clear that diverse markets and supply chains will be key to managing the risk of trade and supply
chain disruptions due to changing trade relationships, climate change, natural disasters and epidemics. The combined impact of COVID-19 and trade tensions could lead to a profound restructuring of global value chains (GVC) by reducing dependence on a few global production hubs – such as China, India and Thailand – thus paving the way for Viet Nam to step in to fill the GVC gaps. The reality shows that trade tension between the US and China has made Viet Nam the sixth biggest trading partner of the US in terms of the trade in goods in 2020 by import value. Viet Nam has also become an important production centre for both textile and electronics. Viet Nam is now ready as a country of large production capability with a great need for high technology. Key strategies and plans to stimulate green growth and the sustainable use of natural resources have been adopted, but are awaiting full implementation.
Facilitating Danish exports Danish enterprises possess world-leading expertise and technologies in renewable energy, energy efficiency, water and waste handling, food production, health, education, construction and sea transport, among others, which are all important areas for sustainable development in Viet Nam. Danish enterprises are expected to provide green transition and digitalisation solutions for Viet Nam’s development with the support of the Agreements. The Agreements facilitate Danish enterprises to export their key goods and services: for example, petroleum and petroleum products, fish, raw hides, skin and furs, medicinal and pharmaceutical products, power-generating machinery and equipment, dairy products, frozen
meat, organic food, sea transport, ICT, and construction. It also invites enterprises to open new commercial activities by, for example, facilitating their imports of key goods and services from Viet Nam, including rice, coffee, prawn, cashew, pepper, rubber, textile and apparel, footwear, furniture, electronics and processed agricultural products, with competitive import prices compared to that from countries that have no FTAs with the EU. In the coming years, Viet Nam will continue to demonstrate its ambition to improve investment facilitation for development, e-commerce and domestic regulation on services. Viet Nam will reduce further red tape, adopt more predictable tax policies, increase transparency in administrative procedures, and simplify appraisal procedures for investment projects. The development of e-government initiatives, the modernisation of customs administration through the national singlewindow, and the e-customs clearance will be continued in Viet Nam.
New book to reveal more On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relation between Viet Nam and Denmark, the co-authors will publish a book entitled ‘The EU-Viet Nam Trade and Investment Agreements – New Opportunities for Danish Enterprises’ in 2021. The book will support Danish enterprises in strengthening their insights into Viet Nam’s business environment, major sectors of international business co-operation and key agricultural products. The book will update Danish enterprises on new opportunities and market changes arising from the Agreements, as well as the postCOVID-19 economy and geopolitics.
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VIET NAM: AGRICULTURE
RETHINKING VIET NAM’S AGRICULTURAL SUPPLY CHAIN
For the past seven years, SKIOLD has taken great strides developing strong partnerships and state-of-the-art solutions for Vietnamese agriculture rice fields in the southern provinces of Dong Thap and Can Tho where rice is traditionally grown on a large scale.
Added value and optimise the entire supply chain Viet Nam has an important role to play in the development of SKIOLD's ambition to be able to contribute to and develop agricultural supply chain. The ambition can optimise value creation in the agricultural supply chain so that the individual farmer achieves his specific goals.
At SKIOLD, we want to contribute to knowledge, technology and innovation that improve the agricultural supply chain. It matters not where SKIOLD works in the world, provided it is global co-operation that allows the exchange of knowledge and new technology, along with the development, transfer and dissemination of sustainable technologies across the many stakeholders in the agricultural sector. In 2014, SKIOLD chose to expand and develop its activities in Viet Nam by hiring people and establishing a Vietnamese company. The basis for this expansion came mainly because the company experienced an interest from the industry in the country and a serious sparring with the Vietnamese Embassy in Denmark.
Positive production results Invaluable knowledge is gained through the knowledge of our customers' needs. With integrated systems all over the world, SKIOLD possesses knowledge that constantly strengthens our ability to deliver solutions that embrace both the raw material supply and livestock farming. SKIOLD has created a breeding ground for thinking about holistic perspectives, which opens up the possibility
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that the resources that would otherwise have ended up as waste can go one or more steps back in the value chain and be part of the production again. SKIOLD works closely together to focus specifically on customer needs. With input from customers, new products are regularly innovated and tested – which can bring the best solution forward.
This must be done by inspiring and showing the way to new solutions and thereby contributing to a development that specifically creates continuous improvement of the daily activities that can include all elements of the supply chain and its interfaces. It should ensure that farmers are able to handle the purchase, production, transport, storage and sale of finished goods. Therefore, SKIOLD will ensure added value and optimise the entire supply chain applicable to a number of functions, such as profit, capacity, cycle time or inventory optimisation depending on needs.
Paddy rice excellence An example of how SKIOLD has developed its activities and partnerships in Viet Nam is the creation of the largest paddy rice handling and storage facility in Southeast Asia. Hanh Phuc Rice Jsc is a subsidiary of major rice distributor Tan Long, which is also Viet Nam’s largest distributor of pet food ingredients. SKIOLD is a complete supplier of this new advanced paddy rice facility for handling paddy rice, which employs modern cleaning, drying and storage solutions with a full focus on preserving the quality of the rice under tropical climatic conditions. Annually, the plant will process up to several hundred thousand tonnes of rice with a total silo storage capacity of 240,000 tonnes. The rice storage plant is placed on the soft soil of the Mekong river delta in the centre of
ABOUT SKIOLD Since 1877, SKIOLD in Denmark has specialised in the development, production and installation of: Grain and Seed Cleaning and Processing, Animal Feed Milling, Pig and Poultry Farming and, most recently, Aqua Feed. As an international, leading brand in the market for innovative machinery and equipment for agriculture, SKIOLD wishes to make a difference in the provision of food for all humans from field to fork.
VIET NAM: ENERGY
COPENHAGEN INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERS TAKING STRIDES La Gan offshore wind project deal has the potential to transform Viet Nam into a huge player in the sector
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) is a Danish fund management company focused on renewable energy investments including offshore wind, onshore wind, solar PV, biomass and energy-from-waste, storage, transmission and Power-to-X. CIP manages seven funds with around 18 billion euros in commitments under management. Through its funds CIP is developing more than 20GW of offshore wind assets across the globe including in the US, UK, Germany, Italy, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Viet Nam.
Projected growth Viet Nam is forecasted to be one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. According to the government’s latest draft energy master plan, Viet Nam’s energy capacity must double over the next 10 years. Renewable energy will form a key part of Viet Nam’s energy mix, with wind energy capacity expected to contribute more than 13 percent to Viet Nam’s total installed capacity by 2030. Viet Nam is fortunate to have excellent natural conditions for offshore wind energy. With a 3,000 km coastline, optimal water depths and high wind speeds, Viet Nam has amongst the best natural resources for offshore wind energy in the region. A recent report by the World Bank estimates the total offshore wind power potential in Viet Nam to be 450 GW.
Huge deal signed Viet Nam’s offshore wind potential is highest in the southern areas of Binh Thuan and Ninh Thuan, where CIP is developing its flagship Vietnamese offshore wind project. In July 2020, CIP together with Asiapetro and Novasia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Binh Thuan Provincial People’s Committee (Binh Thuan PPC) to develop the 3.5 GW La Gan offshore wind project. The signing took place during the 2020 Viet Nam Energy Summit under the witness of many high-ranking officials and industry leaders.
Transformative deal The La Gan offshore wind project, which aims to be one of the first large scale offshore wind projects in Viet Nam, is on course to raise the country’s profile in renewable energy within the region and the world. The project has a total estimated investment value of over 10 billion US dollars and will implement the highest international standards, using the most advanced wind-power technology. The La Gan offshore wind project began implementation in 2019 with the installation of two onshore wind metmasts. Since then, with the support and guidance of the Embassy of Denmark, the project has achieved significant progress. In 2020, the project’s survey license and prefeasibility study report was endorsed by the Binh Thuan PPC and forwarded to the central government.
Future looks bright Currently, the project is awaiting approval to be added to the National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8). In December 2020, the La Gan Wind Power Development Corporation was established in Binh Thuan and opened an office in Phan Thiet city. The project has signed four survey contracts worth 10 million US dollars with local and international suppliers.
Recently, the project also signed six agreements for foundations supply and harbour services with Viet Nam-based contractors.
Engaging locally The La Gan project seeks to be a responsible developer that supports the communities it operates in. Over the past year it has actively engaged with communities, sponsoring underprivileged children, donating national flags and environmental waste bins to fishermen as part of National Day celebrations, and supporting more than 400 families impacted by severe flooding.
Significant benefits The La Gan offshore wind farm will bring significant benefits to Viet Nam. Over its lifetime, the project will power 7 million households and result in 130 million fewer tonnes of CO2 emissions. According to a detailed economic impact study performed by international consultants BVG Associates, the La Gan project is projected to contribute over 4 billion US dollars to the Vietnamese economy and create more than 45,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, where one FTE is one full-time job for one year. The Vietnamese content is estimated to be 44 percent across the full supply chain.
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VIET NAM: CUISINE
FLAVOURS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH FOREVER Copenhagen boasts several highly recommended establishments at which to sample Vietnamese cuisine
VI VIỆT
Culinary culture is naturally formed from the process of living. Vietnamese cuisine dates back well over 1,000 years, morphed and modified over the centuries into what we have today. To Vietnamese, not only does it bring flavours like no other, but also conveys traditions and cultural values. No travellers have succeeded in their attempts to resist the temptation of Vietnamese dishes, including famous figures in the culinary industry such as Gordon Ramsay, Anthony Bourdain and Jamie Oliver. Its flavours have travelled the world, from banh mi, the sandwich listed in the top 20 street foods in the world by U.S travel site Fodor’s Travel to phở, the soup dish sold in countless restaurants in so many countries. All told, there are over 3,000 dishes in the entire Vietnamese food arsenal, so you could literally go for years without repeating the same dish.
What’s the secret? Why the appeal? What makes the cuisine of this small country so popular, yet so captivating and fascinating? Is it the depth of flavours? Or is it the rich history of its origin? You could say it is due to its simplicity, multicultural influences and healthiness. You could also say it is a cuisine governed by philosophy, bound by regional geography and shaped by history. It is simply a stimulating, technicolour experience for all five fundamental tastefronts: sour, bitter, sweet, spicy and salty. These
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five tastes are perceived to give a balance to our lives. Perhaps the best way to get a taste of it is through the means of words. Let’s have a brief preview of Vietnamese cuisine before you get the chance to experience it yourself, shall we?
Great diversity Vietnamese food is diverse from region to region. Regarded as the cradle of Vietnamese civilization, northern Viet Nam for the most part produces many of Viet Nam’s signature dishes such as bún riêu, bún chả and phở. Ths cuisine is mild, light and balanced.
VI VIỆT is a notable representative of the food of Ha Noi. Chef Hung Dang, who was born and grew up in the district, fondly remembers the food of his childhood so much that he opened a restaurant in order to bring authentic Vietnamese food to Copenhagen. At Amagerbrogade 248, Vi Việt serves really authentic Vietnamese dishes such as Phở noodles soup, Bún chả Hà Nội (bun rice noodles with roast pork and Vietnamese meatballs), Bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich), Nem rán (spring rolls), and the always popular Gỏi cuốn (summer rolls), which you can see on every street in Viet Nam. This dish has been voted as among the world’s most popular by CNN Travel and other international cuisine magazines. Tempted yet? It’s open everyday, so have a try, don’t be shy!
As you move south, there’s more flavourblending with nearby Thailand and Cambodia. As a result, foods in southern Viet Nam are often vibrant and flavorful, with liberal uses of garlic, shallots and fresh herbs. It’s typically sweeter. The cuisine of the central region, where the last dynasty of Viet Nam resided, is suitably notable for the sophisticated, complex, decorative and colourful dishes of the Huế tradition, which tend to be served in small portions. Chilli peppers and shrimp sauces are among the most common ingredients Sounds good to you? Don’t just take our word for it. Explore two of Copenhagen’s most respected Vietnamese restaurants or street food stalls, where you can find great flavours and a taste of Vietnamese culture without the 20-hour flight.
BẾP VIỆT Located at Godthåbsvej 8 in the city centre, this is a place offering authentic, homemade, Vietnamese food prepared with lots of herbs and love. The menu offers a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes, ranging from crispy spring rolls to a steaming hot noodle soup that can get rid of any cold. It also stimulates blood circulation, which can be particularly soothing during the cold weather. Forever your servant, BẾP VIỆT offers a fantastic evening in wonderful company.
VIET NAM: CULTURE
DANISA: GLOBAL PREMIUM BUTTER COOKIES THAT UNDERSTAND LOCAL CULTURE
Key to the success of the Danish brand is understanding the Vietnamese practice of gifting both a luxury experience and royal treatment. It’s also a personal touch: a gift customisation as a representation of gratitude from the sender to the giver for multiple occasions, such as TET, Mother’s Day, Teacher’s Day, Mid Autumn campaign etc. The consistency of the product ensures the best possible quality for the consumers whilst understanding local culture. It has yielded Danisa the #1 leadership position in Viet Nam’s cookie segment and recommended choice for gifting today.
Always evolving Danisa: Global premium butter cookies that understand a local cultural context For decades, Danisa has been producing world renowned butter cookies that originated from the traditional treats enjoyed by the European nobility. They are made from an authentic Danish recipe passed down through generations of master bakers, combining the finest quality of ingredients, baked with passion to perfection and high attention to detail. Danisa Butter Cookies aims to celebrate various cultures and the festivity of every celebration. Year after year, Danisa Butter Cookies continues to hold such an important role in various celebrations of citizens around the world, such as Tet, Mother’s Day, MidAutumn Festival, Christmas and so many other celebrations.
However, an expression of gratitude in the form of words and direct affection can result in hesitation for many Vietnamese people. Danisa, though, understands the profound importance of the Vietnamese gifting culture, and lifts it up to a next level of sophistication in a meaningful, unspoken fashion.
With a personal touch The superior taste and quality of Danisa inspires consumers to express their sincere gratitude to the one they love, care for and respect, making it the best gift to express gratitude. Danisa offers a high quality product that is
As a leader in the category, Danisa knows that the brand has to maintain relevance with consumers whilst maintaining a golden standard when it comes to quality and innovation. Consumers continue to evolve: they need to give the best gift possible to the people they love, care for and respect, and their expectations of the product will always be high. When it comes to gifting, they want the recipient to know that they’re thoughtful and always want to give the best, while they want the receiver to feel happy, respected and appreciated. With its love and dedication for consumers, Danisa continues to offer premium products of the very best quality.
It has delighted consumers in many countries across five continents, making it a global prestige.
Key market in Viet Nam One of the key countries for the Danisa brand is Viet Nam, as it has many deep-rooted traditions of gifting and festivity. The act of gifting is a cultural beauty that the Vietnamese people treasure, and it’s common to extend it to beloved parents/family, teachers, business partners, bosses, etc.
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COPENHAGEN POST
DENMARK’S LEADING SOURCE FOR NEWS IN ENGLISH Making expats life easier since 1998 CPH POST publishes a free printed newspaper
consisting of around 32 pages that includes one or more additional supplement. Published twice per month, it has a print-run of 10,000. The paper is distributed to companies, hotels, agencies, embassies, schools and other places frequented by internationals in Denmark.
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS are included with the paper on specific themes. These can be anything from profiles of countries with embassy involvement, tips on relocating to Denmark, learning Danish, providing a helping hand through the educational system or profiling events such as the Copenhagen Jazz Festival. DIPLOMACY MAGAZINE
Our target readership is more than 200,000: diplomats, university researchers, corporate professionals, teachers, students, tourists, as well as online visitors from outside Denmark. CPH POST has an editorial staff of
Diplomats in Denmark - from exclusive interviews of leaders and ambassadors to current affairs and a historical aspect of diplomacy, CPH POST provides the definitive guide!
journalists with skills obtained in an English-speaking country who have lived in Denmark long enough to understand the country and its inhabitants.
CPH POST serves the community in real-time, while delivering commercial information/advertising to a group of consumers that might otherwise be hard to reach.
Social Media: CPH POST has close to 50,000 followers on Facebook and around 14,000 on Twitter. Additionally, you can keep up with us on Instagram
CPH POST has a free ONLINE news service –
www.cphpost.dk – with articles about expats, Danes and Denmark. ONLINE receives more than 200,000 unique visitors per month.
Holbergsgade 24, st tv • 1057 Copenhagen Phone: +45 9393 9201 www.cphpost.dk • Email: sales@cphpost.dk