Vietnam: the trade engine of Southeast Asia

Vietnam is no longer a hidden gem – it’s an economic powerhouse. A country that has rapidly evolved into a key player in global trade. What once started with agriculture and basic manufacturing is now a dynamic export machine, focused on technology, textiles, furniture, and coffee. Exports surpassed imports years ago, and the gap continues to widen.

Why? Because Vietnam is playing the global game smart. Production in Vietnam is attractive because of lower labor and operational costs. Add to that a strategic location, a young and skilled workforce, and a government that actively supports trade, and you’ve got a recipe for sustainable growth.

Infrastructure: smart Investments, real Results
Vietnam isn’t just building products – it’s building connections. The government has invested heavily in infrastructure, and it shows. Highways between Hanoi, Noi Bai Airport, and the port of Hai Phong are now state-of-the-art. And with the North-South Expressway set for completion in 2025, the country will be more connected than ever – physically and economically.

Vietnam is also raising the bar on product quality. Counterfeit goods are disappearing from the streets, penalties are steep, and the message is clear: “Made in Vietnam” must represent reliability and quality.

The tech sector has fully embraced this momentum. Global giants like Samsung and Intel are building factories in the north, home to the country’s top technical universities. Vietnam is no longer just a manufacturing hub – it’s becoming a centre of innovation.

Berkman Vietnam: locally Rooted, globally connected
We’re no newcomer to Vietnam. Berkman has been active here for over 30 years – with offices in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. And that’s no coincidence. The south thrives on textiles and manufacturing, while the north is the hotspot for tech and high-end industry. The port of Hai Phong is also a vital link in exports to Europe.

Our journey started in Ho Chi Minh, but we grew with the market. While Vietnam is one country on paper, in practice, the north and south often operate like distinct regions – each with its own rules, customs, and networks. We understand both sides. That’s what sets us apart.

Local strength, global reach
Our strength lies in our people. Take Kevin Geneugelijk, our Business Development Manager based in Vietnam. Kevin is the perfect example of how local knowledge and international experience come together. He lives and works in Vietnam, speaks the language, understands the culture, and knows how business is done. His insight, combined with our logistics expertise, allows us to move faster, operate smarter, and go further than others.

We offer more than just transport:

• Strategic market advice – we know the opportunities and the pitfalls;
• Sourcing – as sourcing agent in Vietnam we find the right suppliers;
• Quality control – we’re on the ground, so you know exactly what you’re getting;
• Relationship management – we build bridges between cultures and companies.

As an active member of the Dutch Business Association Vietnam (DBAV), we’re part of a powerful network that brings the Netherlands and Vietnam closer together. We share knowledge, build relationships, and contribute to the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Vietnam so unique.

Want to know more?
In Vietnam, business is built on trust, relationships, and local insight. That’s exactly what we bring to the table. With deep roots in the region, a European foundation, and proven expertise, Berkman is the partner you need to succeed in and with Vietnam.