THE CHANGING FACE OF VIETNAM

Globalization has affected many countries around the world, especially developing countries such as Vietnam. Many people in the world assume that it brings many good things for their country, but others disagree because they think it brings many bad things to them. In Vietnam, many people think that globalization has both positive and negative effects to their country.
Globalization has given many benefits to this country. First, it has created many new jobs. Because the salary for Vietnamese workers is cheaper than workers in Europe and the U.S, many foreign companies hire Vietnamese to work in their factories. As a result, people now have many more chances to earn more money to take care of themselves and their family. In the past, many workers lacked food to eat, couldn’t get health care, insurance or have money to pay tuition for their children. Nowadays, they can get all of those because they have a job. Second, the economy has been expanding rapidly. Vietnam has more investments from other companies and countries. For example, the Kumho Corporation in Korea invested to build a big building in Hochiminh city. That’s a trade, shopping center, hotel, bank and many offices for lease. There are many corporations like Kumho that have invested heavily in Vietnam. In addition, some international companies have opened their branches in Vietnam. For instance, the car company Mercedes built several factories where they hired local workers to assemble cars for them. Finally, the standard of living has been improved. People have enough money to buy a house, car, land etc. There are now many kinds of new entertainment and services such as toy stores, water parks for children and beauty care, gyms for adult and restaurants, hotels for family. They serve customers of all ages. All of these things have been changing the face of Vietnam since the Vietnamese government began allowing international trade in 1990.
Beside many good things, the globalization has also brought many bad things to the people’s lives. The first negative effect is the exploitation. The foreign employers force their employees work more than 8 hours per day without paying overtime incentives. In addition, many workers have to work under very poor working condition, such as under very hot weather of over 100 degree Fahrenheit without air conditioning as well as heater when temperature drop down below 65 degree. The most serious thing that happens when the workers go on strike but their employers hit them by clubs, so few of people get hurt. The second effect is pollution. For example, one food company named Vedan dumped the wastes and chemicals into rivers which caused pollution in the areas causing habitants breathing diseases such as asthmas etc. Therefore, the government wanted this company to pay a fee to clean the rivers and make restitution for the in habitants. Third, there are some bad cultures from other countries which influence Vietnamese, especially the youth. For instance, the use of drugs and alcohol are increasing. Many of the youth quit school at the very early age and join gangs. As a result, many crimes occur in Vietnam such as rape, murder etc. which harm the Vietnamese people’s lives. Finally, the economy in Vietnam is not stable. The richest can be bankrupted at any time; therefore, they can be jobless and homeless people. The government tries to find a solution for this problem but it’s really difficult to solve.
The positive and negative effects of globalization have influenced Vietnam. Although there are many benefits which globalization gives to country such as jobs, economic development and a good standard of living. But it also has many bad things that have harmed the Vietnamese like exploitation, pollution and bad cultures. Therefore, Vietnam has to be careful because these negative effects can influence Vietnamese young generations. Vietnam can become a developed country in the future by taking advantage of the positive aspects of globalization.