Santo Domingo.– The Dominican Republic and Vietnam are expected to sign agreements on technology and education cooperation soon as an attempt to boost bilateral ties.
During his recent visit to Santo Domingo, Vietnamese Minister of Construction Nguyen
Hong Quangto met with President Leonel
Fernandez and said there was great potential for capital investment in the country.
According to a
statement published by the presidential office, Fernandez stated that despite the geographical distance between the two nations,
both were "united" historically. He also stressed the Dominican
people's "admiration and great respect" for the Vietnamese.
Fernandez said that he may send a delegation to visit Vietnam in order to fulfill the invitation of the minister.
From: Canada
I think Lieonel's a fan of The Amazing Race. First Dubai, now Vietnam. If he opens up talks with Cambodia next, I'm sure of it!
Written by: abc200, 31 Oct 2009 9:47 AM
From: United Kingdom
Yes, the most successful nation at fighting the Americans commands everyone's respect now. According to my Vietnamese friend a new form of socialism is emerging in Vietnam with many features worthy of careful study. It is good that the DR is forming links with this nation that is advanced in so many fields.
S.
From: United States, Faber College Double Secret Probation
Target you have no friends ......you are a social leper .....a Dalit you are shunned .....my friends in LT report back to me .....you are close to being run out of town on a rail ......your American GI father even if he knew you existed would disown you
Written by: abc200, 31 Oct 2009 10:08 AM
From: United Kingdom
You are upset today....... take a cold shower Blut........
A.
From: United States, Faber College Double Secret Probation
you should just take a shower of any kind they say you are very ripe
Written by: abc200, 31 Oct 2009 11:55 AM
From: United Kingdom
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
Spinner,
LF on Amazing race-that's funny!
BTW, great moniker!
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
Anybody wondering how a country devastated by war four decades ago, like proverbial phoenix, rose from ashes to become important and relevant and prosperous?
Even worse yet, a country subjected to primitive and inadequate and non-progressive communist rule, which even Russians and Chinese were quick to abandon!
While many of these countries assumed their rightful position in world arena, DR continues to rely on tourism, with not much more of any value. Worse yet, the majority of tourism income stays in the hands of foreigners, long before treasured tourists even arrive in country.
We have a big ego but, realistically speaking, we are indeed a backward and stagnated nation, with a short-sighted and corrupt government and judicial system.
To experience true change, DR must transform itself in every aspect, perhaps logically starting top-down, with LF and his cronies.
Perhaps it's good thing that we are examining VietNam.
Written by: Jatmaxon, 31 Oct 2009 2:33 PM
From: United Kingdom
Have to say I'm puzzled. What links could DR have with Nam?? I'm all for any bilateral trade and investment deals but surely someone high up in Nam is saying Leonel Who?!?
From: United States, San Diego, CA - (Dei sitio)
Glomarexplorer,
Anybody wondering how a country devastated by war four decades ago, like proverbial phoenix, rose from ashes to become important and relevant and prosperous?
One little secret lies just north of Vietnam's borders: The richest nation of the world: "China". In the decades to comes we will be lucky to find Nguyens roaming the streets of North America.
From: United States, Faber College Double Secret Probation
Vietnam is no friend of the Chinese
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
Perlur,
China's emergence to rich country status is very recent, reaching a level of significance only in the last decade or so. In general, they want to dominate their corner of the world and, rightly so, have a "China first" attitude, meaning they don't want to share their wealth with anyone. I can't think of any reason why China would need Vietnam.
DR has been in the direct sphere of interest of what for my entire time has been the most powerful nation, both militarily and financially, in the world: United States of America. Yet, DR didn't materially benefit from this natural and beneficial coincidence-why? Very simply because DR is totally corrupt and very parochial in its thinking. You could put it right next to China and it would regress rather than progress.
We could look for excuses all day, but facts and history would argue to contrary and, in the end, DR will remain 3rd world, corrupt and non-prosperous, no matter who is in government.
From: United States, San Diego, CA - (Dei sitio)
My friend Blut,
<<Source: Wikipedia>>
Vietnam's chief trading partners include China, Japan, Australia, ASEAN countries, the U.S. and Western European countries.
Vietnam is a relative newcomer to the oil business, but today it is the third-largest oil producer in Southeast Asia with output of 400,000 barrels per day (64,000 m3/d).
<<Source: CIA Factbook>>
Exports - commodities:
crude oil, marine products, rice, coffee, rubber, tea, garments, shoes
Exports - partners:
US 20.9%, Japan 13.7%, Australia 7.4%, China 6.9%, Germany 4.5% (2008)
Imports - commodities:
machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer, steel products, raw cotton, grain, cement, motorcycles
Imports - partners:
China 21.3%, Singapore 11.7%, Japan 10.4%, South Korea 7.4%, Thailand 6.6% (2008)
It seems that they have developed a good business relationship with the northern monster (Friend or foe?)
From: United States, San Diego, CA - (Dei sitio)
Glomarexplorer,
First of all, this is my theory: Tell me who's your neighbor, I will tell you who you are and what you'll end up like.
Second, please do not compare Vietnam to the DR. Have you looked at the resources that Vietnam has? Only the Mekong Delta provides more resources to Vietnam that the sum of all the resources of the Caribbean islands together.
I understand about China's economy in the past, but Vietnam always was a world power lab for new war techniques and war technologies during cold war, it sadly affected Vietnam's people and economy, but resources were always there, ask the French and Americans; do you believe Vietnam beat US and the French army?, hell no. The big Bear and/or the Dragon were always backing up the whole show.
I am not looking for excuses, but sadly we are DR's most valuable resources and we have flee the nation seeking greener pastures.
From: United States, Faber College Double Secret Probation
Perlurdom my dear amigito I refer to China and Vietnam as ethnic non compatibles except out of necessity or advantage economically otherwise they are traditional enemies
From: United States, San Diego, CA - (Dei sitio)
Glomarexplorer,
I can't think of any reason why China would need Vietnam....OIL, FOOD, ENERGY SOURCES for the northern energy thirsty neighbor.
From: United States, Faber College Double Secret Probation
Perlodom
From: United States, San Diego, CA - (Dei sitio)
Mi amigo Blut,
I refer to China and Vietnam as ethnic non compatibles except out of necessity or advantage economically otherwise they are traditional enemies.
About China/Vietnam ethnic or social relation, I don't have grounds to argue, because I have not had the opportunity to visit or read about the topic. I only can speak about US/Mexico and DR/Haiti social issues or ethnic/cultural compatibility because are the only ones I have lived and experienced.
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
Perlur,
We are not all economists here, except maybe for Dr. Dread, so we are unlikely to be correct in most of our opinions. Consequently, our dialogue would become inaccurate and entertaining at best.
As I consider statistics you quote above, it seems as though Vietnam has a significant negative trade imbalance with China. While China constitutes 6.9 % of export, it constitutes 21.3 %, so trade seems in Chinese's favor. Their better trade is with US, Japan and Australia, where it is all one way and totally positive.
From: United States, Faber College Double Secret Probation
in the conflict with Cambodia Russia was aligned with Vietnam and China Cambodia as I recall and the large Naval Base at Cam Rahn Bay was under Russian control for many years
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
Perlur,
I believe Asian work ethics and commitment to move the next generation upscale is precisely what facilitates progress and allows them ascension to their rightful economic position in world arena. They treasure education and hard work and respect for family and the elderly, perhaps attributes we should aim to emulate. More importantly, they have greater constancy of purpose with a combination of strong central authority and a near-homogeneous society. In my opinion, they will prevail for the next millennium, and we should all endeavor to learn Chinese.
Ever wonder how come Russia, with its vast natural resources and tremendous brain power, has remained largely insignificant economically? If it wasn't for oil and gas, I just don't know what they would export of any significance-except for destructive implements of war. What a waste! Finland occupies similar region and is a major exporter, on the other hand, and with much less natural resources.
From: United States, Faber College Double Secret Probation
the Russian tech was completely ripped off mostly from the Americans .....but what America could put into a matchbox they needed a breadbox .....our German scientists were better than their German scientists
From: United States, San Diego, CA - (Dei sitio)
Glomarexplorer,
You are correct about Vietnam trade deficit with China, same scenario as the Mexico trade balance with the US, and we cannot state that Mexico does not benefit having US as a neighbor.
From: United States, San Diego, CA - (Dei sitio)
Blutarski,
"our German scientists were better than their German scientists"
You are totally correct about this.
Glomarexplorer,
About Russia...too much corruption and backward political mentality.
Written by: walnut, 31 Oct 2009 9:09 PM
From: Dominican Republic, La Romana
Glo,
You are correct when you identified two of the main ingredients for the Vietnamese people's current rebirth-impressive work ethic combined with family inspired values in education, humility, faith and morality. These aspects of their culture have been pervasive for generations. With the current world economy, they play a slight role with a huge upside.
Here in the DR, this will never happen. Different cultures.
From: United States, Faber College Double Secret Probation
When told the reason for Daylight Savings Time, the old indian said
"Only the government would believe you could cut a foot off the top of a blanket,
sew it to the bottom and have a longer blanket"
From: United States
Glomar, i have very little to add to your scholarly assessment of the relative progress of the DR and Vietnam. the principal factor is PLANNING. 5 year plans. 10 year plans. 20 year plans. continuity in realising the objectives. not one government building trains in the capital, while the other builds fountains in Bonao.
Written by: anthonyC, 1 Nov 2009 7:52 PM
From: United States
the principal factor is PLANNING. 5 year plans. 10 year plans. 20 year plans. continuity in realising the objectives. not one government building trains in the capital, while the other builds fountains in Bonao.
Fidel had a plan....So did Stalin, Hitler and Mao. What is 100 million dead as long as you stick to a plan even if it has no hope of actually working?
From: United States, Faber College Double Secret Probation
Mao Tse Dread does not care about that
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
Dr. Dread,
As usual, thanks for kind comments, and welcome back.
Site needs your rational, intelligent and incisive commentary more than ever.
Please continue your contribution.
From: United States, Faber College Double Secret Probation
glomy yes it is nice to see Dread back in the saddle but be careful ...........he may try to drive you into the sea with the other capitalist exploiters
From: United States, Faber College Double Secret Probation
Viet Nam is the second largest producer of Coffee in the world after Brazil .....It was not long ago their production was insignificant ...
Written by: Sajomero, 3 Nov 2009 3:31 AM
From: United States, Santiago de los Caballeros
Vietnam also produces really bad quality coffee that plunged world prices for a few years now. Now there's a cup that is crappier thann Cafe Santo Domingo.
From: United States, Faber College Double Secret Probation
touche sajomero
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LF on Amazing race-that's funny!
BTW, great moniker!
Anybody wondering how a country devastated by war four decades ago, like proverbial phoenix, rose from ashes to become important and relevant and prosperous?
Even worse yet, a country subjected to primitive and inadequate and non-progressive communist rule, which even Russians and Chinese were quick to abandon!
While many of these countries assumed their rightful position in world arena, DR continues to rely on tourism, with not much more of any value. Worse yet, the majority of tourism income stays in the hands of foreigners, long before treasured tourists even arrive in country.
We have a big ego but, realistically speaking, we are indeed a backward and stagnated nation, with a short-sighted and corrupt government and judicial system.
To experience true change, DR must transform itself in every aspect, perhaps logically starting top-down, with LF and his cronies.
Perhaps it's good thing that we are examining VietNam.
Anybody wondering how a country devastated by war four decades ago, like proverbial phoenix, rose from ashes to become important and relevant and prosperous?
One little secret lies just north of Vietnam's borders: The richest nation of the world: "China". In the decades to comes we will be lucky to find Nguyens roaming the streets of North America.
China's emergence to rich country status is very recent, reaching a level of significance only in the last decade or so. In general, they want to dominate their corner of the world and, rightly so, have a "China first" attitude, meaning they don't want to share their wealth with anyone. I can't think of any reason why China would need Vietnam.
DR has been in the direct sphere of interest of what for my entire time has been the most powerful nation, both militarily and financially, in the world: United States of America. Yet, DR didn't materially benefit from this natural and beneficial coincidence-why? Very simply because DR is totally corrupt and very parochial in its thinking. You could put it right next to China and it would regress rather than progress.
We could look for excuses all day, but facts and history would argue to contrary and, in the end, DR will remain 3rd world, corrupt and non-prosperous, no matter who is in government.
<<Source: Wikipedia>>
Vietnam's chief trading partners include China, Japan, Australia, ASEAN countries, the U.S. and Western European countries.
Vietnam is a relative newcomer to the oil business, but today it is the third-largest oil producer in Southeast Asia with output of 400,000 barrels per day (64,000 m3/d).
<<Source: CIA Factbook>>
Exports - commodities:
crude oil, marine products, rice, coffee, rubber, tea, garments, shoes
Exports - partners:
US 20.9%, Japan 13.7%, Australia 7.4%, China 6.9%, Germany 4.5% (2008)
Imports - commodities:
machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer, steel products, raw cotton, grain, cement, motorcycles
Imports - partners:
China 21.3%, Singapore 11.7%, Japan 10.4%, South Korea 7.4%, Thailand 6.6% (2008)
It seems that they have developed a good business relationship with the northern monster (Friend or foe?)
First of all, this is my theory: Tell me who's your neighbor, I will tell you who you are and what you'll end up like.
Second, please do not compare Vietnam to the DR. Have you looked at the resources that Vietnam has? Only the Mekong Delta provides more resources to Vietnam that the sum of all the resources of the Caribbean islands together.
I understand about China's economy in the past, but Vietnam always was a world power lab for new war techniques and war technologies during cold war, it sadly affected Vietnam's people and economy, but resources were always there, ask the French and Americans; do you believe Vietnam beat US and the French army?, hell no. The big Bear and/or the Dragon were always backing up the whole show.
I am not looking for excuses, but sadly we are DR's most valuable resources and we have flee the nation seeking greener pastures.
I can't think of any reason why China would need Vietnam....OIL, FOOD, ENERGY SOURCES for the northern energy thirsty neighbor.
I refer to China and Vietnam as ethnic non compatibles except out of necessity or advantage economically otherwise they are traditional enemies.
About China/Vietnam ethnic or social relation, I don't have grounds to argue, because I have not had the opportunity to visit or read about the topic. I only can speak about US/Mexico and DR/Haiti social issues or ethnic/cultural compatibility because are the only ones I have lived and experienced.
We are not all economists here, except maybe for Dr. Dread, so we are unlikely to be correct in most of our opinions. Consequently, our dialogue would become inaccurate and entertaining at best.
As I consider statistics you quote above, it seems as though Vietnam has a significant negative trade imbalance with China. While China constitutes 6.9 % of export, it constitutes 21.3 %, so trade seems in Chinese's favor. Their better trade is with US, Japan and Australia, where it is all one way and totally positive.
I believe Asian work ethics and commitment to move the next generation upscale is precisely what facilitates progress and allows them ascension to their rightful economic position in world arena. They treasure education and hard work and respect for family and the elderly, perhaps attributes we should aim to emulate. More importantly, they have greater constancy of purpose with a combination of strong central authority and a near-homogeneous society. In my opinion, they will prevail for the next millennium, and we should all endeavor to learn Chinese.
Ever wonder how come Russia, with its vast natural resources and tremendous brain power, has remained largely insignificant economically? If it wasn't for oil and gas, I just don't know what they would export of any significance-except for destructive implements of war. What a waste! Finland occupies similar region and is a major exporter, on the other hand, and with much less natural resources.
You are correct about Vietnam trade deficit with China, same scenario as the Mexico trade balance with the US, and we cannot state that Mexico does not benefit having US as a neighbor.
"our German scientists were better than their German scientists"
You are totally correct about this.
Glomarexplorer,
About Russia...too much corruption and backward political mentality.
You are correct when you identified two of the main ingredients for the Vietnamese people's current rebirth-impressive work ethic combined with family inspired values in education, humility, faith and morality. These aspects of their culture have been pervasive for generations. With the current world economy, they play a slight role with a huge upside.
Here in the DR, this will never happen. Different cultures.
When told the reason for Daylight Savings Time, the old indian said
"Only the government would believe you could cut a foot off the top of a blanket,
sew it to the bottom and have a longer blanket"
Fidel had a plan....So did Stalin, Hitler and Mao. What is 100 million dead as long as you stick to a plan even if it has no hope of actually working?
As usual, thanks for kind comments, and welcome back.
Site needs your rational, intelligent and incisive commentary more than ever.
Please continue your contribution.