Western companies make a comeback in Ho Chi Minh City.
Real McDonalds, Pizza Huts, and 7-11's have replaced fake ones yet Rolex
copies remain for under $5. Gucci, Boss, and every other designer label
sells wares in chic, glistening stores. American and French labels enjoy
the most popularity because the Vietnamese prefer to conduct business
with old enemies. In the consumer free-for-all, almost everything goes.
The communist government will not protect trademarks, copywrites, or intellectual
property. However, they preserve cultural integrity. No one is allowed
to open an "Uncle Ho's Hamburgers." And though KFC flourishes
all over Vietnam, don't mention any resemblance of Ho Chi Minh to Colonel
Sanders. |