VIETNAM

1. Political environment
Vietnam is a one-party state ruled by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) which provides strategic
direction and decides all major policy issues. This country is one of the more politically stable countries in
Southeast Asia and political dissent is not welcomed. Widespread unrests and the scale of protests as
compared to other nations in ASEAN are uncommon in Vietnam. Internal conflict is strictly controlled and
large-scale and/or politically sensitive protests quelled. With The Cyber Security Law, taking effect in
January 2019, there are strict restrictions on freedom of speech which can affect news broadcasts and
requires international service providers to provide information to the Government on request and to censor
posts within 24 hours of the request. Failure to do so may result in servers in Vietnam being taken offline.
However, Vietnam is an excellent choice for international investment and as a China+1 site. Investors
who choose this area, on the other hand, must do due diligence and assess the market in the specific place to
guarantee they are prepared to face obstacles.
 7 marks
2. System of government
Vietnam is a one-party state ruled by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). The CPV provides
strategic direction and decides all major policy issues which the government then implements. The country
is led by the so-called “four pillars”: CPV General Secretary, State President, Prime Minister and National
Assembly Chair. General Party Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong currently holds two positions, Head of the
CPV, the most powerful position in Vietnam and to which he has been reselected for another five-year term
(from February 2021), and the State Presidency, which he will relinquish later this year. Policy is made on a
consensus basis by the Politburo and currently prioritises stability, retaining the political status quo,
domestic economic development, and international integration.
 7 marks

3. Stability of government
The Vietnamese Communist Party remains firmly in power, despite some public discontent over the lack
of personal freedom, government corruption and land seizures by the administration. Issues of sensitivity
like multi-party elections and criticism of the CPV (including of now retired senior figures) are well under
control. And Mainstream domestic media outlets remain fully under the control and direction of the CPV.
According to Political stability - Country rankings, Vietnam fell in 83th amongst 194 countries with 0.13
points (the highest country had 1.66 points).
 6 marks

4. Level of corruption
Corrupt practices are widespread in Vietnam Corruption is particularly prevalent in relation to
infrastructure projects, customs procedures, and land rights. Anyone engaged in business in Vietnam may
encounter, and at the very least should prepare for, the challenges of corruption in one form or another.
Practices such as facilitation payments, bribes and giving and receiving expensive gifts to develop business
relationships are still common. There is also very little judicial independence in Vietnam and corruption
remains a problem in the court system. There is also little oversight of assets and investigative journalism is
limited by media controls.
The Party Leadership and Government have publicly committed to addressing corruption. They have
taken several concrete actions, including adopting, and improving anti-corruption laws, developing anti-
corruption strategies. Vietnam’s score on Transparency International’s 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index,
however, was down one point to 37 out of 100, putting Vietnam 104th out of 180 countries and territories.
 Prevention and enforcement activity remain weak, public-sector salaries low and opportunities for corrupt
practices many.
 4 marks

CANADA
1. Political environment
Canada’s political system is a parliamentary democracy, with its own social and political institutions. The economy is
closely linked to that of the United States, but Canada has its own economic institutions. Canada also has a well-
developed social safety-net to protect citizens from financial inequities. In the political environment, Canada is number
two in the world — extremely stable. This country has a diverse and an inclusive economy and Forbes have rated
Canada sixth in the best country to do business in out of 153 countries. And Canada is number two in the G7 as well.
 8 marks

2. System of government
Canada is a constitutional monarchy; following the model of a federal state with a parliamentary democracy. The Prime
Minister and Cabinet exercise executive power. Canada's legislative power rests with the Parliament, with two houses:
the Senate, consisting of appointed Senators, and the House of Representatives, consisting of freely elected
Representatives (one per constituency). The House of Representatives, the main legislative body, is usually elected
every four years for a maximum term of five years. People vote to elect a representative for their area. The party with
the most representatives in the House of Representatives forms the government. The Constitution of Canada prescribes
the federal structure of government and the functions, duties, and powers of the federal government. The federal
government is responsible for national affairs such as foreign relations, international trade, defense, fisheries,
transportation, communications, taxation, monetary and banking systems, law criminal, immigration, and human rights.
Provinces are responsible for areas such as law enforcement, civil rights, natural resources, provincial taxes, education,
culture, and local government.

3. Stability of government
Canada has been able to have a politically stable government due to its ability to enforce individual rights, economic
freedom, and equality. According to US news, Canada is ranked 2 nd in 10 Most Politically Stable Countries and this
country fell in 26th in the Political stability - Country rankings from Theglobaleconomy.com
 8 marks

4. Level of corrupt
No country is perfect when it comes to corruption, but Canada fares pretty well accroding to Transparency
International (TI), In the 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index, released by TI, Canada ranks as the 11th least-
corrupt country in the world. Overall, corruption in Canada is low compared to most other countries
worldwide.
 9 marks

REFERENCES
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