EUGENE–Two Vietnamese scholars, who are in the United States to help develop international business programs in Vietnam, Thailand and Oregon, will present a free public talk at the University of Oregon on Vietnam’s efforts to transform itself into a market-driven economy.

The two-hour presentation begins at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Collier House, 1170 E. 13 Ave. on the UO campus.

Dr. Pham Lan Huong and Professor Pham Dinh Phuong are currently in residence at the UO as visiting scholars with a U. S. Information Agency (USIA) project.

The UO Center on Asian and Pacific Studies (CAPS) is sponsoring their visit as part of a three-year USIA grant project. The program allows for the exchange of 15 scholars from four participating universities, including the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Van Lang University in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Dr. Pham, the director of Van Lang University’s International Training Center, participated in the development of an economic and social development plan for both South Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City. She is a researcher and an author as well.

Professor Phuong, dean of Van Lang University’s College of Business and Economics, is the manager of the Department of Foreign Investment Consultancy and Marketing with the Saigon Architect and Engineering Co. located in Ho Chi Minh City. He researches tourism, quality management and industrial development.

Southeast Asia has important economic implications for the United States, says UO Business Professor Kenneth Ramsing, who administers the USIA grant. In the grant summary, he pointed out that Vietnam, Thailand and Oregon need to internationalize and diversify their economies to promote future economies of the mind and to increase their international competitiveness. Each has the capacity and potential to become a significant force in global markets, he says. To reach that potential, Ramsing adds, it is imperative that Thailand, Vietnam and Oregon internationalize their businesses and form partnerships that address mutual interests and needs.

Along with OSU, UO strives to develop long-term partnerships with Payap University and Van Lang University. This partnership, Ramsing said, will enhance their programs and their faculties’ ability to teach about and conduct transnational research on international trade policy, economic security and business-management practices.

For more information, contact CAPS (541) 346-4816.

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