Summary
Vietnam's strategy of economic growth has been one of 'export-oriented' economic growth that seeks to attract Foreign Direct Investment to help fund industrialization. As part of this strategy, the country has built Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and Industrial Zones (IZs) that offer special economic incentives to foreign investors to attract their investment money. Critics of these zones point out the pressure to offer these incentives leads some governments in developing countries to lower labor protections or environmental standards and look the other way at violations. At the same time, labor, and other protests at sites with international investment can draw international attention, leading to real governance changes to protect labor rights or raise environmental standards. Ho Chi Minh City has successfully attracted significant foreign investment and industrial development. One major investor is Coca-Cola company. We were fortunate to be offered the opportunity to visit Coca-Cola's manufacturing facility in Ho Chi Minh City. Students considered what FDI like this means for Vietnam's economic prospects and thought about how effective Corporate Social Responsibility strategies are at ensuring fair labor practices and environmentally sustainable manufacturing, as well as the role of the Vietnamese government in maintaining fair labor and environmental standards.