30 years of Vietnam's economy through the eyes of a British businessman

Mr. Kenneth Atkinson, founder of Grant Thornton Vietnam, shared emotionally about his journey of more than three decades living and working in Vietnam, a period of his life that he called "a breath of fresh air".

Mr. Kenneth Atkinson, British businessman at a book signing in Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: N.BINH

Journey of starting a business in Vietnam over 35 years

"At that time, the city was very poor, most houses did not have tap water. People still had to go get water together, meals were simple, the streets were crowded with old vehicles. But I was deeply impressed by the Vietnamese people's spirit of learning and integrity in work," he recalled his first visit to Hanoi 35 years ago.

At the launch of his memoir Never Say No in Ho Chi Minh City last weekend, many stories about Vietnam's economy through the ages were shared by this British businessman.

Mr. Atkinson said that in the early days, many foreign investors were only interested in signing the contract quickly and ignored the content. "I always advised them not to leave their 'brains at the airport', but to bring them into the meeting room."

According to him, understanding Vietnamese culture and history is a prerequisite. Nodding the Vietnamese does not mean agreeing. If you displease them, it will be difficult to bring them back to the negotiating table.

"Never Say No" is a memoir that chronicles the 35-year journey of Kenneth Atkinson, founder of Grant Thornton Vietnam, in Vietnam. He calls his journey of more than three decades of living and working in Vietnam a "breath of fresh air" and is especially meaningful. Compared to the country he lived in 10 years before, Vietnam gives him a "fresh feeling and full of opportunities".

The book's content not only revolves around the entrepreneurial spirit, challenges and successes, but also touches on larger topics such as globalization, expat life and how an individual can make an impact in his/her second home: Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam.

After more than three decades in Vietnam, for him, Vietnam is not only a place to start a business but also a "second home", a place that continues to inspire the story of "never say no".

From "Can't Say No" to the Book Title Never Say No

The title "Can't Say No" was a weakness that a colleague reminded him of at a meeting of the Business Leadership Network. But gradually, this habit became a strength that helped him expand his relationships, creating the title of his memoir Never Say No.

Although no longer holding an executive position at Grant Thornton, Mr. Atkinson is proud of his legacy and community activities such as Operation Smile and support programs in Da Nang .

His advice to the next generation of leaders and international businesses coming to Vietnam to work and do business is "to learn Vietnamese culture and history and always be flexible in the face of rapid changes in this country. That is the key to long-term success."

Kenneth Atkinson's full name is always accompanied by the letters OBE because this British businessman has been awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire). This is a title awarded by the British Royal Family to individuals who have contributed to the arts, sciences, charity, social welfare and other public services.

Special thing: Mr. Kenneth Atkinson received this title when he already had the Vietnamese name Pham Kien Son. "That's why I can say I'm the only Vietnamese person to receive this title up to now," he joked.

When asked about his regrets after a long journey, he smiled: "I really have nothing to regret. Vietnamese people, like me, believe that the past is past, we should only look forward. If I have any regrets, it is probably the time I did not buy a piece of land in Thao Dien when the price was only 13 USD/m², because at that time I could not find anyone trustworthy enough to stand in my name," he answered a friend's question.

AS PEACEFUL

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/30-nam-kinh-te-viet-nam-qua-mat-doanh-nhan-nguoi-anh-20250914141017769.htm