Open Development Vietnam recently published a page on Human Trafficking in Vietnam: From Traditional Routes to Digital Deception. Vietnam, with its strategic geographical location and deep integration into regional migration flows, is both a source and transit country for trafficking victims. This criminal enterprise has evolved from traditional cross-border smuggling into sophisticated digital operations, exploiting the country’s economic vulnerabilities and geographic position. They target the most vulnerable groups including women, children, ethnic minorities, impoverished workers, and more recently, men and members of the LGBTQI+ community. Vietnamese citizens are trafficked to countries such as China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and beyond for exploitation. Despite government efforts and international cooperation, the problem persists, increasing in sophistication with the adoption of new technologies and changing global dynamics.

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Vietnam’s economic boom in recent decades has significantly reshaped its labor market and migration patterns. Driven by robust growth, rapid urbanization, and shifting demographics, Vietnam’s workforce is undergoing a dynamic transformation. This page explores the current state of Vietnam’s labor force, its internal and international migration trends, and the complex challenges and opportunities these dynamics present.

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Vietnam, a rapidly developing nation in Southeast Asia, is undergoing significant economic growth, industrialisation, and urbanization. While these advancements have boosted the economy, they have also led to increased waste generation and complex waste management challenges. Effective waste management is crucial for maintaining environmental sustainability, protecting public health, and enhancing overall quality of life.

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Open Development Mekong explores the dynamics of Foreign Investment in the Lower Mekong Region. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is a key driver of economic growth in the Lower Mekong Countries (LMCs) — Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Attracting significant global interest, the region saw a net inflow of $34.56 billion in FDI in 2022. This investment fuels job creation, enhances international trade, and develops critical sectors like textiles, agriculture, and tourism. Discover how free trade agreements, Special Economic Zones, and favorable regulations are shaping a sustainable economic future for the LMCs, while the Mekong River continues to be a lifeline for millions. Check out our insights to understand the transformative impact of FDI in this vibrant region!

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Open Development Mekong recently published a story on “Empowering Women Environmental Defenders’ Voices through Data Storytelling.” In today’s ever-changing world, where we navigate a landscape overflowing with information, the ability to make sense of data and use it for informed decision-making becomes essential. Yet for many Women Environmental Defenders (WED), their stories are often lost or told in ways that dehumanize them and in some circumstances vilify them. By focusing on building capacity for data literacy and storytelling, we can help WED to take control of their own narratives. 

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Open Development Thailand recently published a topic page on “Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Thailand,” showing statistics of FDI. Thailand has been and continues to be one of the most successful countries in the region in attracting FDI due to its investor-friendly environment. Thailand is considered a ‘newly industrialised country’ with a GDP of $1.517 trillion at the end of 2023, making it the 9th largest economy in Asia. The Thai government currently prioritises the following industries for investment: bio-circular-green industries, electric vehicles, smart electronics, digital industries, and the creative industries.

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Open Development Mekong recently published a page on ‘Hydropower and foreign investment’ as part of a series looking at Foreign Investment in the Lower Mekong Region. The beginning of the 21st century saw a return to investment in hydropower. Behind this hydropower boom has been South-to-South investment (investment between Global Majority developing countries), becoming a critical source of technological and financial transfer. Between 2004 and 2012, the trade in hydropower technologies between South-to-South increased from below 10% of total global trade to nearly 50%. China has been a strong financier of infrastructure projects as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, investing nearly $25.85 billion globally. Through this investment, China has emerged as one of the main financiers of hydropower projects, particularly in the Lower Mekong Region. Hydropower is seen as integral in the push towards green energy development in the Lower Mekong Region, with countries such as Vietnam and Thailand outlining their plans for green growth. However, hydropower projects are often announced against the backdrop of community and NGO protests and opposition to the projects, with the economic interests of companies foregrounded against the livelihoods of local communities. Whilst the shift to renewable energy is imperative in the face of rising global temperatures, using energy sources such as hydropower needs to be considered in the face of the long-term harm that hydropower projects do to the environment and the local communities.

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As part of a series looking at Foreign Investment in the Lower Mekong Region, Open Development Myanmar recently published a page on “Foreign Direct Investment in Myanmar”. Following political and economic reforms in 2011, with the first democratic elections held in 2015, Myanmar reopened to the global economy, experienced high economic growth. ​​In recent years, however, foreign investment in Myanmar has significantly declined due to multiple crises, pandemic, global sanctions, particularly political instability. The current political situation in Myanmar presents a multitude of challenges for investors, with opaque regulations, policies and rules for governing foreign investment. Despite these challenges Myanmar continues to invite investment, with countries such as Singapore and China continuing to invest in the country. 

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Open Development Vietnam recently published the Vietnam digital transformation agenda, describing the country’s progress in digitalization. Vietnam focuses on three strategic pillars of digital government, digital economy, and digital society – each has been analyzed with pros and cons. 

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Open Development Myanmar (ODMm) recently published a story on ‘Current State of Information Availability and Quality in Myanmar,’ showing existing challenges due to various factors, including political instability, limited technological infrastructure, and ongoing conflicts in some parts of the country. As a result, policymakers and humanitarian organizations face challenges in accessing accurate and reliable data to inform their decision-making. In addition, people from certain areas, especially in conflict zones or areas controlled by non-state actors, face a greater significant challenge to access online information affecting a matter of life and death. The rise of social media and the ease with which anyone can create and share content means that there is a greater need for media literacy and critical thinking skills. 

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