in the world) - it offers a huge market to exporters, and a potential goldmine for savvy investors, entrepreneurs, and business executives. Even though Vietnam is officially still a communist country, recent government and market reforms have dramatically changed the economic environment. Today, Vietnam is essentially a free market economy and, moreover, one just beginning to take off - the best possible time for entrepreneurs and investors to get involved. Here is the first complete guide to doing business in this new economic powerhouse. Packed with practical help on everything from trademark protection to coping with a sometimes Byzantine bureaucracy. With its explosion of private business activity - record rates of economic growth - and strategic position as a window into the still untapped natural resources and huge consumer markets of Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar - Vietnam is clearly the strongest of the new economic mini-dragons now emerging on the Pacific Rim. This guide provides an easy-to-follow roadmap to its unparalleled new opportunities.  (less)

used in the eastern Burma state of Shan add their own unique beauty. Maeta is the name of a river in northern Thailand. Aphi Mina crafts these textiles like a painter would, each piece representing something that occurs around her at the time. So no two pieces are alike [although they are in essence similar to the picture]. If she wakes up in the morning, after having dreamed of pink elephants, she might just decide to incorporate part (either with a new motif or new color) of this dream in the piece. Because of her age and her unique situation as a keeper of traditional arts, Novica allows for greater variance in her works than with other artists. Originally from Nepal, the Akha tribe has spread throughout the mountains of China, Laos Myanmar and Thailand. Today, some 20,000 Akha live in the northern hills of Thailand. Akha villages are distinguished by beautifully carved gates protected by fierce guardian spirits. This is a proud and timeless culture, struggling to preserve its cultural values through traditional skills and knowledge. In the Akha society women play an important role, and among them, prominent artisan Mina is committed to spread their colorful hand-made items all over the world. Because each textile is individually crafted, this piece can vary slightly from that shown.  (less)

to your dining room. Aphi Mina crafts these textiles like a painter would, each piece representing something that occurs around her at the time. So no two pieces are alike [although they are in essence similar to the picture]. If she wakes up in the morning, after having dreamed of pink elephants, she might just decide to incorporate part (either with a new motif or new color) of this dream in the piece. Because of her age and her unique situation as a keeper of traditional arts, Novica allows for greater variance in her works than with other artists. Hailing from the majestic lands of Nepal, the Akha tribe has spread throughout the mountains of China, Laos Myanmar and Thailand. Today, there are about 20,000 Akha natives living in the Northern Hills of Thailand. Akha villages are distinguished by beautifully carved gates, protected by fierce guardian spirits. This is a proud and timeless culture, struggling to preserve its cultural values through their traditional skills and knowledge. In the Akha society women play an important role, and among them, prominent artisan Aphi is committed to spread their colorful hand-made items all over the world.  (less)

coins on every corner. Aphi Mina crafts these textiles like a painter would, each piece representing something that occurs around her at the time. So no two pieces are alike [although they are in essence similar to the picture]. If she wakes up in the morning, after having dreamed of pink elephants, she might just decide to incorporate part (either with a new motif or new color) of this dream in the piece. Because of her age and her unique situation as a keeper of traditional arts, Novica allows for greater variance in her works than with other artists. Hailing from the majestic lands of Nepal, the Akha tribe has spread throughout the mountains of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Today, there are about 20,000 Akha natives living in the northern hills of Thailand. Akha villages are distinguished by beautifully carved gates protected by fierce guardian spirits. This is a proud and timeless culture, struggling to preserve its cultural values through their traditional skills and knowledge. In the Akha society women play an important role, and among these women is prominent artisan Aphi Mina, committed to spreading their colorful handmade items all over the world.  (less)

the piece is a true testimony of the Akha textile legacy. This work hangs from a bamboo rod. Aphi Mina crafts these textiles like a painter would, each piece representing something that occurs around her at the time. So no two pieces are alike [although they are in essence similar to the picture]. If she wakes up in the morning, after having dreamed of pink elephants, she might just decide to incorporate part (either with a new motif or new color) of this dream in the piece. Because of her age and her unique situation as a keeper of traditional arts, Novica allows for greater variance in her works than with other artists. Hailing from the majestic lands of Nepal, the Akha tribe has spread throughout the mountains of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Today, there are about 20,000 Akha natives living in the Northern Hills of Thailand. Akha villages are distinguished by beautifully carved gates protected by fierce guardian spirits. This is a proud and timeless culture, struggling to preserve its cultural values through their traditional skills and knowledge. In the Akha society women play an important role, and among these women is prominent artisan Aphi Mina, committed to spreading their colorful handmade items all over the world.  (less)

Thailand. Finished in luxurious fringe, it is adorned with nickel coins used in the eastern Burma state of Shan. Aphi Mina crafts these textiles like a painter would, each piece representing something that occurs around her at the time. So no two pieces are alike [although they are in essence similar to the picture]. If she wakes up in the morning, after having dreamed of pink elephants, she might just decide to incorporate part (either with a new motif or new color) of this dream in the piece. Because of her age and her unique situation as a keeper of traditional arts, Novica allows for greater variance in her works than with other artists. Originally from Nepal, the Akha tribe has spread throughout the mountains of China, Laos Myanmar and Thailand. Today, some 20,000 Akha live in the northern hills of Thailand. Akha villages are distinguished by beautifully carved gates protected by fierce guardian spirits. This is a proud and timeless culture, struggling to preserve its cultural values through traditional skills and knowledge. In the Akha society women play an important role, and among them, prominent artisan Mina is committed to spread their colorful hand-made items all over the world. Because each textile is individually crafted, this piece can vary slightly from that shown. A bamboo display rod is included.  (less)

name, Mae Wang, is taken from a river in northern Thailand. Aphi Mina crafts these textiles like a painter would, each piece representing something that occurs around her at the time. So no two pieces are alike [although they are in essence similar to the picture]. If she wakes up in the morning, after having dreamed of pink elephants, she might just decide to incorporate part (either with a new motif or new color) of this dream in the piece. Because of her age and her unique situation as a keeper of traditional arts, Novica allows for greater variance in her works than with other artists. Originally from Nepal, the Akha tribe has spread throughout the mountains of China, Laos Myanmar and Thailand. Today, some 20,000 Akha live in the northern hills of Thailand. Akha villages are distinguished by beautifully carved gates protected by fierce guardian spirits. This is a proud and timeless culture, struggling to preserve its cultural values through traditional skills and knowledge. In the Akha society women play an important role, and among them, prominent artisan Mina is committed to spread their colorful hand-made items all over the world. Because each textile is individually crafted, this piece can vary slightly from that shown. A bamboo display rod is included.  (less)