Vietnam most optimistic nation in the world: survey

A survey done in 53 countries by Gallup International Association (GIA) found 94 percent of Vietnamese respondents optimistic followed by Hongkongers and Chinese at 74% and 73% respectively

The Voice of the People Survey found optimism particularly high in countries upbeat about economic prospects and unconcerned about unemployment or industrial disputes increasing this year.

However, of the 48,500 people polled, o­nly 43 percent said “better” when asked “Do you think 2007 will be better or worse than 2006?”

Europeans dominated the list of pessimists. Greece took the lead with 44 percent saying 2007 would be worse, even lower that Iraq where it was 43 percent.

Le Dang Doanh, a Vietnamese economic expert, said the optimism in his country was based o­n the political and social stability and steady economic development.

Chris Morley, CEO of market research firm AC Nielsen, said foreign direct investment inflows into Vietnam, which had steadily increased in the last several years, had contributed to people’s sanguinity.

People’s confidence should be regarded as a strong motive for more action and reforms to develop the economy, and authorities should strive to satisfy those expectations, not disappoint people.

In October, AC Nielsen had conducted a similar survey in Vietnam producing a similar result.

GIA said Vietnam had been leading the optimists’ league for the last four years.