The Settlement Practice of Environmental Disputes Involving Foreign Investors in Vietnam – the Two Sides of the FDI Coin

The last two decades have been an extraordinary period for Vietnam. The country has undergone dramatic economic development from a centrally planned economy to a “socialist-oriented market economy”¹ under the umbrella of the Doi Moi (Renovation) Policy. Significantly, Vietnam has openly recognized the importance of international economic cooperation.² Attracting foreign direct investment (“FDI”) has been a key part of Vietnam’s external economic affairs. The Government of Vietnam has made tremendous efforts to develop the business and investment climate, and by recognizing that the FDI sector is an integral part of the economy – essential to restructuring the economy and raising national