The resilient merchants who once controlled 80 percent of Saigon's private business
For decades, the Hoa people were the economic engine of southern Vietnam. From dominating the private sector under French Indochina to facing mass exodus during the Sino-Vietnamese War, their history is a complex saga of commercial mastery, political upheaval, and cultural endurance.
The Hoa, or Chinese-Vietnamese, are an ethnic minority defined by their enduring connection to Han Chinese language and culture. While migration to the region spans millennia, the specific Hoa identity is closely linked to waves of migration from southern Chinese provinces, particularly during the 1-8th century. Unlike many other groups that assimilated into the Kinh population, the Hoa maintained a distinct community through shared customs and linguistic ties.
Historically, the Hoa played a pivotal role in Vietnam's urban and commercial landscapes. During the era of French Indochina, colonial authorities often leveraged their commercial acumen. This influence peaked in the period leading up to 1975, when estimates suggest the Hoa controlled between 70 and 80 percent of privately owned businesses in Saigon. However, the landscape shifted drastically after 1975. Following the rise of the Communist Party of Vietnam, many Hoa-owned properties and businesses were nationalized. The community faced accusations of political disloyalty, a situation that intensified during the Sino-Vietnamese War and triggered a mass exodus of 'boat people' fleeing persecution.
Despite these profound disruptions, the Hoa have demonstrated remarkable resilience. The adoption of economic liberalisation in Vietnam starting in 1987 provided a pathway for the community to re-establish its presence in the business sector. While their economic influence is not as dominant as it was in the pre-1975 era, the Hoa remain a vital, commercially active component of Vietnam's modern, globally-integrated economy.
Source: Hoa people
