Business Travel and Asia’s Upcoming Economic Powerhouses

Article Highlights:

• Ho Chi Minh City is one of the fastest-growing international business cities with a 19% compound growth rate.
• Delhi, Indore and Bangalore are propelling the India GDP with strong foreign investment interest.
• Western companies are drawn to Vietnam’s young workforce and rising Vietnam GDP per capita.
• Despite ongoing infrastructure and corruption challenges, Bangladesh’s Dhaka is evolving into a regional startup and manufacturing hub.
• Safety concerns for international business travelers range from disease to civil unrest; strategic preparation is key for success.

Vietnam Growing Economy

With a compound growth rate of 19%, Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh (Ho Chi Minh City) stands as a testament to Vietnam’s growing economy. It is bolstered by substantial foreign direct investment, burgeoning tech startups and a dynamic young workforce. Westerners are especially drawn to its business-friendly reforms, improving infrastructure and proximity to global supply chains.

Growing pains are real, however. Infrastructure development hasn’t kept pace with economic activity, leading to traffic congestion and strained utilities. While energetic and abundant, the workforce still faces skill gaps in specialized industries. Geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea and rising cyber risks have added to business concerns. Though kidnapping and ransom risks are lower than in some regions, corruption and red tape persist.

Natural disasters are another reality. Vietnam is prone to typhoons and floods, especially in the southern regions. These events pose logistical and safety challenges. Dengue fever and waterborne illnesses are public health concerns during the rainy season, especially in urban slums.

For success in Vietnam, Western business travelers should prepare with thorough safety briefings, obtain local legal advice and consider partnerships with reputable local firms. It’s essential to understand cultural nuances, prioritize cybersecurity and remain agile in adjusting to regulatory changes.

National Economy of India

Delhi, India’s capital, is experiencing a 17% growth rate in its international business sector. Its appeal lies in its status as a political and economic hub, a central point for industries ranging from tech to logistics to finance. For Westerners, Delhi offers access to India’s vast national economy, growing consumer base and government-led infrastructure projects like smart cities and digital highways.

Yet challenges remain. The city grapples with severe air pollution, aging infrastructure and a periodically unreliable energy grid. The workforce is large and educated but can be constrained by bureaucratic processes and high competition. Protests, particularly around policy changes, have caused disruptions. India is generally safe for travel, but petty crime and occasional unrest can affect business continuity.

Delhi also faces frequent heatwaves, flooding during monsoon season and occasional seismic activity. Vector-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya can also impact business operations.

Western business travelers must engage in risk assessments, ensure health precautions and build relationships with vetted local advisors to succeed. A keen understanding of the India GDP landscape and regional regulatory frameworks is critical.

More Business in India

Indore, often overshadowed by India’s metro giants, is now emerging as a leader with an 18% international business growth rate. Known for its cleanliness and planned development, Indore attracts IT services, education and manufacturing businesses. It represents a newer face of business in India, offering streamlined regulations and proactive state governance.

Being a smaller city, however, Indore still faces gaps in international connectivity and scalable infrastructure. The local workforce is talented but smaller in number compared to metros. Corruption at lower levels of governance and land acquisition delays are common challenges. Kidnapping and ransom risks are low, but political demonstrations can cause disruption.

Indore’s central India location spares it from major natural disasters, but seasonal monsoons can cause localized flooding. Airborne and waterborne diseases may still affect short-term travelers.

Westerners eyeing Indore should maintain health safety protocols and focus on building long-term partnerships to navigate the evolving economic climate.

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Frontier Market on the Move

Dhaka is fast emerging from the shadows and has one of South Asia’s most promising business landscapes. While reliable compound growth data is less frequently published, trends suggest Dhaka is growing rapidly in sectors like garments, tech and logistics, fueling Bangladesh GDP growth.

Western businesses are attracted to low labor costs, proximity to India and China and government-backed export processing zones. But there are hurdles: Dhaka’s infrastructure is severely strained, with chronic traffic jams, outdated public services and an unreliable power grid. The workforce is industrious but requires training in international business practices.

Corruption remains a top concern, as does civil unrest during election cycles. Safety risks include political violence, low-level criminality and occasional reports of extortion.

Flooding is Dhaka’s biggest natural threat, intensified by climate change and poor drainage. Waterborne diseases such as cholera and hepatitis A are persistent health issues.

Westerners entering the Bangladesh market must ensure local legal support, secure reliable housing and transport and take robust health precautions. Despite these risks, the opportunity in Dhaka is enormous for those who prepare wisely.

Bangalore Is the Silicon Valley of Asia

Bangalore, long recognized as India’s tech capital, continues to surge thanks to a strong international business ecosystem. While its compound growth isn’t listed, it remains a magnet for startups, global corporations and research institutions.

The business appeal lies in its tech-savvy workforce, English proficiency and global connectivity. Many Westerners find Bangalore easier to navigate than other Indian cities, making it a natural gateway into the broader business in India scene.

But growth comes at a cost. Bangalore suffers from overpopulation, aging roads and water shortages. Skilled talent is abundant, but competition drives up wages and attrition rates. While India is generally safe for travel, Bangalore has seen pockets of unrest tied to local grievances.

The city is not prone to major natural disasters, though it experiences water scarcity and urban flooding. Air quality is moderate but declining.

Western business travelers should come prepared with a local operations team, digital security protocols and a flexible approach to logistics. Navigating India’s GDP and national regulations will require legal support and trusted local partners.

The Global Rescue Connection

As international business surges in emerging hubs like Ho Chi Minh City, Delhi and Dhaka, professionals are traveling farther and more frequently to seize global opportunities. While the virtual meeting boom recedes, in-person engagement across Asia’s fastest-growing economies is on the rise. But rapid growth comes with complex realities — from infrastructure gaps and civil unrest to public health risks and natural disasters.

Business travelers must prepare beyond the basics to navigate these dynamic environments successfully. Understanding cultural norms, political climates and local risks is essential for productivity and personal safety. One of the most valuable tools available is the Global Rescue Destination Report. Covering more than 200 countries and territories, these reports provide detailed briefings on everything from regional customs and legal considerations to current health threats and security concerns.

Global Rescue is a trusted partner for business travelers in high-growth but high-risk markets. Their expert-driven intelligence, pre-travel guidance and on-demand emergency response services — including medical evacuations and security extractions — are critical in cities where risk factors like flooding, civil unrest or infectious disease may jeopardize even well-planned trips.

For companies expanding into emerging economies or professionals exploring the booming business in India, Vietnam and Bangladesh, Global Rescue offers the clarity, confidence and crisis response needed to stay protected and focused on growth. Whether you’re seeking opportunity in the Vietnam gross domestic product boom or wondering, “Is India safe for travel?” these rising stars of global commerce are worth watching and investing in. The rewards in these dynamic economies can be substantial for those who do their homework.