VietNamNet Bridge – In the West, the life of many retired politicians becomes busier than the time they were on active service. They are engrossed in writing memoirs, speaking at conferences, talking with the audience, etc. to earn hundreds of thousands of USD. They are also busy as high-class advisors for big groups. How about Vietnam? What are retired Vietnamese politicians doing?

Self-business

Nguyen Thi Binh, former Vice President.

They don’t directly do business but they “sell” their brainpower and reputation through working as high-ranking advisors or speakers at big groups and organizations.

International, former US President Bill Clinton is the most successful example. He is now a high-ranking advisor for Infor USA. He is also the author of “My Life” – a memoir that was sold well. He also earns a lot of money from speeches. In 2004, he earned $1 million from “My Life”. In 2007, Bill Clinton earned more than $10 million, 68 times higher than his wife – Senator Hilary’s salary (over 150,000) and his retired pension (around $152,000).

In Vietnam, retired politicians don’t make money from speaking at events or writing memoirs. They only write analysis or short articles for big online newspapers or prestigious blogs to show their viewpoints or to contribute their opinions as a citizen.

Readers can find out articles by former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan, Nguyen Trung - former assistant to Prime Minister, Vo Van Kiet, etc. on newspapers, magazines and the businessmen-intellectual network.

Social activities

Bui Tien Dung, former Party Secretary of Thai Binh province

“There are many forms of social and charity activities in the world, for example the foundation of former US President Bill Clinton,” said Bui Tien Dung, former Central Party Committee’s member, Party Secretary of Thai Binh province.

In Vietnam, retired politicians are also interested in social activities. For instance, former Vice President, Nguyen Thi Binh is campaigning for a social foundation for children.

Tran Xuan Gia, former Minister of Planning and Investment.

Late Prime Minister, Vo Van Kiet is also a good example. After retirement, he used to visit and help people in the Mekong Delta.

However, not many retired politicians in Vietnam participate in social activities though this is a suitable job for them.

Still working with their expertise

Former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Hung Vo.

Former Governor of the Central Bank, Cao Sy Kiem is now Vice Chair of the National Advisory Council on Financial and Monetary Policy.

Former Minister of Planning and Investment, Tran Xuan Gia is President of the Asian Commercial Bank (ACB).

Former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Dang Hung Vo is high-ranking advisor for the General Department of Land Management and independent advisor for many international development organizations.

The remaining retired politicians are living in seclusion.

TVN