Survey of Vietnamese-Chinese economic and commercial translation textbooks/books system and related suggestions

Abstract

The exchange of cultural and economic aspects among nations and ethnicities is an essential demand and necessity of the modern societal development process. As of now, Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with nearly 190 countries and territories. Being a neighboring country with a long-standing relationship with Vietnam, China has consistently been Vietnam’s largest trading partner and the second-largest export market. Meanwhile, Vietnam continues to be China’s largest trading partner among countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the 6th largest globally. These figures demonstrate vibrant and potentially expansive trade activities between the two nations. Throughout these exchanges and trade activities, translation between Chinese and Vietnamese plays an immensely crucial role, even determining the success or failure of an economic transaction. Despite its importance, there is a scarcity of materials related to the field of economic and commercial translation between Chinese and Vietnamese at large bookstores, university libraries, book-selling websites, digital databases, etc. in both China and Vietnam. If available, they tend to cover only a few topics with economic vocabulary, concepts, and policies yet to be updated. Through conducting a survey of the system of books/textbooks related to Vietnamese-Chinese Economic and Commercial Translation, combined with practical data published on the websites of Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Ministry of Planning and Investment, this paper aims to provide assessments and proposals regarding the compilation of translation textbooks that align with development trends and bilateral economic cooperation. It seeks to contribute to the development of a high-value Vietnamese – Chinese Economic and Commercial Translation textbook suitable for Vietnamese learners, with practical significance and wide applicability not only in academic institutions but also in society at large.