THE IMPRINT OF HOA PEOPLE (CHINESE) IN THE ESTABLISHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMMERCIAL HUBS IN SOUTHERN VIETNAM (IN THE 17th - 19th CENTURY)

Throughout the reclamation and development of Southern Vietnam, in addition to the active role of Vietnamese people, it is worth mentioning the large contribution of other communities, notably the Chinese one. Due to geographical characteristics compared to other countries in the region, Hoa people migrated to Vietnam quite early. By the 17th century, Hoa people were present throughout the Northern, Central and Southern Vietnam. However, in Northern Vietnam, Chinese communities are often scattered and small - a stark contrast to the large and concentrated counterparts in the Central and the South. In the process of settlement in Southern Vietnam, Hoa people have participated in all economic sectors and have affirmed their position, especially in commercial operations. The presence of Hoa people in Southern Vietnam for centuries (especially in the 17th -19th century) not only played a crucial role in promoting the founding of cities such as Nong Nai Dai Pho (農耐大街); My Tho Dai Pho (美萩大街); Ha Tien commercial port (河仙港市); Cho Lon (堤岸), etc., but their economic activities also contributed to turning those cities into bustling and prosperous commercial hubs, which laid the foundation for the commodity economy to grow later in the South.