FreedomFest 2025

From the poorest country in 1990 to an economic giant. From 80% of people living in poverty then to 3% now. Rainer Zitelmann explores the recent history of Vietnam, an officially socialist country that has turned into an investment paradise thanks to its free market reforms. Vietnam is a clear example that poverty is curable. Cultural differences, historical preconditions, and the number of people living in poverty are not the circumstances to determine your ability to move up. But Vietnam still has its challenges. In a country with such a high level of censorship, to go there and produce a documentary that discusses the current affairs is not easy. “Vietnam: Beating poverty with the market economy” shows what made the miracle possible and what is still left to be done. Post-screening discussion with Steve Forbes, Rainer Zitelmann and Tomasz Agencki.