to the South. Many of the refugees escaped on rafts.The plight of these original "boat people" was commemorated by South Vietnam in 1955, with the issuance of the "Refugees on a Raft" set. Only 100,000 sets were issued, and the set is extremely attractive, utilizing the dramatic style of coloration and engraving characteristic of many modern issues of the French colonies. The set is of interest to Transportation topicalists
It is somewhat ironic that Vietnam, avowedly communist following the Vietnam War, has now begun to embrace capitalism, and has one of the most rapidly growing economies in the Far East. With 80 million hard-working, industrious people, and another 3 million overseas Vietnamese, many of whom still possess a sentimental attachment to their mother country, it seems inevitable that the better stamp issues of both Vietnams, and also the earlier French colonies of Indochina and Annam and Tonkin, will do well in the coming years.
Regarding North Vietnam and unified Vietnam (post-1975), while there are some issues which may be suitable for investment, it is possible that certain ostensibly "scarce" stamps have been hoarded by corrupt government officials, who await an opportunity to dump them on the market. I advise taking a wait-and-see attitude.
In any case, I recommend accumulation of the "Boat People" set as a solid long-term investment, which will reflect the future economic growth of Vietnam.
