Plan your Vietnam business trip with our guide to visa types for international travelers! Learn about e-visas, embassy visas, business requirements, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Begin your visa-prepared business day with Vietnam’s tranquil ambianceWritten by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022. International business travelers must use visa exemptions (if eligible), apply for an e-visa online via evisa.gov.vn, or obtain a business visa through a Vietnamese embassy. This guide details visa types for business purposes, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless journey to Vietnam for meetings, conferences, or trade.
Vietnam is a thriving business hub in Southeast Asia, offering opportunities in cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, with vibrant markets, modern conference centers, and cultural landmarks like the Temple of Literature and Ben Thanh Market vinpearl.com. Understanding visa types for business ensures smooth entry for international travelers attending meetings, trade fairs, or exploring investment opportunities, whether through guided Vietnam Tours or independent travel. Many nationalities benefit from visa exemptions for short stays, while e-visas and embassy visas cater to longer or specialized business needs vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, business travel tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for a productive and respectful journey.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via 13 international airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. This guide blends visa requirements for business, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free business trip.
Business travelers from visa-exempt countries (e.g., ASEAN nations, UK, Japan) can enter for up to 14–45 days without a visa for short business activities, while others require e-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) or embassy business visas ($25–$135). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided business and cultural tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business hosts. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Standard Visa Exemption:
Purpose: Short-term business activities (e.g., meetings, conferences, trade fairs).
Eligibility: Citizens of 25 countries, including ASEAN nations (e.g., Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore), UK, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, and others vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 45 days (e.g., UK, Germany, Japan), 30 days (e.g., ASEAN countries), or 14 days (e.g., Brunei, Myanmar) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: No cost vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages; proof of business purpose (e.g., invitation letter, conference registration) recommended but not mandatory; proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight or bus ticket) advised vietnam.travel.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit to a neighboring country (e.g., Cambodia, Laos) and re-entry with a new exemption or e-visa vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang), 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai), and 13 seaports (e.g., Nha Trang, Da Nang) vietnam.travel.
E-Visa for Business:
Purpose: Business activities (e.g., meetings, short-term trade, conferences) for stays exceeding exemption periods or for non-exempt nationalities.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, India, and most EU nations evisa.gov.vn.
Duration: Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) evisa.gov.vn.
Cost: $25 (625,000 VND) for single entry; $50 (1,250,000 VND) for multiple entry; non-refundable vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Visit evisa.gov.vn, select English, and click “Apply now” evisa.gov.vn.
Review terms and conditions, then confirm to proceed evisa.gov.vn.
Enter personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), passport details (number, issue/expiry date), travel details (intended entry/exit dates, entry/exit checkpoints), and temporary address in Vietnam (e.g., hotel or business host address) vietnam-visa.com.
Upload a digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses, straight view) and a scan of the passport data page in .jpg format, max 2MB evisa.gov.vn.
Pay the fee ($25 or $50) via credit/debit card (American Express not accepted); note the verification code vietnam-visa.com.
Check status at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search using registration code, email, and date of birth; download and print the e-visa PDF evisa.gov.vn.
Present printed e-visa and passport at the entry point; ensure details match exactly to avoid issues travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 3–7 working days; expedited processing (1–2 days) available through agencies for additional fees ($10–$30 or 250,000–750,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Non-extendable; requires exit and re-entry with a new e-visa (visa run) vietnam-visa.com.
Entry/Exit Points: Valid at 13 airports, 16 land borders (e.g., Moc Bai, Lao Cai, Mong Cai), and 13 seaports evisa.gov.vn.
Embassy/Consulate Business Visa (DN1, DN2):
Purpose: Business activities requiring longer stays or specific permissions (e.g., partnerships, investments, work-related tasks).
Eligibility: Available to all nationalities with a Vietnamese business sponsor (e.g., company, partner organization) travel.state.gov.
Duration: 1 month to 1 year (single or multiple entry); DN1 for those with Vietnamese company sponsors, DN2 for others vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$135 (625,000–3,375,000 VND), depending on visa type, duration, and processing time travel.state.gov.
Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months, application form, two passport photos (4x6 cm), business invitation letter from a Vietnamese company, and fees; apply in person or by mail at a Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Bangkok, Beijing, or Washington, D.C.) travel.state.gov.
Processing Time: 5–10 working days; expedited processing available for additional fees ($10–$50 or 250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for 1–6 months with a sponsor; fees vary ($10–$155 or 250,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate:
Purpose: Business or family visits for overseas Vietnamese and their families.
Eligibility: Travelers of Vietnamese origin, their spouses, or children vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 180 days per visit, valid for 5 years or 6 months before passport expiration vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: Application fees vary ($10–$50 or 250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Proof of Vietnamese origin or family ties (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate); application at a Vietnamese embassy or immigration office vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for additional 180-day periods; fees apply ($10 or 250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Travelers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Vietnam’s immigration laws evisa.gov.vn.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business hosts travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. Business travelers must use visa exemptions, e-visas, or embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
E-Visa Application: Requires digital passport photo (4x6 cm, white background, no glasses), passport data page scan, and payment; include business purpose (e.g., meeting, trade) and host address evisa.gov.vn.
Embassy Visa Application: Requires invitation letter from a Vietnamese company or sponsor for DN1/DN2 visas vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels or business hosts; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Proof of Business Purpose: Recommended for exemptions and e-visas (e.g., invitation letter, conference registration); mandatory for embassy business visas vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a respectful and productive business trip during Vietnam Tours, complementing visa preparation. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod or handshake in business settings; use both hands when exchanging business cards or documents to show respect, especially in meetings in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear formal business attire (e.g., suits, modest dresses) for meetings; modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) for cultural sites vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a professional demeanor in business settings; address counterparts by title (e.g., Mr., Ms.) and surname; avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply); ask permission before photographing at cultural sites or during business events. A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs enhanced our business meetings and cultural visits.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND) for guides or drivers; avoid littering at cultural sites like Hoi An or Ben Thanh Market; complete residence registration within 24 hours travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to business hosts or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport or e-visa handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen business travelers thrive in Vietnam’s professional and cultural settings.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken in business hubs like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps are useful culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow business etiquette (punctuality, formal greetings); respect temple rules at cultural sites; support local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for business districts or cultural sites like Hanoi’s Old Quarter; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) to reduce emissions, aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared business trip, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Combine business meetings in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City with cultural visits to sites like the Temple of Literature or Ben Thanh Market; suitable for travelers with valid visa exemptions or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use visa exemptions for short stays or e-visas ($25–$50) for longer business trips; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels or business hosts evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ben Thanh Market open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (free); business meetings typically 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm exemption eligibility or apply for e-visas early; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest from Singapore noted: “Self-guided business trips were seamless with the visa exemption.”
Details: 1-day group tour combining business networking in Hanoi with a cultural visit to the Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid exemption or e-visa; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Japan noted: “Legend’s tour balanced business and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour combining business meetings in Ho Chi Minh City with a visit to Ben Thanh Market; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Ho Chi Minh City, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or embassy visa for multi-city business travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:30 AM from Ho Chi Minh City hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from the US noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching for business travelers.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining business engagements in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with cultural visits to Hoi An or Ha Long Bay; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry e-visa or embassy visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from Germany noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart business and cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for business travelers with visa exemptions or e-visas.
Group Business and Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant business and cultural insights.
Combo Business and Market Tours: Blend business engagements with cultural experiences for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Business and Cultural Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-prepared business travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with cultural events but avoid for business due to closures; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; suitable for business with warm, dry weather (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; good for cultural business events; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Business-Friendly Periods: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; March for optimal business conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for business meetings and cultural visits. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning engagements. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor business events; expect rain. Morning meetings (8:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid heat. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (25 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas (DN1/DN2) for longer business stays; obtain invitation letters from Vietnamese companies for embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately; provide proof of business purpose (e.g., invitation letter) travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels or business hosts register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas or embassy visas 7–14 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check visa status at evisa.gov.vn. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Bangkok: +66 2 251 5836, Washington, D.C.: +1 202 861 0737).
Pack for a professional, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, business invitation letter (for embassy visas), proof of onward travel (recommended for exemptions), wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings, business cards.
Clothing: Business attire (suits, modest dresses); modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
Exemption Costs: No cost for standard exemptions (14–45 days); 5-year exemption: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Embassy Visa Costs: $25–$135 (625,000–3,375,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Business and Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Business and Market Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Business and Cultural Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use visa exemptions to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (25 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas (DN1/DN2) for long-term business needs; secure invitation letters for embassy visas vietnam-visa.com.
Business Tips: Schedule meetings in morning hours (8:00 AM–11:00 AM); carry business cards and invitation letters; use formal greetings in business settings; combine with cultural visits for networking vinpearl.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; wear formal attire for meetings; dress modestly for cultural sites; respect local customs to build business rapport culturetrip.com.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for comprehensive business and cultural experiences.
Schedules: Business districts operate 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for business districts or cultural sites like Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
Who needs a business visa for Vietnam? Citizens of 25 countries (e.g., ASEAN, UK, Japan) are exempt for 14–45 days; others require e-visas or embassy business visas (DN1/DN2) vietnam-visa.com.
What visa types are available for business? Exemptions (14–45 days), e-visas (up to 90 days), embassy visas (DN1/DN2, up to 1 year), and 5-year exemptions for Vietnamese-origin travelers evisa.gov.vn.
How much does a business visa cost? E-visa: $25 (single entry) or $50 (multiple entry); embassy visa: $25–$135; exemptions: no cost vietnam-visa.com.
Can business visas be extended? Exemptions and e-visas are non-extendable; embassy visas (DN1/DN2) may be extendable with a sponsor vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for business? No, discontinued in 2022; use exemptions or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your visa-prepared business trip to Vietnam with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Business and Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided business networking and cultural tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Business and Cultural Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Combine business engagements with eco-friendly cultural activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-city business and cultural adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Visa Types for Business with cultural etiquette—formal attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a productive, eco-friendly business journey through Vietnam’s vibrant hubs. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hanoi’s business districts and Hoi An’s cultural sites, this trip offers professional success and cultural immersion. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage visa exemptions or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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