Role of European Merchants in Economic Integration and Development of Đàng Ngoài in 17th Century

Abstract

In the 17^th century, the economy of Đàng Ngoài (Tonkin) developed strongly in both domestic and foreign trade based on prosperous agricultural production, a proliferation of handicraft products, and various occupations aimed at providing products for export. Among many internal and objective forces behind this development, the role of European merchants is noteworthy. It can be said that never in Đại Việt in general, and in Đàng Ngoài in particular, was there such a considerable presence of merchants from Western countries as in the 17^th century as well as during the first three decades of the 18^th century. This article focuses on analysing the role played by European merchants in Đàng Ngoài’s economic integration and development in the 17^th century - a period when foreign trade reached its climax under a monarchical era in Vietnam. The role of these merchants is shown in two main aspects: supplying goods to the Đàng Ngoài market and consuming its profitable ones. Given these activities, European merchants not only promoted Đàng Ngoài’s economy but significantly contributed to helping its market gradually approach the regional “Eastern Sea trade” and the trend of globalisation in the 17^th century.