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AmCham Vietnam - HCMC Weekly Newsletter

August 19th, 2025

Update from the Executive Director

Dear ,

I’m delighted to share that the new U.S. Consul General, Ms. Melissa Brown, has officially arrived in Ho Chi Minh City! To celebrate the start of her post, we’re hosting a special Welcome Dinner next Thursday, August 28. This event will be Consul General Brown’s first public appearance in her official role, and it presents a wonderful opportunity for members of the AmCham community to greet her in person and hear her early reflections on her priorities and vision for the U.S.–Vietnam partnership.


Consul General Brown brings a distinguished record of diplomatic service and a deep commitment to public engagement. She is a strong advocate for American businesses and a passionate supporter of deepening bilateral ties. We look forward to collaborating with her to further advance economic, trade, and cultural connections between our two nations.


We hope you’ll join us next Thursday to extend a warm Vietnamese welcome and help us mark the beginning of this exciting new chapter. Register HERE.

AmCham Blood Donor Day 2025 – Day 1 was something special.

We're still smiling from last week! Seeing 55% more people show up compared to last year's Day 1 was incredible, and we are so appreciative of every single person who donated - you made someone's day (and possibly their life) so much better. And huge appreciation to all generous sponsors and to Equatorial HCMC for making everyone feel so welcome. Day 2 is Friday, August 22 at New World Hotel and it's already packed (fully registered). Our members are the best!

Are you curious about where global trade is heading? Our Logistics Committee has organized a great in-person session titled "What does the rest of 2025 hold for global trade" on Wednesday afternoon (August 20), and it’s designed for those who care about emerging economic trends, shifting supply chains, decarbonization, and more. Register here.

We’re pleased to share the schedule for our upcoming committee meetings: (1) Digital Economy & Technology Committee Meeting on Tuesday, August 19 at 9:00 AM, (2) Healthcare Committee Meeting on Wednesday, August 20 at 4:15 PM, and (3) HR Committee Meeting on Thursday, August 21 at 9:00 AM. To attend, please register here. We look forward to your participation.

Join AmCham – No Application Fee Until Sept 30!

Now is the perfect time to join AmCham Vietnam in HCMC. As U.S.–Vietnam relations grow stronger, we are waiving application fees through September 30, 2025.


Gain access to:

  1. 550+ companies and 2,500+ business leaders
  2. Direct engagement with policy makers
  3. 14 industry committees
  4. Advocacy, insights, and ESG programs
  5. Be part of the network shaping Vietnam’s business future.


Interested in learning more? Contact Sam Hoang at or call (+84) 902 761 172.

Did you know that being an AmCham member brings you benefits all over Vietnam? Our membership discount program highlights incredible discounts for you to use, including legal advice, hotel stays, restaurants, skincare, and more. Check out the list of discounts here and contact Phuong Dang directly if your company wants to offer a promotion to our members.  

We're here to support you! If there’s anything AmCham can do to assist your business, or if you're interested in getting more involved with our committees, don’t hesitate to reach out.


I hope you have a great week ahead!

Yours sincerely,



Travis Mitchell

Executive Director

Advocacy Update

We thank all members who recently shared their comments on Draft legislation currently being discussed:


(1). AmCham submitted its comments on the draft of the E-commerce Law to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency.


(2). AmCham submitted its comments on the 4th draft of the Cosmetics Management Decree to the Ministry of Health and the Office of Government.

Members are encouraged to bring forward any advocacy needs or related questions to the relevant Committees, or by email to advocacyaction@amchamvietnam.com.


Similarly, we invite members experiencing instances of administrative delays and challenges to share details via email to communications@amchamvietnam.com. We are compiling this information on behalf of our members.

Upcoming Events

August 19, 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM

ESG Policy Briefing: "Environmental Legislative Updates - August 2025"

Session 3: Amendments to the Law on Environmental Protection & Decree 05/2025 NĐ-CP (which revises Decree 08/2022/NĐ-CP)

Virtual Event. For AmCham Members Only.


In the last few months, the Government of Vietnam has announced a number of proposed or new legislative updates in environmental protection and climate. These policy changes have the potential to unlock climate financing and engage private sector in advancing Vietnam’s NetZero commitments.


With the aim of helping our members understand the implications of these policy changes, AmCham ESG Committee invites you to a three-part legal briefing organized in cooperation with Russin & Vecchi. Each briefing will be short and sharp at just thirty minutes.


We invite interested participants to register and submit questions ahead of time to help us make the briefing time as efficient as possible.

August 19, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

AmCham 101 - New Member Orientation (For AmCham Members Only)

At AmCham Office, Suite 323, New World Saigon Hotel, 76 Le Lai Street, District 1, HCMC


Join us for AmCham 101 – New Member Orientation, designed to help you maximize your membership and connect with fellow business leaders.


This interactive session will provide insights into AmCham’s mission, programs, and services. Hear from Executive Director Travis Mitchell and our team on how to make the most of your membership. You’ll also have the chance to introduce your business, share priorities, and connect with new members.


Whether you're new or looking for a refresher, this is a great opportunity to engage, ask questions, and get involved..

August 20, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

What Does the Rest of 2025 Hold for Global Trade

At Hotel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery, 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3, HCMC


What does the rest of 2025 hold for global trade, and what can we anticipate in supply chain management?


Join us for an insightful and engaging event where industry leaders will share their perspectives on the future of trade and supply chain management. Don’t miss the opportunity to network with professionals and gain valuable insights!

August 22, 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM

AmCham’s Blood Donor Day 2025

At New World Saigon Hotel, 76 Le Lai Street, District 1, HCMC


AmCham's annual Blood Donor Day 2025 continues our life-saving tradition since 2011. As we embrace this year's theme, "Give blood, give hope: together we save lives," your participation becomes a direct lifeline to families facing medical emergencies.


Day 2 is August 22 at New World Saigon Hotel and registration is now full! If you've already registered, we can't wait to see you there—your commitment means everything.


Summer is a time when blood supplies run dangerously LOW, so we encourage everyone to donate whenever they have the chance. You can also visit the Blood Transfusion and Hematology Hospital directly to make a donation year-round. Click HERE for more details.

August 26, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Strategic Mastery in Employment Dispute Resolution

At New World Saigon Hotel, 76 Le Lai Street, District 1, HCMC


Step into a world where employment law meets elite advocacy. This exclusive event offers a rare opportunity to gain first-hand insight from Vietnam’s foremost employment litigation authority—renowned for resolving the most complex, high-stakes labor disputes with precision and strategy.


Drawing on years of courtroom experience and deep regulatory knowledge, our speaker will dissect the evolving landscape of employment disputes in Vietnam, from unlawful termination claims and collective labor conflicts to executive severance and cross-border employment issues. The session will provide participants with not only legal clarity but also strategic foresight—bridging the letter of the law with practical tactics that win cases and preserve reputational capital.


Designed for corporate counsel, HR leaders, and senior executives who manage legal risk in labor relations, this masterclass reflects the rigor, intellect, and sophistication of Vietnam’s top employment litigator.

August 27, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Connect & Cocktails

Venue to be informed.


Don’t miss August's Connect & Cocktails! AmCham’s monthly networking event provides an opportunity to meet AmCham members and other professionals in an informal after-work setting over a glass of wine, beer, or a cocktail.


Join for a great night of networking and a chance to win in our Lucky Draw!

August 28, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

AAIP Virtual Doorknock Series: What Businesses Need to Know About Customs in Trump 2.0

Virtual Event.


While much of the focus is on tariffs in Trump 2.0. businesses need to focus on the significant changes coming to customs. We’ll takle key questions with expert insights: What’s changed about trade and customs since the start of the Administration? What’s coming? What’s the impact on the coming elimination of de minimis, changes in customs clearance, and further implications? What should we be watching on changes to rules of origin and how much of an impact that can have on trade?

August 28, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Welcome Dinner for new U.S. Consul General Melissa Brown

At JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon, Corner Hai Ba Trung St. & Le Duan Blvd., District 1, HCMC


AmCham Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City is delighted to invite you to a Welcome Dinner for the new US Consul General, Ms. Melissa Brown! This dinner will mark Consul General Brown’s first public appearance in her official capacity, offering an excellent opportunity for members of the AmCham community to personally welcome her and hear her initial thoughts on her priorities and vision for the U.S.–Vietnam partnership.


Consul General Brown brings a distinguished background in diplomacy and public service, and she is a strong advocate for the American business community. We look forward to working closely with her to further strengthen economic, trade, and cultural ties between our countries.


AmCham would like to wish her a very warm welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, so we encourage you to attend and consider sponsorship to your organization’s profile or to reserve a table for your company. We can’t wait to see you there and to welcome CG Brown in style!

Welcome New Members

Upcoming Committee Meetings

Members are welcome to join, in-person or virtually:

Member Benefits

Make the Most of Your AmCham Membership!

AmCham members are encouraged to take full advantage of the exclusive discounts and special offers available through the AmCham Membership Discount Program. Simply present your AmCham Membership Card to enjoy valuable deals from our trusted Discount Partners. You can view the complete list of offers here.


Interested in Becoming a Discount Partner?

We welcome companies looking to join the program and promote their products or services to a dynamic network of over 2,000 business professionals representing more than 550 corporate members. It’s a great opportunity to boost visibility and attract new customers.


To become a Discount Partner, please complete this Form or contact us at amcham.membership@amchamvietnam.com for more details.

News & Information

[The Columbian] Vietnam wants to be the next Asian tiger and it’s overhauling its economy to make it happen. Beneath red banners and a gold bust of revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi’s central party school, Communist Party chief To Lam declared the arrival of “a new era of development” late last year. The speech was more than symbolic— it signaled the launch of what could be Vietnam’s most ambitious economic overhaul in decades.

[Viet Nam News] PM directs measures to achieve 2025 growth target. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính stressed the need to ensure the major balances of the economy to achieve the growth target of 8.3-8.5 per cent this year.

[Vietnam Investment Review] Vietnam’s time to lead in industrial capacity is now. As Washington’s sweeping new reciprocal tariffs take effect, businesses across Asia are bracing for impact.

[Vietnam Investment Review] Ministry of Finance proposes simplifying procedures for overseas investment. The Ministry of Finance is looking to simplify procedures for overseas investment to encourage domestic firms to expand their operations in international markets.

[Bloomberg] Fitch Ratings Warns Vietnam’s Growth Push May Raise Debt Risks. Vietnam's strong push for rapid economic growth could lead to policy decisions that worsen already high debt levels, increasing risks to the country's credit rating and the health of domestic banks, according to Fitch Ratings.

[The Investor] Viettel, Qualcomm seek to turn Vietnam into world's major tech hub. Vietnam's military-run telecom giant Viettel and California-based Qualcomm on Thursday signed a strategic cooperation agreement, aiming to turn Vietnam into a major technology R&D center in the world.

[The Investor] Vietnam's 20% reciprocal tax rate positive compared to Southeast Asian peers: NaFoods exec. The 20% reciprocal tax rate is favorable compared to other Southeast Asian countries with similar agricultural products like the Philippines, but strict control over the origin of Vietnamese goods is essential to avoid a 40% "transshipping" tariff, said Nguyen Manh Hung, chairman of NaFoods Group. 

[Reuters] Vietnam makes first US oil purchase in 2025, sources say. Vietnam's Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical (BSR) has bought one million barrels of U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for November delivery, the country's first U.S. oil purchase in 2025, sources said on Thursday.

[Vietnam Briefing] Vietnam Work Permit Regulations: New Rules for Foreign Workers from August 2025. On August 7, 2025, the Vietnamese government promulgated Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, providing updated guidance on management of work permits (WPs) for foreign workers. The new decree introduces significant changes compared to previous directives, including streamlined procedures, reduced processing time, and expanded exemptions from the requirement to obtain a WP.

[The Investor] Southern Vietnam's economic hub plans four free trade zones. Ho Chi Minh City is mapping out four free trade zones (FTZs) linked to seaports, railways, and international border gates, according to the municipal Department of Industry and Trade.

[Viet Nam News] Pfizer, UMC sign deal to boost healthcare quality. Pfizer Vietnam and the University Medical Centre HCM City (UMC) on August 14 signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen medical capabilities and improve healthcare quality in southern Viet Nam and across the region.

[VOV.VN] PepsiCo Vietnam to launch major snack factory ahead of National Day. PepsiCo Vietnam is set to inaugurate a new snack facility with an annual capacity of over 25,600 tonnes of packaged products in northern Ninh Binh province ahead of National Day (September 2).

Thank You to Our Premium Members

The American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam

in Ho Chi Minh City

New World Hotel Suite 323

76 Le Lai Street, District 1

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Phone: +84 28 3824 3562

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