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AmCham Vietnam - HCMC Weekly Newsletter
September 30th, 2025
| | Update from the Executive Director | | |
Last Thursday, President Trump announced new tariffs, including a 50% tariff on imported kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities and a 30% levy on upholstered furniture. Vietnam is currently the largest source of imported upholstered furniture to the U.S., accounting for 48% of imports in 2024 (worth nearly $3 billion USD). It also supplied 42% of imported wood kitchen cabinets and countertops (worth about $1 billion USD). We expect this announcement to impact production in Vietnam, though we are awaiting further details.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh acknowledged that exports “will face difficulties and challenges … due to strategic competition, conflicts, and the U.S.’s ‘reciprocal’ tariff policies.” Nonetheless, he projects export growth of more than 12% this year. According to government data, in the first eight months of 2025, Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. rose 26% compared with the same period last year, reaching $99 billion. To counter these challenges, Prime Minister Chinh stated that Vietnam aims to sign free trade agreements with Latin America’s Mercosur trading bloc and the Gulf Cooperation Council by the end of 2025 and will continue cracking down on goods that violate international copyright laws or have issues with their origin.
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Welcome OTIS as Our Newest Bronze Premium Member!
AmCham Executive Director Travis Mitchell was pleased to welcome Mr. Krishnan Manivannan, Managing Director, and Ms. Ngan Le, Sales Manager of Otis Vietnam, to the AmCham community.
Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation and servicing of elevators and escalators, they move 2.4 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.4 million customer units worldwide – the industry's largest Service portfolio. You’ll find them in the world's most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move.
Headquartered in Connecticut with operations globally, Otis brings decades of engineering excellence and innovation to markets worldwide. In Vietnam, this global expertise combines with local insight to support the country's rapid urban development — offering solutions for both large infrastructure projects and modern living spaces.
By joining AmCham, Otis Vietnam looks forward to connecting with fellow business leaders, raising brand awareness, and contributing to conversations about Vietnam's smart, sustainable cities of the future.
Learn more about Otis Vietnam: LINK
| | We continue to actively advocate for our members. Last week, we submitted comments on The Draft Decree guiding implementation of the Law on Chemicals to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Government Office, Chemical Department, and VCCI; and the Draft Decree 3 under the Advertisement Law to the Ministry of Justice, Government Office, Department of Grassroots Culture, and VCCI. | | |
We also have a strong lineup of events this week:
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Tuesday afternoon, Sep 30: Vietnam’s IFC Vision: Investment, Regulation & Growth presented by Rich McClellan, Vice Chairman of the Advisory Council at the Vietnam International Financial Center (Da Nang). He’ll discuss key steps for establishing IFCs in HCMC and Da Nang under Resolution 222.
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Wednesday morning, Oct 1: Education & Training Committee meeting (online).
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Wednesday afternoon, Oct 1: The Illuminate Series: The Future of English Language Education in Vietnam, featuring speakers from the U.S. Mission, MOET, and the private sector—exploring the future of English teaching to 2035 and beyond.
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Thursday morning, Oct 2: AmCham Hanoi invites our members to join their Energy Committee meeting.
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Friday (full-day), Oct 3: Vietnam Wellbeing and Safeguarding Summit 2025, in partnership with RMIT. A chance to network, collaborate, and share ideas.
More details and registration links are available below. We look forward to your participation!
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Mark your calendar! You’re invited to the 30th Annual AmCham Governors’ Ball – Aurora Nights. The AmCham Vietnam – HCMC Board of Governors and the Ball Organizing Committee are thrilled to welcome you to a night of sparkle and celebration on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Get ready for Aurora Nights— inspired by the magic of the Northern Lights, this year’s ball is all about high energy and great company. Dress to impress, bring your glow, and let’s celebrate like never before! Proceeds from the evening will support two of AmCham’s most impactful programs: the AmCham Scholarship Program and the Women in Engineering Scholarship Program—empowering Vietnam’s next generation of leaders. Please contact us if you would like to sponsor the event. In particular, we’d love to have special prizes for our live auction and silent auction, and this is a wonderful way to promote your brand to 400+ business leaders. Click HERE for more details.
| | I know I say this nearly every week—but seriously, if there's anything we can do to support your business, just say the word! We're here for you, our awesome Members! | | |
Yours sincerely,
Travis Mitchell
Executive Director
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We appreciate all members who recently shared their feedback on the draft legislation under discussion.
(1) AmCham has submitted its comments on the Draft Decree guiding the implementation of the Law on Chemicals and the management of dangerous chemicals to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Government Office, the Chemical Department, and VCCI.
(2) AmCham has submitted its comments on the Draft Decree 3 guiding the implementation of the Advertisement Law to Ministry of Justice, Government Office, Department of Grassroots Culture and VCCI.
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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.
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At Hotel des Arts Saigon, 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., District 3, HCMC
Please join us for a presentation by Rich McClellan, Vice Chairman, Advisory Council at Vietnam International Financial Center (Da Nang). Rich will discuss the establishment of the International Financial Centers in HCMC and Da Nang and the critical regulatory steps necessary to realize the potential of Resolution 222, including institutional setup, ecosystem-building and fast-start enablers.
Rich will also provide insight on how foreign firms can engage in and benefit from the opportunities provided by the IFC for investment in infrastructure, tech, green finance and human capital development.
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At Caravelle Saigon, 19-23 Lam Son Square, District 1, HCMC
As Vietnam accelerates national efforts to modernize and globalize its English language education system, stakeholders across government, education, and industry are navigating a pivotal transformation.
Join AmCham Vietnam for this flagship Illuminate Series event, where experts from the U.S. Mission, Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), private sector leaders, and educators will explore the future of English teaching and learning in Vietnam—looking ahead to 2035 and beyond.
This forward-looking session will feature keynote insights, a dynamic panel discussion, and interactive dialogue with the audience.
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October 2, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Pre-Conference
October 3, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM | Full-Day Conference
October 10, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM | Full-Day Conference
Vietnam Wellbeing and Safeguarding Summit 2025
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The Vietnam Wellbeing and Safeguarding Summit brings together a wide range of attendees to advance professional practice in Vietnam. The Summit will offer sessions on a range of topics related to professional skill development, information on current trends, and panel discussions with experts.
A half-day pre-conference will take place exclusively in Ho Chi Minh City on October 2nd. This will be followed by a full-day conference in Ho Chi Minh City on October 3rd, and another full-day conference in Hanoi on October 10th. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi will offer different rosters of speakers.
Participants will also have an opportunity to network and generate ideas on how to collaborate more frequently.
English and Vietnamese Language Tracks:
- The Summit will offer sessions throughout the day in English and Vietnamese.
- Simultaneous translation into Vietnamese is available for some English sessions.
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At The Reverie Saigon, 22-36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard & 57-69F Dong Khoi Street, District 1, HCMC
Vietnam continues to be a strategic destination for foreign investment, especially in the dynamic field of mergers and acquisitions. This hybrid event, co-hosted by UOB Vietnam, BDO Vietnam, and AmCham Vietnam, is designed to equip foreign investors and senior executives with the insights needed to navigate the legal and banking complexities of M&A transactions in Vietnam. Through expert-led presentations and a panel discussion featuring real case studies, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of market trends, regulatory frameworks, risk management strategies, and the role of banking connectivity and sustainability in cross-border deals. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities or refining your investment strategy, this session offers valuable knowledge and networking with industry leaders.
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At New World Saigon Hotel, 76 Le Lai Street, District 1, HCMC
Join us for a half-day conference on Vietnam’s Fintech Regulatory Sandbox, established under Decree 94/2025/ND-CP, which took effect on July 1, 2025.
This event will delve into key developments in peer-to-peer (P2P) lending and bring together fintech leaders, legal experts, investors, and policymakers for insightful discussions and knowledge sharing.
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At CMC Creative Space, Tan Thuan Hi-Tech Park, District 7, HCMC
In today’s data-driven economy, the ability to transform raw data into actionable insights is no longer optional—it’s a strategic imperative. As enterprises accelerate their AI adoption journeys, one critical question arises: Is your data truly ready for AI? The workshop “Data in Focus: Building AI-Ready Enterprises” brings together thought leaders from Databricks and CMC Global to explore this very challenge.
Designed specifically for C-level executives, the event offers a unique opportunity to gain both strategic vision and practical guidance on building a robust data foundation for enterprise-wide AI readiness. Through a CMC Tan Thuan Data Center tour, followed by a workshop with two focused keynotes, this event will equip leaders with actionable frameworks and solutions to unlock the full potential of their data assets and accelerate AI transformation across their organizations.
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At Hotel des Arts Saigon, 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., District 3, HCMC
Join AmCham’s Manufacturing Committee for our first in-person meeting in 2025! We will discuss the evolving landscape of Vietnam’s manufacturing sector, and we will bring together industry leaders and policy experts to share critical updates, strategic insights, and forward-looking perspectives. We’ve been meeting online, but now let’s talk in person so you can meet others who are navigating this complex environment just like you.
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At Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City, 242 Tran Binh Trong St., District 5, HCMC
Don’t miss October’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!
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At Caravelle Saigon, 19-23 Lam Son Square, District 1, HCMC
Have you ever wondered what the U.S. Consulate General actually does? Join us for a special cocktail reception with the U.S. Consulate General team on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the Opera Room of the Caravelle Hotel.
This event offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the Consulate’s work in strengthening U.S.–Vietnam relations and supporting American citizens in Vietnam. Following introductions of the Consulate General team, guests will enjoy time to network and engage directly with Consulate representatives, AmCham Governors, and fellow members over drinks and light refreshments.
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At JW Marriott Hotel & Suites, Corner Hai Ba Trung St. & Le Duan Blvd. , District 1, HCMC
This is an invite-only event that the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City opens to AmCham members. The United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball is an annual formal event that celebrates the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps. The U.S. Consulate General in HCMC has a Marine Security Guard Detachment that not only protects us, but they are also active in the local community and do community service. The ball celebrates them and their contributions to our community.
Please contact Lindsey Largey at LargeyLW@state.gov for purchasing tickets.
| | | Upcoming Committee Meetings | | |
Members are welcome to join, in-person or virtually:
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Education & Training Committee Meeting, Oct 1, 2025 – 9:00 am - 10:00 am
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Legal & VBF Liaison Committee Meeting, Oct 8, 2025 – 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Committee Meeting, Oct 9, 2025 – 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
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Capital Markets and Financial Services Committee (CMFSC) Meeting, Oct 13, 2025 – 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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Healthcare Committee Meeting, Oct 15, 2025 – 4:15 pm - 5:30 pm
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HR Committee Meeting, Oct 16, 2025 – 9:00 am - 10:00 am
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Tourism & Hospitality Committee Meeting, Oct 16, 2025 – 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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Manufacturing Committee Meeting, Oct 17, 2025 – 9:00 am - 10:00 am
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Logistics & Transportation Committee Meeting, Oct 29, 2025 – 9:00 am - 10:00 am
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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.
| | 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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