AmCham Weekly Newsletter

September 26th, 2023

Welcome AmCham Vietnam HCMC New Executive Director, Bradley LaLonde

The Board of Governors of The American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City (AmCham Vietnam HCMC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Bradley LaLonde to lead AmCham Vietnam HCMC as its Executive Director.



Mr. LaLonde has a long professional and personal association with Vietnam for over 30 years having arrived in April 1994 as the first head of Citibank in the country. Brad established branches of Citibank in both Hanoi and HCMC and became a founder of AmCham Vietnam in Hanoi as its first elected Chairman. Brad also played a leading role in furthering the normalization of political and commercial ties between Vietnam and the US, which lead to Vietnam's accession to the WTO. In the mid 90’s Brad testified before the US Congress on the need to normalize trade and investment ties with Vietnam. Prior to Vietnam, Brad was involved in start-up banking franchises in Bahrain, Turkey, Tunisia and Vietnam. Mr. Lalonde grew up in Michigan and was educated at the University of Michigan and Columbia University with a Masters Degree in Development Economics. Brad has a keen personal interest in education and training, entrepreneurship, start up business, alternative energy, sustainable agriculture and creative solutions to the challenges facing the planet. 


AmCham Vietnam HCMC Chairman Mr. Gregory Testerman said, “Mr. LaLonde’s perspective and unique professional background will be of great value in achieving continued growth for AmCham. We are excited for Mr. LaLonde to lead our organization and support our members with his expertise in trade and investment between the United States and Vietnam. We are confident that Mr. LaLonde’s leadership will bring us closer to realizing our association’s full potential”.


Mr. LaLonde begins his position in Ho Chi Minh City on October 1, 2023. Mr. LaLonde said, “I am excited to take on this position especially in the new era as we explore the possibilities ahead in taking advantage of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the US and helping AmCham members succeed in doing business and living in Vietnam. I look forward to serving as the Executive Director of AmCham Vietnam HCMC & Danang. I hope to create new business opportunities for AmCham’s members, while strengthening U.S.-Vietnam trade and investment ties.”

Upcoming Events

September 26 - 4:30am-5:30pm

AmCham 101 - New Member Orientation

At AmCham Office, Room 323, New World Hotel Saigon, 76 Le Lai Street, Dist. 1, HCMC


At this new member event, you will learn more from our Executive Director, James Ollen, about AmCham Vietnam benefits, our mission, and programs to help new members – or existing members who want to learn more – how to get involved and make the most of their AmCham membership.

Register Online
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September 27 - 9:00am-10:30am

Managing Tax & Customs Audits

At Deloitte Coffee Lounge, 17th Floor, Times Square, 57-69F Dong Khoi Street, District 1


In the last 18 months the number Audits performed by the Tax & Customs authorities have been limited to those cases where the authorities have specific concerns on the Tax and/or Customs compliance of a company. However, we are now seeing an increase in notifications of audits to be performed in FY 2023. Where those audits have taken place we have observed a more aggressive approach from the audit teams, including shortened timelines for providing requested data/information and lessen flexibility for interpretating business transactions.

In this Seminar we will share our recent experiences and suggest strategies that companies can consider to manage audits and protect their compliance position.

Register Online

September 27 - 6:00pm-8:30pm

AmCham Connect & Cocktails at Steersman Brewery

At Steersman Brewery, 18 Phan Ke Binh Street, District 1


Don’t miss our next AmCham informal networking event – Connect & Cocktails.


Our AmCham Connect & Cocktails 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.



Please plan to join for a great night of networking and our essential Lucky Draw!!

Register Online
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September 29 - 9:00am-11:30am

Q&A on Labor Restructuring and Work Permit

At Le & Tran Building, No.9 Area, 284 Nguyen Trong Tuyen St., Phu Nhuan District


Join our informative Q&A session focused exclusively on labor restructuring and work permits. Whether you’re an employer navigating workforce changes or an individual seeking to understand work permit requirements, this session is tailored to address all your questions.


This Q&A session is your opportunity to access current knowledge, practical advice, and valuable insight to navigate the intricate landscape of Vietnamese labor restructuring and work permits. Don’t miss the chance to have your questions answered by industry experts in this Q&A and prepare to gain a deeper understanding of labor restructuring and work permits!

Register Online

October 23 - 6:00pm-8:30am

Members Night and Meet the U.S. Consulate General Team

At Lotte Legend Saigon, 2A-4A Ton Duc Thang St, Dist. 1


AmCham invites you to the AmCham Members Night event including the U.S. Consulate General staff on Monday, October 23, 2023. Please plan to join the networking cocktail reception at 6:00pm. This will be our special opportunity to introduce you our recently joined members. After introducing of Consulate General team and new members, a cocktail reception will offer networking opportunities for one-on-one conversations with the Consulate General Team, AmCham Governors, and fellow members.

Register Online

November 2 - 9:00am-11:30am

Tax Evasion in Vietnam: Risks, Ramifications, and Remedies

At Le & Tran Building, No.9 Area, 284 Nguyen Trong Tuyen St., Phu Nhuan District


Join us for an exciting discussion on “Tax Evasion in Vietnam: Risks, Ramifications, and Remedies” to gain valuable insights into the intricate landscape of tax compliance and legal accountability. Our lead lawyer, Stephen Le, will demystify the concept of tax evasion in Vietnam, providing clarity between “administrative” and “criminal” tax evasion. The seminar will also help you to explore who bears responsibility in criminal law when tax evasion occurs. Practical strategies for businesses to minimize risks will also be discussed, ensuring that you can navigate the complexities of tax evasion and protect your business interests. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with Stephen in an informative Q&A session—this event is a must-attend to safeguard your interests in Vietnam’s tax environment!

Register Online

November 8 - 8:30am-4:30pm

Vietnam: Apparel & Footwear Compliance Conference 2023

At Caravelle Saigon, 19-23 Lam Son Square, Dist. 1


Apparel and footwear factory executives, directors, managers and their leadership teams come together in Vietnam to engage with the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) for presentations discussing compliance. The opportunity for factories and their U.S. partners to convene promotes relationship building, a deeper understanding of U.S. requirements, and brand expectations for factories. Compliance is a critical component for U.S. brands and a top priority of AAFA, this seminar will breakdown different areas of compliance and talk about the challenges and how to smartly advance operations for compliance.


Factory owners and managers, textile and component companies, and chemical and processing firms that partner within the supply chains of major brands and retailers. The conference will be presented in English with full Vietnamese translation.

Register Online

November 14 - 6:30pm-8:30pm

Meet the Candidate Night

Join us for an exclusive Members-only event to meet the candidates for the 2024-2025 AmCham Vietnam HCMC Board of Governors! Meet our impressive slate of candidates, hear their visions, and network with AmCham member colleagues and friends. No entry-fee to join.

Save The Date

November 21 - 6:00pm-9:00pm

AmCham "Giving Thanks" Dinner 2023

At The Reverie Saigon, 22-36 Nguyen Hue Blvd, Dist. 1


Please join us to express thanks for all the blessings we enjoy here in Vietnam, and celebrate Thanksgiving traditions, together with family, friends, and colleagues. Thanksgiving is an annual holiday that Americans celebrate with family and friends on the fourth Thursday in November (this year November 23) to give thanks for the harvest and good fortune we have enjoyed throughout the year.



At our 2023 Giving Thanks Dinner, we will honor and recognize AmCham member companies which have demonstrated ESG Impact. More details on our Award Program coming soon.

Save The Date

November 23 - 6:30am-2:00pm

AmCham Thanksgiving Turkey Shoot Golf Tournament and Lunch

At Vietnam Golf & Country Club, Long Thanh My Ward, Thu Duc City 


More details coming soon.

Save The Date

December 9 - 6:00pm till late

AmCham Governors Ball - BLUE ICE

At InterContinental Saigon, Corner of Hai Ba Trung St. and Le Duan Blvd, Dist. 1


The AmCham Vietnam HCMC Board of Governors and the Governors’ Ball Organizing Committee are delighted to announce our 28th Annual Governors’ Ball, to be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, beginning at 6:00pm at the InterContinental Saigon.


This year’s gala will be cool, chic, stylish and sassy: we call it Blue Ice.


The Governors’ Ball will be an exclusive event, bringing together over 400 top members of the AmCham Vietnam HCMC business community, together with Vietnamese and international business representative friends. The Ball will be a unique opportunity for you to promote your company to an influential audience in a glamorous setting, while contributing to a worthy charitable cause.


We hope that you will join the event, purchase a table or tickets, and consider becoming a sponsor for this special evening. And don’t miss the live auction, silent auction, door prizes, table prizes, and raffle prizes!!

Proceeds from the 2023 Governors’ Ball will support AmCham’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, the AmCham Scholarship Program and the Women in Engineering Scholarship Programs.



We look forward to welcoming you to our Ball to celebrate both our AmCham community and the festive season!

Cash Sponsorship Package
In-kind Sponsorship Package
Ticket Registration

December 10 - 9:00am-12:30pm

AmCham Breakfast with Santa

At InterContinental Saigon, Corner of Hai Ba Trung St and Le Duan Blvd, Dist. 1


The 10th annual AmCham Breakfast with Santa will be held this year on December 10, from 9:00am to 12:30pm at the InterContinental Saigon. The event is designed for families to celebrate Christmas together, and bring some Christmas joy into other’s lives. Sponsorship and a portion of every adult ticket sold will help fund the cost of orphans to attend the Breakfast.



We would love to invite you and/or your company to be a sponsor of this meaningful event.


More details are coming soon.

Save the Date

December 14 - 6:00am-8:30pm

AmCham Annual General Meeting & Members Night

At New World Hotel Saigon, 76 Le Lai St., Dist. 1


AmCham Vietnam is YOUR business organization. At our Annual General Meeting on December 14, AmCham leaders will update you on 2023 key developments and strategic results. The US Mission leader will highlight the partnership in 2023 between the U.S. Government and AmCham Vietnam. We will also announce the election results for the 2024-25 AmCham Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Board of Governors.

More details coming soon.

Save the Date
Upcoming Committee Meetings

AmCham members are welcome to join, in-person or virtual. 

Digital Economy & Technology Committee Meeting, Tuesday, September 26, 9:00AM

Logistics & Supply Chain Committee Meeting, Wednesday, September 27, 9:00AM

Education & Training Committee Meeting, Wednesday, October 4, 9:00AM

Capital Markets & Financial Services Committee (CMFSC) Meeting, Monday, October 9, 4:00PM

Energy Committee Meeting, Tuesday, October 10, 3:00PM

Legal & VBF Liaison Committee Meeting, Wednesday, October 11, 5:00PM

Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Committee Meeting, Thursday, October 12, 4:00PM

Manufacturing Committee Meeting, Friday, October 13, 9:00AM

Recent Activities and Events

AmCham Women in Engineering Scholarship 2023 (ACWES 2023) 


Last Saturday, the Award Ceremony of the AmCham Women in Engineering Scholarship 2023 (ACWES 2023) took place with the participation of representatives from Sponsors, representatives from Universities and the stars of the show - the 60 Women in Engineering scholars along with their families.


The Scholarship Executive Team would like to express our deep gratitude to the Sponsors: Techtronic Industries Vietnam (TTI Vietnam) and Axcela Vietnam. Thank you to our interviewers from EPAM Systems Co., Ltd. (Vietnam) (EPAM) and AmCham members have accompanied and supported the program to be a success. Thank you to the Universities for participating as partners in the program. Thank you to the students who have participated in the program with great enthusiasm. 


ACWES 2023 is nothing but a chapter in your story of the Women in Engineering scholars. The Scholarship Executive Team looks forward to many more thrilling chapters that you will continue to write in the future!


Please have a look at some memorable moments at the Award Ceremony: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAVX83

ESG Committee Visits Vung Tau Brewery of HEINEKEN Vietnam 


Recently the ESG Committee organized a tour of the Vung Tau Brewery of HEINEKEN Vietnam, the largest and greenest brewery in SE Asia. The purpose of the first ESG field trip was to learn more about HEINEKEN Vietnam's Net Zero strategy and see how they aim to meet their environmental sustainability targets in everything from production to packaging to logistics to cooling. 


Thanks to the team at Heineken for being such great hosts of our first ESG field trip!

Work Permits for Foreigners Clarified


Vietnam recently issued new rules (Decree 70 to amend Decree 152) regarding work permits for foreigners. The rules to obtain work permits have been made clearer and less restrictive.


Our friends at Russin & Vecchi have drafted a helpful quick note on the new rules that you can find HERE

Welcome New AmCham Members

We would like to extend our warmest welcome to our newest members. Thank you for your support!

Welcome New AmCham Discount Partners

We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our new partners who have joined the AmCham Discount Program. With their participation, our members can enjoy exclusive discounts and special privileges when using their AmCham Membership Card on our Membership Discount Program. AmCham welcomes requests from all interested companies that would like to be apart of the program, and want to offer valuable discounts or savings on their products or services to about 2,000 individual business representatives of over 550 corporate members. You can fill out this Form to join us or contact amcham.membership@amchamvietnam.com for further information.

Special Thanks to AmCham Premium Members
The American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City & Danang
New World Hotel Suite 323
76 Le Lai Street, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3824 3562
Contact AmCham Vietnam HCMC & Danang
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