AmCham Vietnam Weekly Update - 33rd Week of 2020 - August 15, 2020 |
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Executive Director Update |
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Recent and Upcoming Events
Colleagues,
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AmCham Donation of Realtime PCR System to HCMC Fatherland Front and Center for Disease Control: Last Monday, the HCMC Fatherland Front, Department of Health, and Center for Disease Control held a delivery ceremony for AmCham's donation of a Thermofisher Realtime PCR system to support the HCMC government's work in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and managing its response to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. With the second wave, this equipment was needed now more than ever. We very much appreciate the generous contributions from First Solar, Diag Labs, MSD, Cargill, Russin & Vecchi, and UPC Renewables that made this donation possible.
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Urgent Appeal to Fight COVID-19 in Current Epicenter in Da Nang: At the request of the Da Nang Fatherland Front and Department of Health, AmCham now would like to launch an urgent appeal for contributions towards medical device equipment to be used by the Da Nang Department of Health. The most urgent needs currently identified include a Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) control system with cost of about $58,000; or two Ventilators with cost of about $63,000. Other urgent needs include Patient Monitors and Infusion Pumps. As with prior donations, our team will carry out extensive due diligence for the planned purchase and donation of these medical equipment. We are currently coordinating with the Fatherland Front and AmCham's Healthcare Medical Device Subcommittee to review the request and ensure we purchase the best available equipment at the lowest price, with a preference for a U.S. brand. We hope you will be able to contribute to this important cause, whether or not your company has operations in Da Nang since it could affect us all. Please feel free to contact me or Office Manager Cindy Tran for additional information. Given the urgency, we plan to purchase three GE Healthcare Patient Monitors (valued at about $8000 each with donations already made by Coca-Cola this week, with a second round of donations the following week. We understand company approvals can cause delays, but hope that you can expedite where possible to respond to the urgent needs. If at all possible, please confirm your donations by Friday, August 21. We wish to hold the delivery ceremony for this equipment by the end of this month.
Hybrid HCMC- U.S. Business Summit - Driving Partnership and Innovation for the Future: We hope you ALL will register now for an exciting Business Summit on the morning of August 25th, where we will partner with U.S. Ambassador Kritenbrink and Consul General Damour, together with HCMC Party Secretary Dr. Nhan and Chairman Phong and top tech leaders from around the world to celebrate the 25-year anniversary of U.S.-Vietnam relations and promote technology and innovation investment opportunities in HCMC! Register now to participate. Sponsorship opportunities available for this high-profile event. Virtual and limited in-person participation available - first priority to speakers, government participants, and sponsors.
Women in Leadership Virtual Event: On Thursday evening, we were honored to hold a Virtual Women In Leadership Networking & Town Hall Discussion, with an all-star cast of experts - including Linh Thai-Investor, Mentor, and Mother; Dr. Astrid Matarrita-Chinchilla-PsyD, Saigon Psychology & Counseling; Minh Nguyen-Country Manager, Vietnam, Aetna International; Uyen Ho-Director, Global Public Affairs, Intel Products Vietnam & Malaysia; Hang Nguyen-Partner, Baker & McKenzie (Ho Chi Minh City); Irene Ohler-Executive Coach, Author and Storyteller; Tina Tran Neville-Lana Learn, CEO; and Ken D. Duong, Esq., MBA-Managing Partner, TDL Law Firm. Thanks to our support from our tech-savvy AmCham team, particularly Lily and Minh Anh, participants from around the world, including Utah and Denmark, were able to join three breakout rooms focusing on the 3Rs: Resilience, Relationships, and Results. Discussions generated lots of ideas for future speakers, events, and programs. Stay tuned - our next WIL event will be on Thursday, September 10, from 5:30-7:30PM, with Stylist to the Stars (and Silicon Valley founders) Bui Viet Ha!
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Committees: A few of our committees will be holding meetings this week: Digital Economy & Technology, and Tax & Customs Committees on Tuesday; Healthcare Committee on Wednesday; and Manufacturing Committee on Thursday.
Da Nang C&C: Finally, our Da Nang team, led by Vice-Chairman Chris Vanloon, will hold a virtual Connect & Cocktails on Friday, August 21, from 6-7 pm. It won't be the same as the fabulous event Chris hosted at El Gaucho in July, but we will have a chance to network, check in with each other, and get an update on plans for upcoming AmCham-Da Nang events -- and a lucky draw! Please register and join us. https://www.amchamvietnam.com/events/amcham-vietnam-da-nang-connect-cocktails-august-2020/
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We are looking to expand our Executive Team in HCMC to include an engaging and talented person as its Advocacy & Communications Manager. This newly-created role reflects our growing membership and desired investment to make AmCham Vietnam the most strategic, influential, and dynamic business association in Vietnam that drives innovation and helps its member companies succeed in Vietnam. Check out our Recruitment Notice and Job Description in this LINK. If interested, please send your CV and cover letter to hr@amchamvietnam.com. The deadline for application is extended COB on Monday, August 24, 2020. Please share the recruitment notice with others in your network you think might be good candidates!
Register to Vote
If social distancing restrictions are lifted, we hope to have a C&C on August 27 with U.S. Consulate American Citizens Services staff who can help you register to vote in the November Presidential elections, but there is no need to wait. Info is available online! https://vn.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/voting/
Please stay well and be safe. We welcome your feedback at team@amchamvietnam.com to let us know how we can serve you better.
Mary Tarnowka, Executive Director
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Stay Informed- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak |
AmCham Vietnam wants to provide a safe environment for events and business networking. We recognized that there was always a risk of a second outbreak, and it looks like we are experiencing it now. We also know that we all have different comfort levels with respect to the changing situation. https://www.amchamvietnam.com/amcham-event-level-rating/
In response, AmCham has a rating system for all of our events, explained below. We recently modified our Level III criteria to align with HCMC guidelines. We hope the rating system is useful to you in making your own decisions about which events in which you would like to participate. As always, we welcome your feedback at team@amchamvietnam.com.
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Some additional tips below from Dr. Mason Cobb, Vice-Chair, and Dr. Andy Meadows, of AmCham Healthcare Committee’s Medical Providers Subcommittee:
By now, it is widely known that Russia is producing a COVID-19 vaccine for global distribution. Vietnam is planning to order 50-150,000,000 doses. The cost will be at least $10 per person and two doses will be needed. Some doses may be donated by Russia. Russia will inoculate its higher risk and front-line people first, then vaccinate its population widely, beginning in October. One billion doses have been ordered by 20 countries. It is not clear when the vaccine will be available in Vietnam, however.
Vietnam is not putting all its eggs in the Russian basket, but is also registering to secure vaccines from the UK and USA when they become available. Vietnam itself has four firms working on a home-grown vaccine. The timeline prediction varies between human testing to begin by the end of this year and general availability by the end of 2021.
The WHO has expressed concerns about the Russian vaccine. Multiple reports suggest that the developers of the Russian vaccine have yet to conduct the large, definitive Phase 3 trials. The combined first- and second-phase enrollment included only 76 people. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of “Sputnik V” has not been shown yet by accepted standards. Russia will release safety data later this month and in September.
The rush to deploy a vaccine that is still being tested underscores the eagerness of the world to get a vaccine to end this plague. However, production and distribution of any vaccine will take more time, even after it is proven safe and effective.
There are more than 165 vaccine candidates currently under development around the world according to the WHO, with more than 30 now undergoing human testing. Eight have entered the final phase of large-scale human trials.
There is a nagging question of how effectively a vaccine offers protection; the seasonal flu vaccines are only about 60-70% effective. It is very possible that, like seasonal flu, COVID-19 will still be lurking and an ongoing health threat. Mr. Vu Duc Dam, Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, said that Viet Nam has no choice but to “live safely with the virus”.
As of 5PM on August 15, Vietnam has 930 total cases and 22 fatalities. This clearly demonstrates a second wave for Vietnam and a shock for those of us here, but for perspective, consider that the United States has had 5.2 million cases and 167,000 deaths as of August 14th.
New cases stemming from the recent outbreak in Central Vietnam that began on July 25th seem to be tapering off, with the Ministry of Health announcing on August 14th that “It is expected that the Da Nang epidemic will be controlled by the end of August.” Aggressive social distancing, contact tracing, lockdown, and extensive quarantining were implemented rapidly, so spread beyond this region has been extremely limited. Yet, fatalities continue, with one today, given that many critically ill patients with pre-existing conditions were exposed. The lock-down continues in Da Nang and Hai Duong in the North.
The Ministry of Health is also calling for COVID-19 recovered patients to donate plasma for research. Those interested can contact the hotline at 1900 3228. We want to give a shout-out to AmCham member Habitat for Humanity former Country Director (soon to transfer to another posting) Kelly Koch, who traveled to Hanoi to donate plasma! https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/american-woman-offers-plasma-for-covid-19-research-4145628.html?fbclid=IwAR2-MPjs8pyjovUP3SHbg4rlVBgFHc30x97L_jfcLGRmEC4Muop94379Cw8
Masks are central to living safely. But when is a mask not protective? Masks are our best protection against aerosol spread, the most common and insidious way COVID-19 is spread. We are all wearing masks, now, but not all masks are equal. Duke University released useful research this week comparing the effectiveness of 14 different mask types in controlling droplet spread. As expected, the N95 mask ranked first and the classic surgical mask second. Various multi-layer cotton and fabric designs also proved effective. Somewhat unexpectedly, bandanas and fleece neck gaiters actually showed data worse than wearing no mask at all. This was due to the “cheese grater” effect – larger, heavier droplets are converted to smaller, more infectious aerosols. Finally, any mask design that incorporates a valve reduces its effectiveness as droplets escape through the valve. These mask types are more useful for industrial purposes, not medical. So be sure to select the best protective options.
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6:00-8:00pm, Register to receive the Zoom link
Event Level Rating: IV
While we clearly can’t hold a face to face networking event, we will hold an online Connect and Cocktails event on the 21st of August from 6 – 8 pm. Sorry we can’t invite everyone to El Gaucho and you’ll have to bring your own drinks this time but we can at least see each other and catch up on where we are and what we might need to do to help each other in the near future. By the way, there will still be prizes in a lucky draw for those who attend!
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8:00-12:00pm, InterContinental Saigon, Corner of Hai Ba Trung & Le Duan Blvd., Dist. 1
Event Level Rating: II
Join this exclusive event with Ho Chi Minh City Party Secretary Dr. Nguyen Thien Nhan, People’s Committee Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong, U.S. Ambassador Daniel Kritenbrink, Consul General Marie Damour, and senior U.S. and Vietnamese tech business leaders from HCMC, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Singapore.
Celebrate the 25-year anniversaries of diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam and of Ho Chi Minh City’s sister-city relationship with San Francisco — and discuss opportunities for technology and innovation investments in HCMC that will drive partnership and innovation for the future!
Panels on opportunities to invest in Technology Supply Chains; Fintech for Vietnam and Beyond; and HCMC’s Smart Cities, Innovation District, and International Financial Center.
Learn from U.S. technology investors about their experience and interest in developing local supply chains and partnerships. Learn from HCMC authorities about HCMC technology and innovation strategic plans and policies to welcome foreign investors, and from USG authorities about new programs to support U.S. technology exports and investment under the Indo Pacific Policy, through the Trade and Development Agency, Development Finance Corporation, and EximBank.
Participation will be available virtually, with limited in-person participation with appropriate social distancing protocols. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided both in English and Vietnamese.
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8:45-10:30am, Please register to receive the Zoom link.
Event Level Rating: IV
Transfer pricing decisions made by businesses must take into account changes in Vietnamese Government policies, especially... To advise enterprises on effective TP strategies amidst the risk of pandemic, RSM VIetnam will brief on the current policy situation, and offer as much clarity as possible on navigating decisions related to transfer pricing. Event includes a Q&A session
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4:00-5:00pm, New World Hotel Saigon, Garden 1 on the 1st Floor, 76 Le Lai St., Dist. 1
Event Level Rating: III
We would like to invite you to join Hybrid Virtual AmCham 101 – New Member Orientation.
At this new members event, you will learn more from our Executive Director, Mary Tarnowka, about AmCham Vietnam benefits, our mission, and programs to help new members achieve success, and how to get involved in and maximize your investment in AmCham membership. It is also a way to meet other new AmCham Vietnam HCMC members. While this event is designed for new members, we welcome other members on a space available basis. If you can not join this meeting physically, you can still register to join virtually via Zoom.
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Thursday, August 27
(TBC, depending on social distancing guidelines in effect)
6:00-8:30pm, Hotel Equatorial, 242 Tran Binh Trong St., Dist. 5
Event Level Rating: II
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AmCham will continue our monthly informal networking event – AmCham Connect and 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!!
Note this month’s Connect & Cocktails will feature an opportunity to support local business with several of our Discount Partners, and an opportunity for American citizens to register to vote, with support from the U.S. Consulate American Citizen Services Team.
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In 2018, the Vietnam International Arbitration Center (VIAC) made a judgment in favor of the employer concerning a dispute over a Non-Disclosure and Non-Compete Agreement (NDA). The employee requested the Court to overturn VIAC's arbitral award claiming that the dispute was outside VIAC’s jurisdiction. The Court rejected such request, which raises a question as to whether VIAC has jurisdiction over NDA disputes. This Labor Law Review presents our view on such question and introduces the labor law updates from June 15, 2020 to July 27, 2020.
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Crafted by our talented pastry chefs, these mooncakes are a reflection of Vietnamese traditions that harmonize with modernity.
Our sets are available in single, 4-piece and 9-piece gift boxes with the flavors of your choice.
Each of our artisanal Mooncakes are made daily, to ensure optimal freshness. They come in four unique and original flavors that blend the finest and freshest Vietnamese natural ingredients with our award-winning chocolate.
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In the upcoming webinar hosted by Deloitte Vietnam on 19 August 2020, their experts will provide an in-depth analysis of the new tax announcements. These include: Tax Audit Trend, New Labour Code 2019, Covid-19 Labour Issues and Government’s Responses, Notable Official Letters. Kindly register before 17 August 2020 to reserve your seat.
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The more you book, the more rewards you’ll get
The programme is designed to recognise and reward bookers for your great support to Becamex Hotels.
Book now and redeem points! Please contact us on (84.274) 3801 118 or email: sales@becamexhotels.com for further information
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Café Central Villa Pasteur has opened its doors again with a whole new concept which includes bbq, roasting and Italian pizza stations and Chinese hot pot. Come and sample the diverse menu with friends - there’s something for everyone!
As a special re-opening offer, from 13th August to 13th September, 2020, WMC Prestige members receive 30% discount. The offer is subject to applicable conditions. For more information about WMC Prestige or Café Central Villa Pasteur, please call 090 2915 788.
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With more than two decades delighting diners with authentic Cantonese fare in Saigon, Ngan Dinh has officially opened in Hanoi, bringing to the capital a luxurious dining experience at the 5-star Hanoi Daewoo Hotel.
From 17th August to 30th September, 2020, take advantage of our exclusive soft-opening offer - 20% discount on total bill.
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Committee Meetings & Activities (For AmCham Members Only) |
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9:00-10:00am, AmCham Vietnam-HCMC, Suite 323, New World Saigon Hotel, 76 Le Lai Street, Dist. 1
Event Level Rating: III
For physical attendees, the maximum number is 8. Please register in advance to reserve your seat.
For virtual attendees, please register to receive the Zoom link.
Agenda:
- Legal update: Mr. Seck Yee Chung, Vice Chairman of Committee, Managing Partner, Baker & McKenzie
- Update for HCMC – US Business Summit: Driving Partnership & Innovation for the future
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5:00-6:00pm, Please register to receive the Zoom link.
Event Level Rating: IV
- EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement: Preferential duty treatment and customs rules
- Timing of submitting certificate of origin under Circular 47/2020/TT-BTC
- Resolution on 30% corporate income tax reduction
- Decree 68/2020/ND-CP on transfer pricing
- Any other business
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4:15-5:45pm, KPMG Office, Galaxy Meeting Room 10th Fl., Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue Blvd., Dist. 1
Event Level Rating: III
For physical attendees, please register in advance to reserve your seat.
For virtual attendees, please register to receive the Zoom link.
Agenda to be provided.
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8:30-9:45am, Please register to receive the Zoom link.
Event Level Rating: IV
Agenda to follow
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AmCham Premium Membership |
The AmCham Premium Membership 2020 is a leadership-level membership for companies contributing strategic support for AmCham's mission and programs. Our Premium Membership comes with a range of exclusive benefits. One all-inclusive Premium Membership's annual billing simplifies your businesses' sponsorship efforts. |
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We love our AmCham members! Do you know all the benefits you get with your membership? Maybe you only remember the ones you've used recently, but there are many ways even our basic level members benefit at AmCham. |
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The American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam
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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