Weekly eNewsletter
26th Week of 2022 - July 1, 2022
AmCham Vietnam’s Vision:

We strive to continue to be the most influential, strategic, and dynamic business association in Vietnam.
AmCham welcomes American, Vietnamese, and international companies that share our interest in enabling a fair, transparent, predictable, and efficient regulatory environment that values innovation.
We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as environment, social, and governance values and aim to be a community you want to join.
Dear ,
Transitions. I knew this week would be difficult with my younger daughter Zofia heading off for the summer to start university in August. This week was going to be my first trial run at empty nesting for a few weeks before visiting her in the U.S. We had lots of final meals including her favorite pho, burgers, pizza, and tiramisu. And a final round of board games with friends, this a vintage edition of Careers, including a career option as uranium prospector and college fees of $500. Unfortunately, her university costs a bit more…
 
But this week included another transition for me, too - the sudden death I learned of Saturday of my ex-husband, who had continued to be a close friend to me and a father not just to our biological daughter, Sabina, but also to my adopted daughter, Zofia. It’s been a terrible shock and loss to all of us. I flew out late Sunday to be with my daughters in Washington, DC. Hold those you love close. And as we heard in our recent Take Charge of Your Health and Wellness event, please get those medical exams and tests now that you were putting off during COVID!
 
Please excuse this delayed Weekly Newsletter and delayed email responses from me. Cindy, Lily, and the team will keep things running smoothly.

Upcoming Events and Committee meetings
Community. Another important lesson from our Health and Wellness event was the importance of Community. If you are in town, make sure you don’t miss it! Buy your tickets now to the Saturday, July 2nd celebration. It’s all the best of being back in the USA, without the divisive politics - or long flights to get here…  
And register now for two events coming up in early July, our July 6th M&A or IPO: What is the Right Strategy for Your Business? and our July 7th event, Farewell Dinner for U.S. Consul General Marie Damour
AmCham members are invited to join in-person or virtually at our upcoming Committee meetings:
July 8: Manufacturing Committee Meeting (ON AGENDA NOTE – May substitute Uighur Forced Labor Prevention Act Briefing for regular monthly meeting – stay tuned.)

Recent Events:
Road to Economic Recovery – Post Pandemic
AmCham supports SMEs with digital transformation. The first event of our "Road to Economic Recovery – Post Pandemic" initiative was an informative session with insightful sharing from our expert speakers: Hoa Sen University Associate Professor PhD Ha Thi Ngoc Oanh; Amazon Global Selling Account Manager Vo Tong; UL Sales Manager Thanh Lam; Meta Country Lead Vietnam Le Bach Tuong Van; and Payoneer Business Development Manager Nguyen Nu Nha Ngoc.
Panelists discussed current government support policies for SMEs post-COVID, cross-border business opportunities via Amazon and Meta, international digital payment methods, and global product certification and testing standards, and responded to participating SMEs about current challenges.
Stay tuned for future events under this initiative, coordinated by AmCham’s Digital Economy & Technology Committee and Hoa Sen University.
Business Visa and Other Consular Services
Many thanks to our U.S. Consular Section Chief Adrienne Harchik, Non-Immigrant Visa Chief Benjamin Chiang, and American Citizen Services Chief Tom Bollati for making time June 23rd to share valuable insights and advice on Business Visas and other U.S. Consulate Services with AmCham members and friends.

Key takeaways:
  • The U.S. Consulate in HCMC (and most posts in the world) has staffing shortages due to the high demand as borders reopen. The Consulate team is doing its utmost to bring backlogs down and facilitate legitimate travel.
  • Plan your travel. If you already have a visa, renew early. You do NOT need to wait until your visa expires. Renewals currently take 4 weeks or less.
  • Student visas are also being prioritized. Apply soonest to ensure you can start classes on time.
  • Apply early for business visas. If you have an urgent need to travel, complete the online expedite request after you file for an appointment.
  • If you have questions about immigrant visas, ask online. A team of experts responds quickly.
  • There is no secret formula to obtaining a nonimmigrant visa. Just tell the truth and be authentic about the purpose of your travel. The visa officer needs to make a judgment call as to whether you are likely to return to Vietnam.
  • Notarial services may also be expedited. You can file a request online. Also, keep checking. New appointments slots appear daily.
  • Accurate information on immigrant and non-immigrant visas to the U.S. and U.S Citizen Consular services, including notation services, is available online at vn.usembassy.gov
  • If you are a US citizen, register now to receive accurate travel information at step.state.gov
AmCham Premium Corporate Membership offers the opportunity for qualified companies to highlight your status as business leaders and your strategic support for AmCham Vietnam’s mission and programs. Premium Membership offers a range of benefits, and exclusive VIP access. Customized packages are available. To learn more, see LINK or contact Office Manager Cindy Tran. 
 
Thank you for your continued support – let us know how we can do better at team@amchamvietnam.com! Regards, Mary 
Greetings from Da Nang! What a busy week last week for AmCham Da Nang and our members! On Friday last week we held our latest Connect & Cocktails at the Furama Resort. The well-attended gathering brought both members and non-members together over delicious canapés from the resort as well as Delamotte Champagne from Red Apron.

Next we were honored on Saturday, June 25th, to attend the Da Nang 2022 Investment Forum at the Sheraton Grand Resort hosted by the City Government, with the attendance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh who offered the keynote address. It was wonderful to hear his insights into the state of the country as well as his passion about the development of the city and his optimism moving forward. Additionally, he took time on Sunday to tour our member Universal Alloy Corporation Vietnam's factory at the Danang Hi Tech Park.
 
We continue to run our Sunday Charity Fair at Indochina Mall in collaboration with Origin. So far the events are running well, but we still haven’t met our goal yet. Please remember to donate if you have old clothes and toys filling up your closets! Donations can be made on the ground floor of Indochina Mall any day between 9 am and 9 pm.
Advocacy
USG/Uighur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Effective on June 21, 2022, new, broad-sweeping restrictions have been put into place in the United States to prevent the import of any product manufactured wholly or in part with forced labor from China, particularly the Xinjiang/Uighur region. These restrictions require high levels of transparency and traceability by exporters. Cotton, silicon, and tomatoes are among the many products produced in the Xinjiang region that could be found in manufacturing supply chains in Vietnam. We are working with AmCham’s Manufacturing and ESG Committees and the U.S. Mission to arrange a virtual briefing by relevant USG experts from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which is responsible for implementing these new restrictions. We will seek to hold this briefing in both EN and VN, in cooperation with local business associations, with participation open for our members, partner factories, suppliers, and others. Tentative dates (TBC) are 8AM on July 8th (same date and approximate time as regular Manufacturing Committee meeting) or July 12th. Stay tuned. 
 
The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (Public Law No. 117-78), also known as the UFLPA, directs the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force to develop a strategy for supporting enforcement of the prohibition on the importation of goods into the United States manufactured wholly or in part with forced labor in the People's Republic of China, especially from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, or Xinjiang. The UFLPA was enacted on December 23, 2021, with a June 21, 2022 effective date for a rebuttable presumption that goods mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in Xinjiang or by an entity on the UFLPA Entity List are prohibited from U.S. importation under 19 U.S.C. § 1307. CBP leads the implementation of the rebuttable presumption under the UFLPA, and more about implementation efforts can be found on the CBP UFLPA page. The FLETF strategy includes the UFLPA Entity List, Importer Guidance, and other information. https://www.dhs.gov/uflpa
 
USG/IPEF. AmCham Vietnam, together with several other AmChams in the region, signed onto a joint industry statement prepared by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council in support of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). The letter stressed the important role that the IPEF could play to forge more resilient global supply chains, high-standard digital rule-of-the-road, and energy transitions to promote greater prosperity on both sides of the Pacific. LINK

AmChams of the Asia Pacific July Doorknock. Registration and Waitlist for the AmChams of the Asia-Pacific (AAP) July 17-20 AAP Doorknock in Washington DC has now formally closed since the capacity of 50 has been reached – apparently the largest delegation ever and a good mix of MNCs, SMEs, and AmCham reps. If you registered, make sure you pay ASAP! Those that do not pay by June 30 will lose their seats. Thanks to all who all who are joining – AmCham Vietnam should have a great delegation, both from HCMC and Hanoi. This is a fantastic way to share your insights and perspective on opportunities and challenges for U.S.-Vietnam trade and investment with Washington decisionmakers. We will share more program details with attendees as available. LINK. 

National/VBF. Thank you to all who contributed advocacy issues for the Vietnam Business Forum Technical Session with MPI. We regret that the Technical Session, originally scheduled for June 24th, has been postponed. It is expected to take place in September, date TBD. Meanwhile, the Working Group position papers are being shared with MPI and relevant ministries and working-level discussions may take place in the interim. Stay tuned for future updates from 2022 AmCham VBF Representative Fred Burke. 
 
We welcome your feedback on these and other issues to ensure we are aware of your top concerns. This report and prior Advocacy Reports are available on AmCham’s Advocacy page. LINK. Please send your feedback on what is working, what issues remain, and recommended solutions to relevant Committee Chairs, advocacyaction@amchamvietnam.com
Committee Meetings & Activities (For AmCham Members only)
Key Media Updates
Stay informed about key developments affecting your business by checking frequently – updated regularly on weekdays. On weekends, stay informed and connected through AmCham’s Facebook, Linked IN, and Instagram. LINK to our Key Media Updates.
Upcoming Events
July 2 - 11:30-5:00pm.
Riverside Apartments, 53 Vo Truong Toan St., Thao Dien, Dist. 2

Tickets are still available for AmCham members and friends at the AmCham Vietnam Office. Click the button below to get your tickets. Your entrance ticket will include all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink, and entertainment with NOLA Blues Club.
July 6 - 4:30-8:00pm.
At The Reverie Saigon and via Zoom
July 7 - 6:00-9:00pm.
InterContinental Saigon, Corner of Hai Ba Trung St. and Le Duan Blvd., Dist. 1
Offer to AmCham Members

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