Weekly eNewsletter
46th Week of 2021 - November 21, 2021
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AmCham Vietnam’s Vision:
The most influential, strategic, and dynamic business association in Vietnam, that drives innovation and sustainable growth, and helps our members succeed. AmCham is a diverse and inclusive business association. We welcome American, Vietnamese, and international companies that share our interest in enabling a fair, transparent, predictable, and efficient regulatory environment that values innovation. A community you want to join!
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Be strong. Be prepared. Take time to smell the roses/orchids. I was inspired by Dr. Mason Cobb’s advice at our COVID briefing this week to keep strong and healthy. But during my “one-minute break” between workout rounds walking by the river, I heard something falling from a tree above. Well-trained by my Boy Scout Leader father, I jumped to the side – only to discover it was a snake! Seemed symbolic for what had been a challenging week… Meanwhile, I continue to enjoy my neighbor’s orchids – these two are both beautiful and incredibly fragrant on my morning dog walks. |
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This week is the American Thanksgiving holiday when we gather together with friends and relatives to express gratitude for our good fortune. This last year has been an incredibly difficult year for so many, and yet I am so grateful for and proud of the way our AmCham community has come together to help support each other and contribute to COVID relief and recovery. Please register now to join our AmCham “Giving Thanks” Dinner on December 2nd at The Reverie Saigon, and consider submitting an application for the AmCham CARES 2021 COVID Relief and Recovery Awards, due TOMORROW, November 22 at 5PM! Please join us for the dinner whether you are competing for an award or not – it should be a festive and fun evening! Senior U.S. and Vietnamese government officials and members of the media will also be invited. LINK
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Other Upcoming Events and Meetings
Register now for “Meet the USA: Partnering to Promote Reopening, Economic Recovery, and Rebound in the Southern Economic Region” on Tuesday afternoon, November 23rd, co-hosted by AmCham Vietnam, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Mission in Vietnam. The event will take place in-person in HCMC’s elegant InterContinental Saigon, as well as virtually with simultaneous interpretation provided. AmCham Vietnam Chairman Chad Ovel will welcome Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Marie Damour, who will join virtually from Hanoi to provide keynote remarks, while provincial leaders from HCMC, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Da Nang will join as honored guests for a panel discussion on Partnering for a Safe Reopening and Recovery (all but Da Nang in-person). More than 20 other provincial leaders from throughout the country have been invited to join the event virtually. We will share results from our recent member survey with the first panel, with the second featuring a range of several AmCham industry leaders sharing their perspectives on Prospects for Rebound, Resiliency, and Sustainable Growth. You are welcome to join either in-person or virtually, with in-person attendees invited to join a follow-on networking reception. The event is designed to highlight the joint commitment of the U.S. and Vietnamese Governments and AmCham Vietnam and our member companies to partner to enable a safe reopening, economic recovery, and rebound in Vietnam, especially in the Southern Economic Region. Don’t miss this exclusive and prestigious event! LINK
AmCham Thanksgiving Turkey Shoot Golf Tournament and Lunch on early Thursday morning, November 25 at the Vietnam Golf & Country Club in Thu Duc City. Register now – space still available! LINK
Committee Meetings. Committee meetings are now open to both in-person (for fully vaxed) and virtual participation. Please register in advance. All AmCham members are welcome to join;
Logistics & Supply Chain Committee Meeting on Wednesday, November 24 at 9AM. Guest speaker WiseTech Global's Business Development Executive Steven Vuong will present on "How digitalization is shaping the future of logistics";
Women in Leadership Committee Meeting on Wednesday, November 24 at 4:30PM, featuring guest speakers Standard Chartered CEO Michele Wee and VinaCapital Foundation CEO Rad Kivette to continue or conversation on Empowering Women at the Workplace, and to discuss the importance of MARCs. Join to learn more!
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2021 Board of Governor Elections. Please take a few minutes and vote now!! It’s time to vote for AmCham Vietnam's Board of Governors in HCMC! If you are an AmCham Vietnam voting member, you already should have received your online ballots. Please click the LINK to see our impressive slate of candidates for the 2022-23 term, together with their biographic information and “Vision for AmCham.” Nine governors will be elected in on-line secure voting, ending at 11:59PM Sunday, December 5. Election results will be announced at our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, December 9, starting at 6PM at the New World Hotel.
Save the date for this year’s 2021 Annual Vietnam Business Forum, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 15 or Thursday, December 16, with the theme, “Restoring Supply Chains During COVID”.
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Please watch the video from VNExpress’s weekly talk show featuring AmCham Vietnam Board Member and Diversatek Vietnam General Director Jonathan Moreno and me discussing Vietnam’s reopening and investment climate with @VNExpress Nguy Co Nguyen Phi Van. Some tough questions at the outset to keep us on our toes - good discussion to listen to over breakfast or your morning commute or an evening cocktail or cup of tea! LINK
AmCham’s November 17 COVID update on Vietnam’s “Fifth Wave” of COVID was informative as we all adjust to “living safely with the virus”. Expert panelists U.S. Centers for Disease Control Vietnam Country Director Dr. Eric Dziuban, Hospital for Tropical Diseases HCMC Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Director Professor Guy Thwaites, Fulbright University Senior Lecturer and Harvard Kennedy School Senior Fellow Nguyễn Xuân Thành, and Victoria Healthcare International Clinics President Dr. Mason Cobb explained that, although cases were again rising, Vietnam’s impressive vaccine rollout, particularly in major cities HCMC and Hanoi, should help prevent serious cases and fatalities. Vietnamese health officials would be watching these statistics closely. The United States among other countries continued to donate to support these efforts, with 16 million doses so far. Vietnam also was allocating its own resources to ensure sufficient funding for vaccines in 2022 and beyond.
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Although Vietnam’s impressive vaccine rollout has resulted in a significant drop in hospitalizations and deaths, COVID and related lockdowns caused extreme hardship for many Vietnamese people, especially disadvantaged groups such as migrants and informal workers. We know many of AmCham’s members and friends want to help, but don’t know how best to do so. In addition to contributing directly via AmCham CARES to donate critically-needed medical equipment to support the Vietnamese government, we provide information about various AmCham INGO members’ COVID-19 relief programs in Vietnam, as well as links to some local NGOs vetted and supported by LIN. LINK. We are happy to highlight COVID-or other CSR-related contributions from our member companies on our social media. Please email details, including photos, to Cindy Tran.
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At the ceremony to mark the 91st anniversary of Traditional Day of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (November 18) and conference reviewing the implementation of the pandemic prevention and control in the fourth wave of Covid-19, AmCham Vietnam was honored to receive a certificate of merit of the HCMC People's Committees presented by HCMC Party Secretary Nguyen Van Nen for our outstanding contribution to HCMC's response of COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control in the fourth wave. Many thanks to AIM Founder and Board Member Mark Gillin for representing AmCham at the event!
AmCham Membership Renewal. It’s that time of year to renew your AmCham membership for 2022! We have begun sending out our renewal notices. Our AmCham team has been working harder than ever this year to deliver value and support you, our members, during these challenging times, particularly through our Committees, Business Intelligence events, and Advocacy. We also have a number of important, high-prolife events coming up before the end of the calendar year! We look forward to your continued support, and welcome new members. As you join or renew your membership, please consider becoming a Premium Member.
AmCham Premium 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 discounts, benefits, and exclusive VIP access. Customized packages are available. To learn more, see LINK or contact Office Manager Cindy Tran at [email protected].
We welcome your feedback at [email protected] to let us know how we can serve you better. We wish you a safe and healthy week ahead! Mary
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Greetings from Da Nang and I hope you are all well! Great news this week as Da Nang city has begun implementing the COVID vaccine rollout for children 12 years and older. I was present at the Ngu Hanh Son facility on Saturday where they used the Pfizer vaccine to inoculate 2,000 students in a single day. And that was only one of the many facilities throughout the city that were active that day. Hopefully we will begin to see schools 8 – 12th grades opening again in the next 14 days!’ Stay safe, stay vigilant, stay healthy!
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COVID-19 Update from Healthcare Provider Subcommittee Chair
Dr. Mason Cobb and Andrew Meadows
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On-Again, Off-Again
For more information, LINK (to COVID page).
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Current advocacy is focused on Enabling a Safe Reopening and Recovery, and the Digital Economy. Please send your feedback on what is working, what issues remain, and recommended solutions to relevant Committee Chairs, [email protected], and our Manufacturing Task Force, at [email protected]. This week’s flash member survey will provide us critical feedback and data – please make sure you participate! Tuesday afternoon’s “Meet the USA” event will provide a unique opportunity for advocacy on Enabling a Safe Reopening, Recovery, and Rebound, both in the official panels, Q&A sessions, and in side-bar conversations for those who can join in person. We will also share results of our recent member survey, which informs our advocacy, ensuring we are representing our member’s concerns. Thanks to all who participated! Register now to join! LINK
Please join our Wednesday morning special Energy Committee meeting for a readout of recent Central government discussions on Draft Power Development Plan VIII and opportunity to discuss next steps for AmCham advocacy. LINK
See Advocacy Report for more details. LINK. Please send your feedback on what is working, what issues remain, and recommended solutions to relevant Committee Chairs, [email protected], and our Manufacturing Task Force, at [email protected].
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Committee Meetings & Activities (For AmCham Members Only) |
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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.
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November 23, 2:30 - 7:30pm
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Advance registration is required for both in-person and virtual participation. |
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November 25, 6:00am - 1:30pm
Advance registration is required.
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November 30, 9:00 - 11:30am.
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Advance registration is required for both in-person and virtual participation. |
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December 2, 9:00 - 10:30am.
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Virtual participation only. Please register to receive the Zoom link. |
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December 2, 6:00 - 9:00pm.
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Advance registration is required. |
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December 9, 6:00 - 8:30pm.
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Advance registration is required. |
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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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