AmCham Vietnam Weekly Update - 24th Week of 2020

AmCham Vietnam Weekly Update - 24th Week of 2020 - June 13, 2020

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Executive Director Update

Colleagues, we hope you are continuing to enjoy our unique almost-normal environment and freedoms. Vietnam continues to receive global recognition for its effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic- now more than 55 days without community spread! And Vietnam's most critically ill patient is now fully conscious and making steps towards recovery. We hope you are now getting your regular healthcare checks, as well as getting out and supporting your local restaurants, and local shops, enjoying a staycation at a nearby hotel -- or visiting some of the other beautiful resorts and destinations in Vietnam! Crowds are returning to airports and tourist destinations, so remember your masks and take appropriate safety precautions. I now travel everywhere with hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, and a small bottle of alcohol (not the drinking kind:). And, as many of you have noticed, try to avoid shaking hands.

This week, we hosted our first invite-only Chairman’s Circle dinner with Members of our Board of Governors, Former Chairs, and Premium Corporate Sponsors. Participants enjoyed insights from Bower Group Asia Vietnam Managing Director Nguyen Viet Ha and Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management Lecturer Nguyen Xuan Thanh, and delicious food and wine from Le Corto's renowned Chef Sakal Phoeung. Our AmCham team enjoyed a team lunch at Chef Gabe Boyer's Soul Burger restaurants near Ben Thanh Market - delicious U.S. beef burgers, onion rings, and great music.

Our Women in Leadership Committee leadership team met at Chef Peter Cuong Franklin's AnAn restaurant's beautiful rooftop terrace with beautiful and delicious cocktails and appetizers. While enjoying the company and view, we also had an in-depth discussion on the action plan for the next two months, including a special invite-only event for members of our Women In Leadership Committee.

Summer in Vietnam will be busy! We look forward to the June 19 opening of our Da Nang Chapter, June 22 Ambassador Briefing Dinner, a June 24 “Rediscover Vietnam”-themed Connect & Cocktail event -- and our AmCham Independence Day Celebration and Community Picnic!

And we are delighted to inform you that, thanks to Vietnam's successful management of COVID, we will hold our AmCham U.S. Independence Day Celebration & Community Picnic this year. And this year we will celebrate on the actual Independence Day, Saturday, July 4th. We would welcome your sponsorship in cash, gifts/vouchers for our Lucky Draw, and F&B (especially American ones). This is a unique opportunity to showcase your company's products or services, as well as your delicious food and beverages to key members of the local business community. As we expect to be in high demand on tickets, sponsors will get first priority. We are a bit behind our normal planning deadlines since we were only recently able to make the decision to go ahead so will appreciate your prompt action. Please complete the Sponsorship Application Form and send it to our Events Team before June 17 to confirm your participation. Please contact Events Manager Lily Nguyen with any questions.

Meanwhile, AmCham Vietnam-HCMC continues to support you as Vietnam reopens and begins its economic recovery. We welcome your feedback at team@amchamvietnam.com to let us know how we can serve you better, including what topics you would like to see covered in upcoming events. A summary of recent actions is below:

1. Policy Recommendations. AmCham Vietnam-HCMC continues to make an impact. Thanks to your feedback and recommendations, and expert advisers in our COVID19 Policy Task Force (Baker & McKenzie's Fred Burke, Nguyen Thuy Hang, Chung Yee, and Nguyen Thanh Vinh; AIM's Mark Gillin; Mayer Brown's Ursula Szotyory-Grove; and Vriens & Co's Sam Pursch) - as well as often Chair of AmCham Hanoi VBF and Legal Committee Nguyen Thanh Hai, we are providing timely, constructive recommendations to the Vietnamese government on both COVID-related and general trade and investment policies. On June 3, Chung Yee, in his capacity as Co-Chair of the Vietnam Business Forum's Investment and Trade Working Group, shared a number of recommendations from AmCham members and other VBF member chambers to improve the overall trade and investment climate and support a strong and sustainable post-COVID economic recovery. We also, together with AmCham Hanoi, submitted a letter to Vietnamese authorities requesting extension of Marketing Authorizations for pharmaceutical products while they are backlogged to ensure continued access to live-saving drugs here in Vietnam. We are also now compiling input to provide the Ministry of Industry and Trade feedback how to make its regulations more efficient and transparent.

2. Contributions of Goods and Financial Contributions by AmCham and our Member Companies to Support the Vietnamese Government's Response. AmCham Vietnam-HCMC commends the effectiveness of actions taken by Vietnamese Government leaders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is proud of the contributions toward this response made by our member companies. We are delighted to see Vietnam's response finally getting global recognition.

We are delighted to announce that we already have received full financial support including from First Solar, Diag Labs, Merck Sharp & Dohme , Cargill, Russin & Vecchi, and UPC Renewables for purchasing a Realtime PCR analyzer to donate to the Fatherland Front for use by the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control in managing its response to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. We are now working with Vietnam Fatherland Front and HCDC for holding the Delivery Ceremony.

We also are happy to highlight any COVID-related contributions from our member companies on our social media and with the U.S. Mission. Please email details to Cindy Tran .

3. Identifying companies that want to manufacture Personal Protective Equipment for export to the United States. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has asked AmCham for assistance in identifying companies that may want to manufacture PPE for export to the United States. USAID is coordinating this initiative through the LinkSME program. If your company has interest/capability in manufacturing and exporting PPE, please contact Frank Weiand at fweiand@linksme.org for more information.

4. Supporting Local Business. We are happy to see many of our favorite local businesses now reopen, but many are still struggling, and some have been forced to close, at least temporarily. We at AmCham want to support local businesses which contribute so much to our quality of life in Vietnam by inviting them to join our 2020 AmCham Discount Partnership Program. Please consider joining for your company or refer a favorite local business by sending their email address or a copy of their business card to Membership Manager Sam Hoang . To our members, please make sure you support our Discount Partners, many of which also offer online shopping or delivery services. Click HERE for our Discount Partners information.

5. Supporting Vietnam's Front-Line Workers. To continuously support the Vietnamese Government in the COVID-19 fight, AmCham Vietnam-HCMC would like to call for your contribution of less perishable food items to some of the front-line workers in Vietnam's hospitals and public quarantine areas. We are working with the Vietnam Fatherland Front of HCMC for this campaign. Contact Office Manager Cindy Tran , who can ensure contributions are still welcomed and coordinate delivery. This effort will continue to be important, as Vietnam opens up to more international arrivals.

Please stay well, be safe, stay dry, and enjoy our new normal environment! And feel virtuous supporting local businesses by eating out or taking a vacation. Many of our member companies' wonderful hotels and resorts are offering special deals!!

Mary Tarnowka, Executive Director

Stay Informed- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak

AmCham Vietnam wants to provide a safe environment for events and business networking. We recognize that there is always a risk of a second outbreak, particularly if measures liberalize with respect to international arrivals. We also know that we all have different comfort levels with respect to the changing situation. [LINK]

In response, AmCham has begun a rating system for all of our events, explained below. We hope this 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 .

Stay informed of the latest updates on COVID-19 at https://www.amchamvietnam.com

Some additional tips below from Dr. Mason Cobb, Vice-Chair, and Dr. Andy Meadows, of AmCham Healthcare Committee’s Medical Providers Subcommittee:

The pandemic that seems to be passing over Vietnam is going strong world-wide. Now data is coming out about the lockdown and social distancing measures taken globally. Two articles estimate that these measures may have prevented 62 million cases and 3.1 million deaths. So, following safe procedures works in limiting spread and consequently deaths.

Waking up from the COVID-19 lockdown in safe Vietnam, a comment from many people is the weight gain. Staying at home, most of us had less activity, lots of TV, and delicious food: a bad combination for our waistlines. Now that we can get back to the gym to help rid ourselves of this unwanted lockdown reminder, keep in mind measures to limit the possibility of virus transmission (although silent several weeks, assume that if the SARS-CoV-2 virus returns, it will not announce itself).

Gyms present a few unique environmental factors not seen as often in other places. Gyms are typically indoor spaces with poor ventilation, shared drinking fountains, and many smooth metallic surfaces that allow viruses to survive longer. Furthermore, behavior in gyms also changes the dynamics. Heavy breathing during exertion makes mask-wearing difficult or impossible, also dispersing respiratory droplets farther than during normal breathing. When we sweat, we often touch our face more frequently, which is a known method of transmission.

When visiting the gym, the basic guidelines of handwashing or sanitizer use is highly recommended just as it is under any other circumstance. It is also best to clean equipment before/after each use. Likewise, pay special attention to not touch your face. Always bring your own water bottle so you can avoid the shared fountain. Take additional care and protective measures when participating in group exercise classes where many people are breathing heavily in a confined space. If safe distances cannot be maintained in this scenario, consider a mask, even if uncomfortable, or look for other fitness alternatives.

Protecting ourselves from COVID-19 has been the focus of the last few months. However, optimal overall health and well-being has many aspects. Maintaining heart health, good body weight, and balanced mental well-being are all benefits of fitness and visiting the gym. Just be safe! And remember outdoor exercise options, too - running, tennis, outdoor exercise classes, biking, golf, and walking all provide benefits, too!

Upcoming Events

Monday, June 22

Ambassador Briefing: U.S. Ambassador Discusses U.S.-Vietnam Relations on Eve of 25th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

6:45-9:15pm, InterContinental Saigon, Corner Hai Ba Trung St. and Le Duan Blvd., Dist. 1

Event Level Rating: II

AmCham Vietnam members and their guests are invited to join a formal dinner for U.S. Ambassador Daniel J. Kritenbrink at the InterContinental Saigon at 6:45 pm on Monday, June 22.

In this special Ambassador Briefing, Ambassador Kritenbrink will share insights on the U.S.-Vietnam bilateral relationship on the eve of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations, including priorities for post-COVID economic, security, and cultural cooperation, and prospects for political transitions in both countries.

In addition to this unique networking and business intelligence opportunity, you will enjoy a special four-course Western set menu with a free flow of drinks (including wine, Budweiser beer, and soft drinks from Coca-Cola and Suntory Pepsico).

There are limited spaces available, so we recommend you reserve your seat now.

Wednesday, June 24 - SAVE THE DATE

"Rediscover Vietnam" Connect & Cocktails

6:00-8:30pm, InterContinental Saigon, Corner Hai Ba Trung St. and Le Duan Blvd., Dist. 1

Event Level Rating: II

Monthly networking event, focused on domestic tourism and hospitality. Haven’t figured out what to do with your summer in Vietnam? Come meet with representatives of travel agencies and resorts and learn how about to make the most of your summer in Vietnam. And make plans for the fall, too!

Tuesday, June 30

Hybrid Virtual AmCham 101 - New Member Orientation (For AmCham Members Only)

4:00-5:00pm, AmCham Vietnam - HCMC, Suite 323, New World Saigon Hotel, 76 Le Lai Street, Dist. 1

Event Level Rating: II

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.

Contact Ms. Sam Hoang if you have any questions.

Saturday, July 4th, 2020

11:30am-5:00pm

Riverside Apartments, An Phu, District 2

Event Level Rating: I

Join AmCham Vietnam-HCMC's annual Independence Day Celebration and Community Picnic, this year on the actual holiday, Saturday, July 4. This year will celebrate 244 years of American Independence - and the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam.

AmCham's community event will feature a variety of traditional American food and beverage options, including hot dogs, burgers, tacos, fried chicken, pizza, popcorn, cotton candy, and ice cream; soft drinks, beer and wine, along with International and local cuisine.

Enjoy live music all day featuring American rock, pop, blues, and folk. will enjoy a terrific kids corner with many fun activities including face painting, and a bouncy castle.

With more of us here in Saigon this summer than ever, we expect this year's AmCham's Independence Day and Community Picnic to sell out quickly. Tickets are now available to our members and limit 8 tickets per one. Please purchase them early! First come first serve.

Thursday, July 9

Employment Dispute Resolution

8:30-10:30am, The Reverie Saigon, 22-36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, Dist. 1

Event Level Rating: II

Our seminar will help you to activate your understanding on:

What are the conditions and critical issues concerning employment disputes?
What are the common disputes related to salaries and bonuses?
How are training expenses settled in case of termination?
Are confidential information and non-disclosure agreements enforceable in Vietnam and which remedies can be applied in case of breach?