AmCham Vietnam Weekly eNewsletter - 8th Week of 2022

Weekly eNewsletter

8th Week of 2022 - February 21, 2022

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!

www.amchamvietnam.com

Dear ,

As most of you know, I love flowers of all sorts, including these edible ones at left, produced by one of AmCham’s members, Orlar, at its organic climate-friendly farms in Da Lat, which happened to be featured at more than one fine restaurant meal I enjoyed last week.

The middle photo (from Sa Dec) was one of many inspirations for our Spring Ball. I want to let you know, I was not personally responsible for the choice of theme for our AmCham Spring Ball this year to take place on March 19 at the Park Hyatt Saigon, although I certainly supported it – The Secret Garden. Save the date - limited seats available at this smaller but elegant venue and first preference will go to our corporate sponsors who have already reserved. It, too, will support the AmCham scholarship programs, together with corporate sponsorship. But don’t despair if you aren’t able to join. We plan to hold two balls this year – with our December Governors’ Ball on December 10 at the InterContinental Saigon, and Santa’s Breakfast the next morning on December 11. In the meantime, we will continue to feature many social, professional networking and business intelligence events. Don’t miss our February Connect & Cocktails Wednesday, February 23, at CTY!

My final photo is a reminder that we are all likely F2s if not F1s or F0s. We are discontinuing our COVID weekly report at least temporarily as we all adjust to the new normal of living safely with the virus. And want to thank Victoria Healthcare’s Dr. Mason Cobb and City Hospital’s Andy Meadows for their dedicated service in keeping us informed and safe during the pandemic. But as COVID cases continue to spread throughout our communities, practice the 5Ks when you can. And if you are positive, stay home! There is a whole ‘another meaning to that word these days – I was taken aback when my daughter was attending her “positivity” class online today. NO, it wasn’t COVID-related.

Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) 2021 February 18 Technical Session and February 21 VBF Forum with Prime Minister. Many of us were delighted to join this year’s Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) meetings conveniently held virtually this year, with the High-level Meeting today, February 21, given the limited numbers allowed in Hanoi due to COVID restrictions. Prime Minister Chinh and MPI Minister Nguyen Chi Dung spoke extensively about their personal commitment and that of the Central government to address a number of issues affecting the business environment here in Vietnam. The IFC, World Bank, OECD, Consortium Chambers, and VBF Working Group leaders raised issues of concern, while at the same time expressing their confidence in Vietnam’s ability to maintain and develop supply chains and promote innovation, workforce development, and sustainable growth. AmCham Hanoi Chair John Rockhold presented key points from the AmCham VBF position paper jointly coordinated among our HCMC, Hanoi, and Da Nang chapters..

Whether you joined the event in-person or virtually or not, join the event AmCham and EuroCham are organizing on March 1, VBF Outcome and Outlook: The Inside Story, which will feature insights from outgoing Co-Chair JCCI’s Tetsu Funayama, AmCham’s own VBF Expert and 2022 VBF Rep Fred Burke, and a forward-looking perspective from EuroCham Chair Alain Cany, with EuroCham now the 2022 VBF Co-Chair. Save the date – March 1, 4-7:30PM at the New World Hotel – more details to come soon!

AmCham Connect & Cocktails on Wednesday, February 23 at 6PM at CTY Kitchen & Bar. Please join for a great night of networking and our essential Lucky Draw!!

Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and former Secretary of State and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair John Kerry, a key leader in normalization of relations between the United States and Vietnam, will be visiting Hanoi and HCMC this week with a focus on climate change and renewable energy. He will visit Fulbright University Vietnam for a “fireside chat” on Friday, February 25, from 2:30-4:00pm. Please join on FUV’s Facebook official fanpage on Facebook Live!

Development Finance Corporation. The U.S. DFC is looking for possible projects to fund with private sector companies that are profitable and have been operatizing in the climate finance, healthcare, and technology sector that may be seeking equity or debt capital to grow further. If you think your company meets those criteria, please contact me at mary.tarnowka@amchamvietnam.com

March 1 APEC and Indo-Pacific Strategy, AmCham is delighted to host the first 2022 AmChams of Asia Pacific (AAP) Virtual Door Knock Kick-Off at 8:30AM featuring Melissa A. Brown, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, and Matt Murray, U.S. Senior Official for APEC, on APEC and the Indo-Pacific Strategy, moderated by AAP Chair and McLarty Associates Senior Advisor Steven Okun. This is the first event in the AAP 2022 agenda and is complimentary for AmCham members.

March 3 Welcome Dinner for U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, 6:30PM at InterContinental Saigon. AmCham is delighted to host a welcome dinner for Ambassador Knapper in HCMC. This dinner will offer an opportunity to hear from Ambassador Knapper about the U.S.-Vietnam comprehensive partnership and his priorities, particularly ways to strengthen the trade and investment relationship. The Ambassador looks forward to meeting representatives from the many businesses located in and around HCMC, and hearing about opportunities and challenges you face. Share your questions in advance when you register!

March 8 Inter-chamber Launch of HCMC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Network. We are thrilled to be hosting the first 2022 inter-chamber HCMC DEI Network event, featuring the Panel (not manel) Pledge and launching the HCMC DEI Network on Tuesday, March 8, International Women’s Day. Join for an insightful discussion and a follow-on networking session!

March 19 AmCham Spring Ball - themed THE SECRET GARDEN. Celebrate spring and new beginnings! This will be an elegant, exclusive event supporting our AmCham scholarship programs, in addition to our annual December Governor’s Ball.

Upcoming Committee Leadership Opportunities and Meetings

Committee Meetings. We were delighted to welcome members to join our Digital Economy & Technology Committee Meeting on Tuesday, February 22 at 9AM. On the same date at 4PM Woman In Leadership Committee Meeting, Guest speaker Madam Ha Thu Thanh, Chairperson and Co-Founder of Deloitte Vietnam, Chair of the Vietnam Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, and AmCham Hanoi Treasurer, will share her perspective on ‘Women in Leadership’. Limited physical seats still available; virtual participation also possible – register in advance!. On Wednesday, February 23, members are also invited to join our Logistics and Supply Chains Committee Meeting at 9AM, and our Healthcare Committee Meeting at 4:15PM. Members are also invited to join our HR Committee Meeting on Friday, February 24 at 9AM.

Leadership Opportunities. Many committees are now soliciting interest from potential candidates interested in serving in leadership positions. Elections for most committees will take place in February or March if they haven’t already. If you are interested in serving in a leadership role, please contact existing Committee leaders, Board Liaisons, or Events and Committees Manager Lily Nguyen at lily.nguyen@amchamvietnam.com. While several committees have canceled early January meetings for the holidays, Committee meetings that take place are now open to both in-person (for fully-vaxed) and virtual participation. Please register in advance. All AmCham Vietnam members are welcome to join.

AmCham Membership Renewal. For many of you, it's time to renew your membership for 2022 and continue your involvement in AmCham, with opportunities for professional networking, business intelligence, advocacy to improve the business environment, and promotion of your business. We have been sending out 2022 Membership Renewal notices via email. We hope you all will renew promptly and that many will consider upgrading to become Premium Members! If you haven’t yet received your renewal notice, please contact Membership Manager Sam Hoang.

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 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 and I hope you are all safe and healthy! Thanks to everyone who showed up to our Super Bowl watch party at Dirty Fingers last Monday. It was an EARLY event as the kick off was at 6:30 am but it was a great game to watch. Congratulations to the LA Rams on their victorious win! Special thanks to our sponsors at Dirty Fingers and Budweiser Beer for opening early for us and making this yet another great AmCham Da Nang Event!

Looking forward to the next one soon - likely a combo St. Patrick's Day/Connect & Cocktails - stay tuned!

COVID-19 Update from Healthcare Provider Subcommittee Chair

Dr. Mason Cobb and Andrew Meadows

It’s Up to Us Now

For more information, LINK (to COVID page). We are incredibly grateful to Victoria Healthcare’s Dr. Mason Cobb and City Hospital’s Andy Meadows for their informative COVID reports from 2020-2022! We have discontinued the weekly reports at least temporarily, but will recommence if needed. Let’s give Dr. Mason and Andy a warm round of applause for their reports which kept us informed and safe!

Advocacy

We were delighted that the Vietnam Business Forum took place, with Prime Minister Chinh’s participation at the High-level meeting on February 21. AmCham’s final position paper is attached LINK, as is the VBF compilation of papers LINK. Many thanks to all who contributed, particularly our AmCham Working Group Leads and 2021 VBF Representatives Eric Johnson and Fred Burke!

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, and our Manufacturing and Supply Chain Task Force, at MFGTF@amch amvietnam.com

Committee Meetings & Activities (For AmCham Members only)

February 22: Digital Economy & Technology Committee Meeting

February 22: Woman In Leadership Committee Meeting

February 23: Logistics and Supply Chains Committee Meeting

February 23: Healthcare Committee Meeting

February 24: HR Committee Meeting

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.