AmCham Vietnam Weekly Update - 32nd Week of 2020 - August 9, 2020
Executive Director Update
Recent and Upcoming Events

Colleagues,
Thank you for your patience and understanding when I and several of our AmCham team had a few days of holiday last week. I traveled with my daughter to Dak Lak by car, figuring it was better for social distancing and safer since flights kept being canceled. It was wonderful to get away, bicycle and kayak, and see blue skies and stars. While it is hard to see stars here in Saigon, the recent heavy rains have brought some beautiful blue skies here, too!
Last Monday, our Capital Markets and Financial Services Committee, led by Chairman Louis Nguyen, held an interesting discussion on a wide range of financial and economic issues with guest speaker VinaCapital CIO Andy Ho. On Wednesday afternoon, we supported AmCham VBF Representative and Baker & McKenzie Partner Fred Burke and AmCham's HR Committee to host a flash webinar on Foreign Workers and Work Permits to brief on the relevant issues and seek member feedback to contribute to a VBF Letter to MOLISA on the Draft Decree. Thanks to all who participated and shared your concerns and recommendations.

On Friday, we were honored to hold a Business Intelligence Briefing on opportunities under Vietnam's New Public-Private Partnership Law with a panel of experts, including key members of the drafting and advisory team: MPI Public Procurement Agency Deputy Director Ms. Vu Quynh Le, LNT Partner Dr. Le Net, USAID LEAP III Project Director and PPP Specialist Phan Quang, and EY Vietnam Advisory Services Partner Nguyen Viet Long. Even on a Friday evening, participants were eager to continue the discussion past 7! Ms Le expressed appreciation for all the comments and questions and requested additional feedback by the end of the month on where the gaps are with contract terms for foreign investors and recommendations on how best to address. We will be coordinating this effort with Dr. Net Le and our VBF and Legal Committee - more details to follow. 

Tomorrow morning, Monday, August 10, the HCMC Fatherland Front, Department of Health, and Center for Disease Control will hold a delivery ceremony for AmCham's donation of a Realtime PCR analyzer to support the HCMC government's work in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and managing its response to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Given the recent second outbreak, the equipment is very much welcomed. We very much appreciate the generous contributions from First Solar, Diag Labs, MSD, Cargill, Russin & Vecchi, and UPC Renewables that made this possible.

A few of our committees will be holding meetings this week - all on Tuesday: Energy Committee on Tuesday morning with a special guest speaker from USAID briefing on its energy programs, and in the afternoon, both our Tourism and Hospitality Committee, and VBF and Legal Committee.

Wednesday morning, I hope some of you can join AmCham Singapore's event on ASEAN 2020 and regional business opportunities and challenges, where I will be participating on a panel for the Vietnam perspective. https://amcham.com.sg/event/asean-insights-2020-after-the-36th-asean-summit/

Thursday evening, August 13, from 5:00-7:00PM, we will 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; Ken D. Duong, Esq., MBA-Managing Partner, TDL Law Firm; joining us to facilitate discussion and help spark ideas for future programs and events. We will have three breakout rooms focusing on the 3Rs: Resilience, Relationships, and Results. Women and men welcome - please join us and bring your own cocktail! https://www.amchamvietnam.com/events/women-in-leadership-town-hall-networking-event-2020/

For our golfers -- the 2020 AusCham Golf Series in ALL locations was postponed. New dates are: August 29 (Da Nang), September 18 (Hanoi), and October 16 (HCMC). 

For our colleagues in Da Nang, stay safe and well! And Save the Date. Your Da Nang team, led by Vice-Chairman Chris Vanloon is planning at least a virtual Connect & Cocktail on Friday, August 21. Chris said "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 I 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!"

Finally, we hope you will ALL save the date for an exciting Business Summit event on the morning of August 25th, where we will partner with the U.S. Mission in Vietnam and HCMC government to celebrate the 25-year anniversary of U.S.-Vietnam relations and promote technology and innovation investment opportunities in HCMC! https://www.amchamvietnam.com/events/hcmc-us-business-summit-driving-partnership-and-innovation-for-the-future-2020/
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 COB on Monday, August 17, 2020. Please share the recruitment notice with others in your network you think might be good candidates!

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

The Vietnam "War against COVID-19" remains locked in battle with the COVID-19 outbreak in the Central provinces. The battle seems to be turning in our favor, as Vietnam's medical and case-tracking forces – personnel, supplies, and equipment – have been called in from all over the country. They are fighting a tougher enemy than previously: this mutated and more infectious variant of the virus can spread like a wildfire, as it has done in many other countries.

This new COVID-19 outbreak in Da Nang, Quang Ngai, and Quang Nam is now under control ,according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control on August 4th. However, the number of infectious cases and deaths will continue to rise in the days and week to come. The likely increase is due to aggressive case tracking and testing. To date, evidence showing widespread community cases is limited to those linked to three hospitals in Da Nang.

As over 80,000 people fled Da Nang after the outbreak was identified, cases arose in other parts of the country. These were all directly related to contracting the disease in Da Nang and there has otherwise been no community spread to date outside the Central region, with 384 cases since July 24th, 11 deaths, 178,695 in quarantine, and three community spread outside those directly from Da Nang or repatriated (Data as of as of 7:00pm, August 9th).

WHO and many other epidemiologists are recognizing that the current situation is not about a “second wave”: it is “going to be one big wave”. There will be outbreaks, unpredictable in timing, severity, and location foreseeably. Fortunately, Vietnam is preparing for this long and tiring war, as we all should.

The government is making decisions in the best interest of the nation as a whole, as well for those regions feeling the impact more directly. Deputy Prime Minister, Vu Duc Dam, stated, “Social distancing will not be imposed on a national scale again. We have to localize the outbreak on as small a scale as possible, while other regions unaffected by the virus will continue as normal.” Policy seems to be evolving toward treating areas of outbreak more aggressively than the rest of the country. Although social distancing, mandatory mask-wearing, closure of bars and clubs, and limiting crowds and face-to-face meetings have been imposed on Hanoi and HCMC, so far, there is no lockdown or general closure of businesses. 

Even though our “safe bubble” can lull those of us outside of the Central region, the “sneak attack” is a wake-up call. As individuals, everyone bears the burden to behave responsibly and engage to protect ourselves and our communities. Especially during this period of heightened risk and awareness, this is the perfect time to reflect again on the basics. The government, healthcare workers, public health professionals, and other essential personnel can only be successful and themselves safe when individuals in the community are equally committed. Once again, we are at the stage where mask-wearing and proper hand hygiene is simply compulsory.  

This battle, currently being waged in the Central region, is like a guerilla attack in its rapid and surprising hit. Our forces are repelling and confining it, but the COVID-19 war is expected to be long and many surprises lie ahead. Successful individuals, organizations, and governments must remain flexible and resilient amidst this shifting and unpredictable battlefield.

Stay safe and be well!
Upcoming Events
9:00- 10:00am Vietnam Time

Event Level Rating: IV
Join AmCham Singapore’s panel of experts, including AmCham VIetnam Executive Director Mary Tarnowka, next Wednesday, August 12th, from 9-10AM Vietnam-time for a discussion on the outlook for #ASEAN 2020 and regional business opportunities and challenges.
On June 25, 2020, ASEAN Chair Vietnam convened the 36th ASEAN Summit via teleconference. Against the backdrop of COVID-19, ASEAN leaders discussed how ASEAN could continue to demonstrate cohesiveness and responsiveness during these challenging times. Join this panel discussion to learn what ASEAN 2020 means for you and your companies.
5:00-7:00pm. Please register to receive the Zoom link.

Event Level Rating: IV
Join this special virtual Women in Leadership (WIL) networking and town hall discussion to meet others interested in women’s leadership issues, and to share your ideas for future AmCham WIL speakers, events, and programs.
After an initial welcome, you will rotate through three virtual discussion with an all-star cast of facilitators, 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; Ken D. Duong, Esq., MBA-Managing Partner, TDL Law Firm; focused on 3 Rs: Resilience, Relationships, and Results, facilitated by some of our wonderful WIL volunteer leaders. We will then come back together to discuss the key recommendations and other ideas for future WIL programming.
Resilience will focus on how to maintain physical and mental wellness and resiliency. Relationships will focus on ensuring diversity and inclusion in our workplaces, building our own networks of support, and creating them for other women, including the next generation of female leaders. Results will focus on what you want to achieve: speakers on specific areas of interest from financial planning, conflict management, to public speaking; mentorship; or possibly short-term leadership and capacity-building training.
Women and men welcome.  BYO cocktails, appetizers, or dinner!
8:00-12:00pm, InterContinental Saigon, Corner of Hai Ba Trung & Le Duan Blvd., Dist. 1

Event Level Rating: III
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 possible limited in-person participation with appropriate social distancing protocols.  Simultaneous interpretation will be provided both in English and Vietnamese.
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 
Thursday, August 27
4:00-5:00pm, AmCham Office, Room 323, New World Hotel Saigon, 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.
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
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.
6:00-8:30pm, Venue to be informed

Event Level Rating: II
AmCham invites you to the AmCham Members Night event including the U.S. Consulate General staff on Thursday, September 3, 2020. Please plan to join the networking cocktail reception at 6:00pm. This will be our special opportunity to introduce and welcome our recently-joined members. After remarks by Consul General Marie Damour and introduction of new members of the Consulate team, a cocktail reception will offer networking opportunities for one-on-one conversations with the Consulate General Team, AmCham Governors, and fellow members.
Sponsored News


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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Join our survey today and claim your ticket to our webinar for senior leadership in Q4 / 2020.
Committee Meetings & Activities (For AmCham Members Only)
9:00-10:30am, AmCham Vietnam HCMC, Suite 323, New World Saigon Hotel, 76 Le Lai St., Dist. 1

Event Level Rating: IV
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:
1- USAID Presentation by Mr. Tuong Do Duc, USAID Energy Specialist
  • USAID energy portfolio
  • DPPA and PDP8
  • Future energy programs and focus
2- Prime Minister and Policy Update in Wind from Linh P. / Hoai N.
3- Relevant AmCham Event Updates from Mary Tarnowka, Executive Director of AmCham Vietnam
3:30-4:30pm Register to receive the Zoom link

Event Level Rating: IV
Agenda
  • Welcome by co-chairs
  • Introduction
  • Industry update – Craig Douglas/Chris Vanloon
  • View from Da Nang – Chris Vanloon
  • Advocacy Update – Ken Atkinson
5:00-6:15pm, Baker & McKenzie (Vietnam) Ltd 12th Floor, Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan Street, Dist. 1

Event Level Rating: IV
Regular monthly meeting of the committee to review upcoming events, discuss and prepare positions on key issues, laws and regulations relating to trade and investment between Vietnam and the United States.
9:00-10:00am, AmCham Vietnam-HCMC, Suite 323, New World Saigon Hotel, 76 Le Lai Street, Dist. 1

Event Level Rating: IV
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.

Updated agenda to be provided
5:00-6:00pm, Please register to receive the Zoom link.

Event Level Rating: IV

  1. EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement: Preferential duty treatment and customs rules
  2. Timing of submitting certificate of origin under Circular 47/2020/TT-BTC
  3. Resolution on 30% corporate income tax reduction
  4. Decree 68/2020/ND-CP on transfer pricing
4:15-5:45pm, KPMG Office, Galaxy Meeting Room 10th Fl., Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue Blvd., Dist. 1

Event Level Rating: IV
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.
Do You Know?
Let’s support local businesses - many now operating online or delivery/takeout only to promote social distancing. If you have any questions regarding our program, please contact Membership Manager Sam Hoang at sam.hoang@amchamvietnam.com
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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