Business Visas and other U.S. Consular Services

June 23, 2022 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM InterContinental Saigon Event Level Rating: II

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REGISTRATION GUIDELINE

Virtual and physical participation are available.

For physical attendees, please register in advance to reserve your seat.

For virtual attendees, please register to receive the Zoom link.

Event Description

Join this event in-person or virtually to learn more from the U.S. Consulate Consular Chief Adrienne Harchik and the U.S. Consulate team about how to apply for visas for business travel to the United States. Discussion will also cover other U.S. Consulate services, including student and tourism visas, notarial services, and passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad for U.S. Citizens. And if you are a U.S. citizen living in Vietnam, take this opportunity to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and make sure you are registered to vote in the upcoming November mid-term elections.

SPONSOR

Thank you for your sponsorship to AmCham Vietnam Business Intelligence Briefings

AGENDA

COST

SPEAKERS

Adrienne Harchik

Consular Section Chief

U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City

Adrienne Harchik joined the Foreign Service in 1994. Overseas, she has headed consular sections in Kabul, Beirut, and Panama, and has also worked in assorted jobs in Bogota, Jerusalem, the Multinational Force and Observers, Kosovo, and London. Domestically, she has served in various positions with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, was a Regional Director for the Office of Foreign Missions, and was a Special Advisor for a branch of Human Resources. Vietnamese is her fifth foreign language and Spanish is her strongest. Before joining the Foreign Service, worked for an Ohio congressman. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Drew University and a Master’s degree from Georgetown University.

Benjamin Chiang

Nonimmigrant Visa Chief

U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City

Benjamin “Ben” Chiang is the Nonimmigrant Visa Chief in U.S. Consulate Ho Chi Minh City. Prior to Vietnam, he served as a consular manager in Beijing and Guangzhou from 2012-2018, including a stint as Immigrant Visa chief in the world’s third busiest immigrant visa processing post.

He was the Information Officer in Sao Paulo, the largest media market in South America. He was previously Brazil and India Desk officer in Washington, D.C. His first tour was a consular officer in Chengdu.

Before joining the Foreign Service, Ben worked in sales and marketing for a telecommunications firm. He holds a Master’s degree from University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s from Reed College.

Ben is married with one daughter. He spent his childhood in Thailand and New York City.

Thomas Bollati

American Citizens Services Chief

U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City

Thomas Bollati is currently serving as the American Citizen Services Chief in Ho Chi Minh City. He is from the Bronx, New York and entered the Department of State in 2010. He has previously served in Guadalajara, Sao Paulo, New York City, and Nuevo Laredo (Mexico). Prior to joining the Department of State, Thomas worked in international education and tourism in Rome, Italy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in European Studies from New York University and a Master of Arts in International Relations from St. John’s University. He is joined in Ho Chi Minh City by his husband David.

MODERATOR

Mary Tarnowka

Executive Director, AmCham Vietnam

Mary Tarnowka joined AmCham Vietnam as Executive Director in August 2019. She continues to carry out AmCham’s long-term mission to strengthen the U.S.-Vietnam trade and investment partnership and serve as the “voice of American business” in Vietnam, established when it was founded informally just after the trade embargo was lifted in 1994. Under her leadership, AmCham Vietnam has been revitalized. It is one of the largest, diverse, and inclusive foreign business associations in Vietnam. Its network of active committees and extensive range of events provide members valuable opportunities for professional networking, business intelligence, advocacy, and business promotion. AmCham strives to be the most strategic and influential business association in Vietnam – that drives innovation and sustainable growth and helps its members succeed. A community you want to join!

Mary is an international trade and economic expert with decades of experience managing organizations and policy advocacy in Asia. Prior to joining AmCham, Mary served as the U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City. As a career diplomat and member of the Senior Foreign Service, Mary has served throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including postings in Seoul, Delhi, Shanghai, and Taipei, as well as at the State Department’s China Desk and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Before joining the State Department, Mary worked as a CPA and Tax Manager at KPMG’s San Francisco Office. Mary also serves as a Director on the Board of VinaCapital GS Energy.

4:00 PM	Check-in physical guests
4:15 PM	Check-in for virtual guests
4:30 PM	Panel discussion
6:00 PM	Networking reception
7:30 PM	Event ends