Vietnam’s Economic Outlook – Thriving in Uncertain Times

Sep 15, 2022 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Sofitel Saigon Plaza 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 for insights on Vietnam’s economic outlook from a distinguished panel of experts as you formulate your 2022 H2 and 2023 business plans.

Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Its macroeconomic stability, successful management of COVID and inflationary risks, and commitment to sustainable development have positioned the country well for future growth. Vietnam remains a top destination for FDIs as MNCs seek to diversify global supply chains. And its domestic market offers real opportunities for consumer products and services, both mass-market and luxury. Yet challenges abound, both external and internal.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from leading experts including policy insights from Fulbright’s Nguyen Xuan Thanh, macroeconomic analysis from VinaCapital’s Michael Kokalari, and the latest on consumer trends from MasterCard’s Winnie Wong.

Gain expert insights, ask tough questions, and – if joining in-person – stay for a follow-on networking reception!

AGENDA

5:00 PM	Check-in for physical guests
5:15 PM	Check-in for virtual guests
5:30 PM	Welcome remarks by Shawn Khong, Capital Markets & Financial Services Committee Co-chair, Citi Vietnam Head of Commercial Bank
5:35 PM	Presentation & Panel Discussion, followed by Q&A
7:00 PM	Closing remarks by Eric Levinson, Capital Markets & Financial Services Committee Co-chair, VinaCapital Head of Business Development Cocktail Reception
8:00 PM	Event ends

COST

SPEAKERS

Nguyen Xuan Thanh

Lecturer of Public Policy

Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management

Nguyen Xuan Thanh has twenty years of experience in teaching, designing, and implementing development policies in finance and public investment. At Fulbright University Vietnam, Thanh teaches at the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management. Nguyen Xuan Thanh also is a senior fellow at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). Prior to joining the Fulbright School, Thanh served as an official in the municipal government of Ho Chi Minh City.

Thanh’s research interests are banking, public investment, and infrastructure development. His recent and ongoing research projects include financing infrastructure development and cross-ownership in Vietnam’s banking sector.

At the Fulbright School, Thanh teaches courses on Introduction to Public Policy, Local and Regional Development, Appraisal of Public Investment, and Leadership in the Public Sector. He also teaches regularly in the Fulbright School’s executive education and participates in policy dialogues with public sector agencies in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Thanh earned a B.A. (hons) in economics from the University of New Delhi, an M.S. in economics in finance from the University of Warwick, and an M.P.A. from Harvard University.

Michael Kokalari

Chief Economist, VinaCapital

Michael Kokalari, CFA serves as VinaCapital’s Chief Economist, where he is responsible for providing thought leadership and technical acumen on a wide range of global and local macroeconomic issues with a view towards maximizing investment performance.

Mr. Kokalari has worked in Vietnam for 12 years, prior to which he was a derivatives trader in Tokyo & London where he ran multi-billion dollar trading books for JP Morgan Chase, Credit Suisse First Boston, Lehman Brothers, and Paribas. Mr. Kokalari co-authored the CFA guide to Credit Derivatives, and was a contributor to “Risk Management: Foundations for a Changing Financial World”, along with Nobel Prize winners Myron Scholes and William Sharpe of Stanford University.

Mr. Kokalari holds Masters Degrees in Business, Engineering, and Mathematics from Stanford University, and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at the Harvard Business School.

Winnie Wong

Country Manager, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos, Asia Pacific, Mastercard

Winnie Wong is responsible for growing Mastercard’s business in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. With her experience in consumer and corporate payments and banking, she brings a fresh perspective to the markets on digital payments and solutions.

Prior to her current role, Winnie was the Commercial B2B Sales Head for the region, where she was responsible for driving growth for Mastercard’s Business-to-Business (B2B) solutions across Asia Pacific. This includes working with governments, banks and corporations on trade digitization with the aim of improving efficiency and transparency, especially for cross-border trade.

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.