Vaccinations matter most and they are happening now, particularly in and around HCMC. Vaccinations are the key to Safe Reopening and Economic Recovery. In a recent survey, AmCham Vietnam members reported a sharp uptick in vaccination rates, with almost 50% stating that most or all of their staff had been vaccinated (with at least one dose) versus 25% in a similar survey just three weeks before. Vaccinations remain the key concern affecting continuity of operations and supply chains, reported by 80% of respondents, followed by 72% citing restrictions in transportation. Vaccines are also seen as the key element of a roadmap for safe reopening and economic recovery, reported by 85% of respondents. Slightly more than half of respondents expressed concern about prioritization, transparency, and safety in vaccine administration, far less than the almost 70% expressing concerns about transparency in the earlier survey.
Business operations already have been affected significantly. As of August 25th, 13% of respondents reported that their companies had ceased operations or had only skeletal staff, with nearly 50% operating at under 50% of normal capacity.
Roadblocks a key inter-provincial policy concern. 61% of respondents reported roadblocks were the top inter-provincial policy concern, with another 24% reporting lack of understanding of essential products. Inconsistent application of policies among provinces has caused serious disruption to supply chains and prevented workers getting to work sites or returning home.
Supply chain production is already shifting. 20% of respondents already have shifted some production, with another 16% with discussions underway.
Members are most concerned about others in need. The most pressing concern of AmCham members and family members, reported by 73% of respondents, is “worries about poor and disadvantaged, who are impacted even more severely”. That was even higher than the 71% responding “concern about quality of care if you or a family member developed serious symptoms.”
Survey Results. The survey results reported above reflect the responses of 240 AmCham members in a flash survey conducted August 23-25, 2021. The earlier survey was conducted August 3-5.
AmCham Vietnam. AmCham Vietnam’s mission is to promote trade and investment between the United States and Vietnam and to serve as the voice of U.S. business in Vietnam. Its vision is to be the most influential, strategic, and dynamic business associations in Vietnam, that drives innovation and sustainable growth, helping our members succeed. AmCham is a diverse, inclusive business association and welcomes American, Vietnamese, and international companies that share our interest in enabling a fair, transparent predictable, and efficient regulatory system that values innovation. A community you want to join.
The United States is Vietnam’s largest export market and a close partner on global health security, having already provided six million doses of vaccines to Vietnam, while Vietnam is a growing destination both for U.S. FDI and exports. AmCham Vietnam, represents over 550 corporate members and 2000 individual business representatives, billions of dollars in investment, more than 30% of Ho Chi Minh City’s exports, tens of thousands of direct and over a million indirect employees throughout Vietnam, and a significant percentage of tax contributions. Together with its Hanoi branch, AmCham Hanoi, AmCham represents over 650 corporate and over 2500 individual business members.
AmCham Vietnam is committed to supporting the Government’s COVID-19 dual goals of protecting lives and livelihoods, protecting the health and safety of the people, and enabling economic growth and recovery. We are invested in the future of the communities where we live and work.
AmCham CARES. AmCham Vietnam members have been generous donors to AmCham to support the Vietnamese government’s COVID response, in addition to direct corporate and NGO donations. In 2020, AmCham donated critically-needed PPE, testing and analysis equipment, and a fully-equipped ambulance. In 2021, AmCham established the AmCham CARES program which has raised funds for urgently-needed ventilators and other medical equipment in HCMC and the Southern region worth over $300,000. AmCham CARES also conducted a fundraising campaign in late August that raised $5000 for two charities that provide food and essential household supplies to those in need. More information at LINK.