Message From The Chair – July 2019

What a celebration! AmCham Vietnam and over 900 of its members and guests kicked off the month with our signature “4^th of July” holiday all-day celebration. Thanks to the great support from over 100 sponsors, our 25^th annual US Independence Day Celebration & Family Picnic was great success. All aspects of the day contributed to the real feeling of an American-style July 4^th holiday.

In addition to this signature event, AmCham has continued to lead with advocacy activities. On June 26, AmCham Board Member Mark Gillin addressed political leaders, business associations and other delegates at the mid-term Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) in Hanoi. AmCham’s joint HCMC-Hanoi Chapters’ statement focused on promoting a more sustainable and growing business environment for our members in Vietnam. The VBF provides a forum between the Vietnam government and private sector to promote the development of trade and investment and conducts bi-annual meetings and other working group dialogues through-out the year. Several AmCham working-groups participated in the mid-term dialogue, as well as through-out the year on many critical areas affecting the business environment.

• With the new Competition Law to take effect from July 1, 2019, LNT & Partner held an information sharing event for AmCham Members on June 13, 2019.
• On June 20, AmCham partnered with Aetna to organize a special event focusing on “Mental Wellness” with a robust speaker panel and yoga.
• On July 9, AmCham’s ICT committee (co-hosted with BBGV and SBG) held “Digital Transformations—Less Hype More Practicality”, with a panel of five industry experts who shared practical examples of this transformation in various sectors and ways to get started and how to stay current.
• The Legal Committee continues to lead with advocacy efforts and information sharing, with meetings on July 9 and 11^th.
• This month’s Manufacturing Committee July 10 meeting, members had an update on “Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership” (CPTPP), including the CPTTP’s impact on business in Vietnam.
• HR Officers attended a June 25 HR Committee meeting with the topic “Design Thinking”, where participants joined an interactive forum to identify solutions for their current HR related issues.

On a topic that affects most businesses in Vietnam, the HR Committee will have an important update on notable changes proposed in the Draft Revised Labor Code and a quick view on labor provisions that have been ratified in the newly signed EVFTA. Our speakers from Baker & McKenzie will present the overview of those updates that may impact your business in Vietnam.

Please register in advance to make sure you have a seat: https://www.amchamvietnam.com/events/hr-committee-july-meeting-for-amcham-members-only/

AmCham committees continue to lead by the leaders of member companies. Beside advocacy and technical meetings, business monthly sessions are very helpful for members to participant to get update on new regulations or network with other professionals.We encourage members to get involved to get the most out of your membership!

Upcoming Events

Several members of our Board of Governors and committee leaders have represented AmCham Vietnam at the annual Washington D.C. “Doorknock” where they have attended programming the Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) from July 14-18. AmCham Vietnam has met “with U.S. and Vietnamese trade and policy makers during their visit to the US Capital.

Please save the date for AmCham’s National Retreat in Ho Chi Minh City September 6^th – 8^th. We also look forward to welcoming the new Consul General Marie Damour at a special dinner on September 19^th. Check our website and future communications about the details and registration details of these important events.