Message from the Chair – September 2019

Our business and advocacy efforts have been in full swing this month!  We opened September with a successful National Conference and Networking weekend.  Our committees have also been very active with information sharing and advocacy, including significant efforts by AmCham’s HR committee on the revised Labor Code.  We were also privileged to welcome Consul General Marie Damour to Ho Chi Minh City at a special dinner event with our members and guests.

National Conference Recap

On September 6th & 7th, we had a record turn-out for the annual National Conference and Networking Weekend, hosted this year in HCMC.  We kicked off the weekend with a reception with U.S. Ambassador Kritenbrink, Consul General Damour, members of the U.S. Mission and AmCham members from both chapters HCMC and Hanoi at historic Salon Saigon.

Saturday morning provided a rare opportunity for a tour of the Consulate General grounds.  A networking lunch at East West Brewing Co. began the conference, and moved on to the InterContinental Saigon with a full afternoon of workshop and break-out sessions co-lead by key U.S. Mission officers and AmCham Board members in participation with many AmCham members. The AmCham HCMC and Hanoi boards finished the business of the day with the annual joint meeting.

The Weekend was capped off with AmCham’s Taste of America dinner Saturday evening at Grain Cooking Studio, where guests enjoyed American spirits, wines and beverages paired with a menu created and led by four U.S. chefs who shared their stories and dishes over live cooking demonstrations. The weekend would not have been possible without the time and contributions of the U.S. Mission Vietnam, AmCham boards and members, and our sponsors!  On behalf of the Board of Governors, thank you!

Information Sharing and Advocacy

Sharing knowledge and representation on issues are at the heart of what AmCham does for its members. The past month has been very active with events including:

AmCham’s HR committee has been very active on information sharing and advocacy on the revised Labor Code, as the National Assembly 8th Session will review this draft and vote in October-November 2019.  The committee participated on September 18th in a workshop held by the Central Institute for Economic Management. Many specialists from these fields attended to share their opinions and proposals for the Draft. There was also participation from industry and business associations, who raised practical problems stemming from changes to the Draft. Additional work is on-going and planned for the rest of this month and October leading up to the upcoming legislative session.

Board Elections—Call for Recommendations!

The Nominating Committee is seeking recommendations for candidates for the Board of Governors in HCMC.  Voting AmCham members may recommend themselves or another person.

There are 9 positions open on the Board for the next two-year term, Jan 2020 – Dec 2021.

See the attached link for who may recommend/be recommended, the process for recommending and formal nomination, and other important information.  Recommendations may be made through Friday, October, 18, 2019.

Upcoming Events

Am Cham Supplier Day 2019 in Ho Chi Minh City is set for October 16th, and is organized in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It aims to facilitate supplier-buyer relationships between Vietnamese and foreign firms and integrate small and medium-sized businesses into global supply chains. The all-day event is at the Adora Center in HCMC, and will feature workshops, exhibitors and opportunities to match suppliers with manufacturers, supply chains and logistics.

One of our biggest events of the year is our celebration dinner marking AmCham’s 25th year in Vietnam. Please join us as a sponsor and/or guest on Thursday, November 7th. The planning committee is underway to make this celebration special. Watch for updated information on the event and sponsorship packages.

Save the Dates! We are also busy planning other events including our popular Governors’ Ball on December 7th and the Annual General Meeting on December 10th.  Watch for announcements soon on those event details.

New Members 

We welcome the following new corporate and professional members to AmCham:

Corporate Members: Anh Duong Company, Apectrans JSC, Becamex Tokyu Company, Ceva Logistics Company Limited, Covestro (Vietnam) Company, Hong Ky Company, Hung Hau Agriculture Corporation, Long Thanh Plastic Company, Luong Nguyen Services Company – Genki Japan House, Mapletree Vietnam Management, Nu-Star Inc., Saigon Asset Management (SAM), Saigon Psychology, TCPVN Company Limited, Teibto LLC, Toptour Travel Company.

Senior Professional Member: Mr. Barry Clark

As we approach the final quarter of the year, we continue to encourage you to stay involved with AmCham. If you have yet to make connections or need help finding the right fit, let your Board members or the AmCham staff know how we can improve your experience. It is your AmCham!

Thank you!

With Best Regards,
Amanda Rasmussen
Chairwoman

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