AmCham Vietnam | Ambassador Michalak Press Conference, Feb 3, 2010

BBBH Consortium – Phu My Bridge

Weekly Update Feb 8: Price Controls? TET Lunar New Year Festival

Latest updates on H1N1/A Flu from U.S. Center for Disease Control, U.S. Department of State (Travel), and World Health Organization (WHO)

AmCham Vietnam offers regular business networking events, information about trade and investment between the U.S. and Vietnam in our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), networking for trade and investment opportunities with our Online Membership Directory of nearly 500 AmCham companies, with over 1,000 representatives, and information about Key Policy Issues affecting the business environment for trade and investment between Vietnam and the U.S.

This web site welcomed over two million members/guests visits in 2009, with 3.2 million page views. Click this link for information about Networking Online at www.amchamvietnam.com.

The AmCham Vietnam HCMC office will be closed Mon-Fri, Feb 15-19, in observance of the TET Lunar New Year Festival. Chúc Mừng Năm Mới. Happy New Year! We will still be available 24/7 to answer requests via our web site and via email. Please click this link to send us an email.

Tu, Jan 26 US Importers Security Filing is Mandatory; Penalties for Failure to File

Summary of Comments Jan 25, 2010 on Revised Labour Code, Draft 2, Nov 2009

AmCham Comment on Draft Circular on Price Registration and Stabilization

Tu, Feb 9 Why Price Controls Don’t Work, ... but could negatively affect YOUR business.

Su-We, Feb 14-17 TET Lunar New Year – Year of the Tiger

Mo, Feb 15, 2010: Application Deadline – Intel Vietnam Study Abroad Program 2010-2012

We-Sa, Apr 14-17, APCAC Spring Conference – Beijing, China

Mo-Tu, Apr 19-20 Asia/Pacific Business Outlook 2010 – Los Angeles

Events and Meetings

Tu, Jan 26 New US Import Requirement Effective U.S. importers must file a mandatory “Importer Security Filing” 24 hours before loading a U.S. bound vessel. Failure to file a “timely, complete and/or accurate” ISF transmission could result in increased inspections, delay of cargo, and monetary penalties (liquidated damages of $ 5000 for each violation).

Project 30, Administrative Procedures Review (2nd Round) The Prime Minister’s high profile campaign to simplify administrative procedures (“APs”) for businesses, is entering its final phase, when businesses will have one final opportunity to recommend burdensome APs be abolished. Click the link to provide your feedback and input about which APs AmCham should recommend be revised or abolished.

Feb 15, 2010: Application Deadline – Intel Vietnam Study Abroad Program 2010-2012 Students selected for the Intel Vietnam Study Abroad Program will be destined to become future leaders with Intel and play an important role in this fast-changing country. Intel and PSU are seeking students with strong academic performance, English capacity, and desire to learn and grow. Above all, we want individuals who are committed to making a difference with Intel in Vietnam.

Su-We, Feb 14-17 TET Lunar New Year – Year of the Tiger Click on the link to learn more about this holiday and TET customs in Vietnam, the Lunar Year calendar. Traditionally there are four main holidays: TET Eve (Sat, Feb 13), and The First (Sun, Feb 14), Second (Mon, Feb 15), and Third (Tue, Feb 16) Days of TET Nguyen Dan. Since Feb 14 is a Sun, offices will be closed officially for the four days: Mo-Th, Feb 15-18.

We-Sa, Apr 14-17, APCAC Spring Conference – Beijing, China

APBO 2010 Asia/Pacific Business Outlook 2010 Asia/Pacific Business Outlook 2010 in Los Angeles. Access 15 Asia/Pacific Markets in 2 days! If you are doing business in the Asia/Pacific region, this is the one conference you can’t afford to miss. Find answers to your questions on 15 economies by choosing from 60 focused sessions and private one-on-one consultations. Get the latest information and connect with experts and insiders.

Plan ahead. Click here to see all upcoming Events and Committee Meetings

Stay informed about Vietnam-U.S. trade and investment with Weekly Updates (Past Issues).

AmCham and Vietnam Related News

Ambassador Michalak Press Conference, Feb 3, 2010

We're very excited about the prospects for this year celebrating the 15th Anniversary of diplomatic relations with Vietnam. We expect to highlight some of the accomplishments that I’ve just talked about in economics, infrastructure, education, joint initiatives to combat disease, efforts to increase science and technology, and a number of other areas.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Comments on Vietnam's Draft Circular on Pricing

Vietnam's Ministry of Finance on December 24, 2009, posted on its website a new draft circular on pricing regulations. Implementing this circular would significantly expand price controls beyond state-owned enterprises and increase the number of products subjected to possible price regulations. The proposed controls send a confusing and mixed message about Vietnam's economic policy direction, and represent a significant move away from the economic reforms launched in Vietnam over the last 20 years that have generated significant economic growth, expanded trade, and attracted foreign investment.

Summary of VCCI/AmCham/Foreign Business Associations Task Force Comments on Revised Labour Code

Summary of comments prepared for Jan 25, 2010 meeting in HCM City by MOLISA and National Assembly Social Affairs Committee representatives with VCCI, AmCham, other Foreign Business Associations, (Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, EuroCham, NordCham, et.), leading VN Business Associations (eg, VITAS, HAWA, LEFACO, VASEP, etc.), FDI "partner factories," U.S. and other international buyers.