On September 12, over 85 people joined our blood drive to replenish the diminishing supply at Hanoi’s blood bank. Special thanks to Concordia International School Hanoi and the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake for their great support of this effort. The large number of donors at this blood drive is a great reminder that social distancing does not mean social disengagement.

AmCham Hanoi and Mondelez Kinh Do Vietnam joined forces to deliver around 15,000 packages of food and snacks this week to healthcare workers, hospital patients, poor students and low income households in Danang, the historic town of Hoi An, and Dai Loc District in Quang Nam Province. This effort was made in partnership with our friends at the Vietnam Front Fatherland in Quang Nam Province, the management of four quarantine facilities in Dai Loc District, and the Danang Orthopedic Hospital and C Hospital in Danang city.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi conducted a survey in late March about the business impact of the coronavirus on business operations in Vietnam. The survey focused on quantitative issues such as the coronavirus' expected impact on corporate revenues and Vietnamese GDP, as well as workplace issues such as travel and work from home policies. The survey took place before the newest restrictions on business activity and ovement.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi conducted a survey on February 13-14 about the business impact of the coronavirus on business operations in Vietnam. The survey focused on quantitative issues such as the coronavirus’ expected impact on corporate revenues and Vietnamese GDP, as well as workplace issues such as travel and work from home policies. Survey results showed that our members are concerned about the health impact of the coronavirus in Vietnam, and are very concerned about the economic impact of the coronavirus here.

AmCham Hanoi hosted a reception on November 8 to celebrate its 25th anniversary featuring the United States Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur L Ross, Jr. and a visiting delegation of 17 U.S. companies.

AmCham honored its members’ best corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs at a ceremony presided over by United States Ambassador Daniel J. Kritenbrink.

On May 10 in Hanoi, AmCham, in cooperation with VCCI and the US Chamber of Commerce, hosted the third annual US-Vietnam Business Summit. The conference, titled, “The 2019 U.S.-Vietnam Business Summit: Celebrating 25 Years of Trade and Investment”, brought together over 250 government and industry leaders from both countries to build on the current positive momentum in the bilateral economic relationship and to address the many areas where inconsistencies, inefficiencies, and unfair practices persist. The conference featured a keynote address by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Trịnh Đình Dũng.

AmCham, in partnership with USAID, VCCI and Vietnam’s Private Sector Development Committee, organized the 2019 Supplier Day in Hanoi on April 25. The event featured over 60 exhibitors showcasing their products and services from a variety of industry sectors, including: electronics, metals, textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, furniture and wood processing, auto parts, agribusiness and food/beverage processing, plastics, logistics and transportation, medical, healthcare, hospitality, and other industrial and consumer products.

On March 5, the Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) concluded its 2019 Spring Business Summit, a two-day gathering of key American business leaders, diplomats, and AmCham representatives from across the region. Critical conclusions reached at this year’s summit underscore both the historic and current impact of American investment in the Asia Pacific region, and the urgent need for increased engagement by companies and American Chambers to address the shifting and uncertain global trade landscape.

AmCham hosted a lunch event on January 18 to celebrate its 25th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the normalization of economic relations between Vietnam and the United States. Over 150 members and friends attended.

Almost 200 members participated in AmCham’s Annual Meeting and Dinner on December 5 at the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake. The annual event featured remarks by Ambassador Daniel J. Kritenbrink and Assistant Secretary of Commerce Ian Steff, the Chair’s annual report, presentation of the 2018 CSR Recognition Awards, announcement of the 2019 AmCham Board of Governors, and the unveiling of our 25th Anniversary Logo that will be used next years.

AmCham honored its members’ best corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs at a ceremony presided over by United States Ambassador Daniel J. Kritenbrink on December 5, 2018. Twenty-seven member firms received the CSR Recognition Award for understanding the linkages between business operations and society, and conducting business in a way that creates both long-term economic and social value.

On November 9 in Hanoi, AmCham hosted a workshop to educate stakeholders and the public about transfer pricing. A number of Vietnamese and foreign experts explained why transfer pricing is a legal and normal business practice around the world, including in Vietnam. The workshop brought together government and industry leaders to discuss the rules and methodologies that governments must consider as tax policies evolve.

On November 6 in Hanoi, AmCham, in cooperation with the Vietnam E-Commerce Association, the Vietnam Internet Association, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the European Chamber of Commerce, hosted a workshop to discuss available policy options to boost the impact of the digital economy for economic growth, job creation, and innovation in Vietnam.

On September 10 in Hanoi, AmCham, in cooperation with VCCI and the US Chamber of Commerce, hosted the 2nd annual US-Vietnam Business Summit. The conference featured participation from Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung and Under Secretary of Commerce Gilbert Kaplan. The event had a digital economy focus, and included panel discussions on cybersecurity, e-commerce, innovation, supply chains and trade facilitation, as well as regional and global trade tensions.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressed his wish that US enterprises strong in digital economy will enhance cooperation and transfer technology to Vietnam. The government leader made the statement during a reception in Hanoi on September 10 for AmCham member companies supporting the 2018 US-Vietnam Business Summit.

Members of AmCham’s Information Technology, Telecom and IPR Committee (ITTI) participated in a discussion on intellectual property issues on August 21 in Hanoi with President Trump’s Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator, Mr. Vishal Amin. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State also participated in the discussion

On July 8 in Hanoi, a group of AmCham members attended a reception with the Secretary of State to hear his views on the outlook for bilateral relations. Vietnam is the first country in Southeast Asia that Pompeo has visited since assuming the position of Secretary of State in April

At the Vietnam Business Forum on July 4 in Hanoi, AmCham Chair Michael Kelly told the government that while AmCham supports the government’s effort to link domestic and foreign companies together, our members continue to have challenges dealing with corruption and an over-complicated environment.

Each year, the Office of the US Trade Representative is required to submit to the President, the Senate Finance Committee, and appropriate committees in the House of Representatives, an annual report on significant foreign trade barriers.