AmCham marks 25th anniversary in Hanoi
The American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi (AmCham) hosted an event to celebrate its 25th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the normalization of economic relations between Vietnam and the United States on November 8. The event featured the United States Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur L Ross, Jr. and a visiting delegation of 17 U.S. companies.
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| The United States Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur L Ross, Jr. |
During his welcome remarks, AmCham Governor David Stone from AES Vietnam noted that, “Trade and investment are the cornerstones of the US-Vietnam relationship.” Stone added, “The energy deal my company signed earlier today is just the latest example of American companies operating across the spectrum of economy activity here - including many efforts to help Vietnam modernize and to help the country become more productive, efficient, safe and cleaner.”
Speaking to a crowded ballroom of business and government leaders, AmCham Chair Natasha Ansell thanked Secretary Ross for spending time hearing AmCham members’ concerns, especially at the end of a busy week of travel around the region. Commenting on the Secretary’s extensive business background, including 55 years of experience in investment banking and private equity, Ms. Ansell noted that this is a man who has led an extraordinary life including serving as chairman or lead director of more than 100 companies in over 20 countries.
During the event, Secretary Ross congratulated participants of AmCham’s new Leadership Development Academy, which offers learning and networking opportunities for young Vietnamese business leaders and is part of AmCham’s ongoing commitment to create long-term economic and social value to the country and to the Vietnamese people.
The Commerce Secretary also met privately with members of the AmCham board. Reflecting on the past 25 years, AmCham Executive Director Adam Sitkoff said, “It is a credit to the people of both nations that the US and Vietnam have been able to move beyond the tragedies of our shared past to build such a vibrant and strong relationship.” He added that much work remains and AmCham would continue to bring together business and government leaders to help create an attractive, transparent, and stable business environment in Vietnam.
Mr. Sitkoff praised ongoing efforts to promote U.S. economic activities in Vietnam and said that the trade mission led by Secretary Ross highlights the importance the U.S. places on growing its commercial relationship with Vietnam.
