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(Washington, DC) On January 15, the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released a report on the Section 301 investigation into Vietnam’s currency practices. The report details USTR’s findings of the investigation, concluding that Vietnam’s acts, policies, and practices related to currency valuation are unreasonable and burden American commerce. While USTR’s investigation supports a finding that Vietnam’s acts, policies, and practices are actionable under section 301 of the Trade Act, the report did not include any recommended actions or tariff guidelines.
(Singapore) The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), in collaboration with Deloitte, and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) launched Edges of Southeast Asia at a panel session held at the Singapore Week of Innovation & TeCHnology (“SWITCH”) Global Channel 2020 on December 7.
Edges of Southeast Asia features a 25-card info pack, each illustrating an emerging trend that draws upon a real case example in the region. Drawing influence from a diverse range of social, technological, economic, and political megatrends to better understand the complex dynamics shaping the business world, Edges of Southeast Asia features high growth potential opportunities within the ASEAN region.
The US-ASEAN Business Council is once again proud to bring a strong delegation of 39 leading American companies to Thailand – the second consecutive year our annual Business Mission to Thailand is the largest delegation of the year to any country in Southeast Asia. Despite unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is remarkable to see that U.S. businesses continue to view Thailand as a top priority market in Southeast Asia. This year especially, the Council is incredibly excited to have organized this Business Mission in a hybrid format; due to Thailand’s expert handling of the pandemic, our engagements had both in-person and virtual aspects, further enhancing the experience of the Mission and drawing us closer to a sense of normalcy.
General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of Vietnam H.E. Nguyen Phu Trong opened the first session of the 37th ASEAN Summit on the morning of 12 November by emphasizing the spirit of a cohesive and responsive ASEAN, the theme of Vietnam’s ASEAN chairmanship. Vietnam’s Prime Minister H.E. Nguyen Xuan Phuc also spoke on the need for multilateral collaboration in tackling unprecedented challenges of a global health crisis and regional instability.
(Washington, DC) The US-ASEAN Business Council and its members congratulate former Vice President Joseph R. Biden and Senator Kamala D. Harris on their victory in the 2020 U.S. Presidential election. The Council salutes and congratulates the American people whose turnout is projected to be the largest in American history, proving that the American Experiment which started with the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, is alive and well. Furthermore, we are proud to see Vice President-elect Harris make history by becoming the first woman and first bi-racial American to ever hold the position. President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris garnered more than 74 million votes and counting – more than any other presidential slate in U.S. history.
(Indonesia) – The US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC) brought a delegation of 31 American companies to Indonesia to engage with key Indonesian government officials as a part of its 2020 Indonesia Virtual Business Mission, held 19-28 October 2020. The virtual mission was timed to coincide with the first anniversary of the Indonesia Maju Cabinet.
70 executives representing multiple industries met with Indonesian policymakers and local chambers of commerce to discuss key issues affecting Indonesia’s economic recovery including the ease of doing business and the recently passed omnibus law, consultative and transparent regulatory frameworks, digital transformation and innovation in healthcare. The delegation shared its committed support for President Joko Widodo’s agenda of bureaucratic reforms and improving the business environment, as well as support for the acceleration of Indonesia’s Post-COVID-19 Economic recovery.
Beginning on October 4, the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) engaged a number of top Malaysian officials on Malaysia’s economic recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic, the nation’s position as a regional and global trading hub, and Malaysia’s continued digital transformation, as a part of USABC’s annual Malaysia Business Mission. This was the first year the annual business mission was conducted virtually. The delegation engaged with key ministers and government officials from the Perikatan Nasional Government that came into office in March this year. This engagement is part of the Council’s continued effort to highlight the commitment of the American business community to Malaysia’s dynamic growth and to support Malaysia’s recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On October 14, nearly 150 owners and executives of Singapore SMEs participated in the webinar titled “Digital Transformation for Singapore SMEs during COVID-19.” The webinar is a collaborative event from the US-ASEAN Business Council with support from Enterprise Singapore and Singapore Business Federation. The event was part of a broader webinar series in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
The webinar was officially opened by Ambassador Michael W. Michalak, Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director of the US-ASEAN Business Council and Mr. Douglas Foo, BBM, Chairman of Sakae Holding Ltd. and Vice Chairman of Singapore Business Federation. There was also a keynote address from Mr. Ted Tan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of ESG.
On 1-10 September 2020, the Council led a delegation of 25 companies in a virtual business mission to the Philippines and engaged key Philippine government officials on key interests and priorities. US-ABC Chairman, President & CEO Alexander Feldman highlighted that the delegation’s size and multisectoral composition highlight the continued importance of the Philippines as a market for U.S. companies despite COVID-19 challenges. “We believe the Philippines’ strong macroeconomic fundamentals will bolster the country’s efforts to address COVID-19 health challenges and safely reopen more economic activities,” said Mr. Feldman.