Embassy Highlights, September - December 2010
PeaceTrees Vietnam Celebrates 15 Years
September 9, 2010
Ambassador Michalak, PeaceTrees Vietnam representatives and Quang Tri officials perform a ribbon cutting inaugurating a PeaceTrees Vietnam-funded library and kindergarten in Khe Da hamlet.
On September 9 and 10, Ambassador Michael Michalak participated in ceremonies in Quang Tri province to celebrate 15 years of humanitarian work by American NGO PeaceTrees Vietnam and to dedicate a library and a kindergarten built with funding from the organization. Ambassador Michalak praised and thanked PeaceTrees Vietnam founders and staff for the work they have undertaken to locate and remove unexploded ordnance, provide victims’ assistance and mine risk education, and construct schools and libraries. Their work has strengthened the bonds between the United States and Vietnam, he said. At the event, the Ambassador donated an English language reference collection to the new library. In 2009, PeaceTrees Vietnam received approximately $500,000 from the U.S. Department of State to support activities related to unexploded ordnance removal and mine risk education in the region.
Chick-fil-A Shares Business Leadership Practices at the American Center
September 14, 2010
Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator Dupre Bingham introduces his co-presenters at the American Center Great Leaders event.
On September 14, the American Center welcomed 52 members of the Hanoi service industry community for a morning seminar on the leadership practices of America’s second largest quick serve chicken restaurant chain, Chick-fil-A. 5 Practices of Great Leaders: Lessons from Chick-fil-A was organized by the American Center, Hanoi Young Business Association, Hanoi Women Entrepreneurs and Global Strategy Ventures and featured 6 Chick-fil-A Owner/Operators sharing the company’s unique business philosophy and practices. Through the 3 hour presentation, attendees learned about Chick-fil-A’s belief that great leaders must have a clear vision, articulated values, and a commitment to engaging and developing their employees.
USTDA Supports Trade Improvements in Vietnam
September 15, 2010
U.S. Ambassador Michalak and Ministry of Finance Deputy Minister Do Hoang Anh Tuan sign the National Single Window Pilot Project grant at a ceremony in Hanoi.
On September 15, U.S Ambassador Michael Michalak and Vietnam Ministry of Finance Deputy Minister Do Hoang Anh Tuan participated in a signing ceremony launching the National Single Window Pilot Project funded by the United States Trade & Development Agency (USTDA). The project will reduce customs clearance processing time and expand Vietnam’s trade and transit market. Specifically, the USTDA’s $718,600 grant will fund a feasibility study and pilot project that will identify the system requirements, evaluate standardized customs documents and data, recommend institutional changes and data models, and outline the implementation plan for project deployment. The work performed under USTDA’s funding will complement USAID’s efforts to promote ASEAN single window integration.
“This pilot project will help to increase revenue, enforce trade compliance regulations and reduce the cost of cargo movement into Vietnam, an increasingly important partner for the United States in Southeast Asia,” remarked Ambassador Michalak at the ceremony in Hanoi. “The launching of today’s partnership demonstrates once again, the United States’ commitment to working with Vietnam to promote economic growth and more broadly, the regional integration of ASEAN.” For more information click here.
Press Release
• Vietnam Leads ASEAN’s Efforts to Develop Single Customs Window with Support from USTDA
Battlefield Sketches Returned to Artist
September 17, 2010
U.S. Ambassador Michalak returns sketches lost for 42 years to the artist, Mr. Le Duc Tuan.
At a ceremony on September 17, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak returned three long-lost sketches to former Vietnamese soldier Mr. Le Duc Tuan. Major Robert Simpson discovered Mr. Tuan’s sketchbook on a battlefield in Kon Tum Province on March 26, 1968. Before presenting it to his superior officer, General William Peers, Mr. Simpson removed three pages and mailed them to his wife as a keepsake. After General Peers’ daughter returned the book to Mr. Tuan last year, Mr. Simpson requested the U.S. Embassy’s assistance in returning the three missing sketches. The ceremony took place in conjunction with the unveiling of a book on Mr. Le Duc Tuan's battlefield sketches. In his remarks at the Vietnam Museum of Military History, the Ambassador thanked the Vietnamese government and the Museum for the recent turnover of American POW/MIA-related artifacts and urged both sides to continue the trend. He concluded: “Let us hope the growing friendship between our veterans, our two peoples, and our two nations will maintain its vibrancy for 42 more years, and beyond, as two members of a healthy and mutually respectful bilateral relationship.”
Related Articles
• 11/6/2010 Art of War
U.S. Potato Promotion at KFC
September 20, 2010
Ambassador Michalak talks to KFC customers about Washington state potatoes.
On September 20, U.S. Ambassador Michael Michalak and Governor of Washington State, Ms. Chris Gregoire promoted Washington state potatoes at the KFC Tay Son restaurant in the Dong Da District of Hanoi. Donning aprons, Ambassador Michalak and Governor Gregoire passed out samples of French fries to customers of the American fast food restaurant chain. At the event, Governor Gregoire noted that Washington state exports more frozen potato products than any other state in the USA and that she hoped today’s promotion would help introduce their potatoes to new customers in Vietnam. KFC in Vietnam sources the majority of its frozen French fries from the state of Washington.
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| Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington state, promotes her state’s potatoes at a KFC in Hanoi. |
USAID Supports Corporate Responsibility
September 23, 2010
Ten Vietnamese companies are recognized for fighting stigma of HIV/AIDS through programs and providing support to people living with HIV.
Ten Vietnamese private enterprises displaying exemplary corporate responsibility received honors for investing resources to promote HIV/AIDS prevention and employment support for people living with HIV. At a ceremony on September 23, organized by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) HIV Workplace Project in collaboration with the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council (VWEC) of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), 10 of more than 130 enterprises participating in the Project were honored with a certificate of appreciation. The honorees included:
• Nam Trieu ship building industry corporation (NASICO)
• Trung Lai Gas - lighter manufacture co. ltd,
• Civil Engineering Construction Corporation No. 4 (CIENCO 4)
• Dai Viet Garment Company
• Noi Bai Airport Taxi Co-operative
• Ha Tu Coal Joint-Stock Company
• Hoang Gia International Co. Ltd
• Machino Autopart Company
• Dinh Vang Co. Ltd
• NatSteel Vina Co. Ltd (NSV).
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to showcase corporate social responsibility among the business community and for people living with HIV (PLHIV) to express appreciation for the support and share their desire for a meaningful life and a chance to work and contribute to society. VWEC chairwoman, Mme. Tran Thi Thuy, appealed for greater to participation by the private sector. "I would like to call for enterprises community to have stronger commitment and actively participate in different support initiatives for PLHIV and RDU (Recovering Drug Users) for economic improvement to stable their life and reintegrate into the community," she said. "This is also to create a good image for enterprises being responsible for the community and society," she added. For more information, click here.
Consul General Opens Methadone Clinic
September 28, 2010
Consul General An Le delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the clinic in Thu Duc.
On September 28, Consul General An Le spoke at the opening of a Methadone clinic in Ho Chi Minh City's Thu Duc District. Mr. Hua Ngoc Thuan, Vice Chairman of the HCMC People's Committee, and over 130 participants from government offices and international organizations, attended. Over the past few years, the U.S. has increased its support to the HCMC Provincial AIDS Committee under the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This marks the 4th PEPFAR-funded Methadone clinic in HCMC, and another is planned to open before the end of the year. This is the tenth such clinic opened nationwide funded by the U.S. Government. More than a dozen additional clinics are set to open in the next three months.
Quang Ninh University Teacher Training College Visits the American Center
September 15, 2010
Quang Ninh student answers a question posed by Public Affairs staff member Abby Ross at the American Center.
On September 15, 63 students and teachers from the Quang Ninh University Teacher Training College travelled more than two hours to visit the U.S. Embassy Hanoi where they learned about the products and services of the American Center and the EducationUSA Advising Center. After hearing about the American Center and EducationUSA, Public Affairs staff provided a presentation on U.S. youth culture. The students enjoyed a tea break before concluding their visit by exploring the American Center collections.
American Center Visits the National Economics University
September 17, 2010
Director of the American Center, Quan Mai Binh, gives a presentation on U.S. business culture at the National Economics University in Hanoi.
On September 17, a group of 55 National Economics University (NEU) students participated in a business culture presentation co-hosted by the International Business Faculty of NEU and the American Center. At the event, American Center staff presented some guidelines for success for work or study in the U.S. which included advice on time management, manners and teamwork. In addition, students learned how to create a good PowerPoint presentation, which included advice on understanding the audience, knowing the topic, managing presentation time and practicing before the event.
Embassy Hosts Biotechnology Lecture Series
October 1, 2010
U.S. Embassy Hanoi’s Deputy Chief of Mission Virginia Palmer welcomes guests to the conference, “Vietnam Biotech III: Growing the Future.”
During the last week of September, the U.S. Embassy and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) co-hosted a three-city lecture series, “Vietnam Biotech III: Growing the Future.” This was the third such collaboration, following successful events in 2008 and 2009. The conferences took place in Ho Chi Minh City on September 27, Hanoi on September 30 and Vinh Phuc on October 1. The lecture series brought together researchers, policymakers and agricultural workers to discuss the benefits of agricultural biotechnology for Vietnam’s food security and economic development. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Director of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of the Philippines Los Banos College who shared the Philippines’ experience adopting agricultural biotechnology. In Hanoi, Deputy Chief of Mission Virginia Palmer opened the event by congratulating Dr. Nguyen Tri Ngoc, General Director of Crop Cultivation Department at MARD, on Vietnam recently harvesting its first biotech field trials. She also emphasized the important role that biotechnology plays in alleviating the impacts of climate change, addressing food security, and revitalizing economic growth.
U.S. Government Commits $50,000 for Flood Relief
October 12, 2010
The U.S. Government has committed $50,000 in emergency assistance to aid in the relief effort underway in Vietnam’s central provinces, after heavy rains from Tropical Depression 14 caused widespread flooding.
Following an appeal issued on October 7, 2010 by the People’s Aid Coordinating Committee for emergency assistance from international organizations, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael W. Michalak issued a disaster declaration, making way for the funds to be dispersed from the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I offer our condolences for the destruction and loss of life caused by heavy rains and flooding in Vietnam,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people of Vietnam, especially those affected by this tragedy.”
Press Release
Secretary Clinton on Severe Flooding in Central Vietnam
Read more here.
Embassy Officials Speak at AmCham Annual Meeting
October 6, 2010
U.S. Ambassador Michalak gives the keynote address at AmCham’s annual meeting in Hanoi.
On October 6, the American Chamber of Commerce Hanoi (AmCham) held their annual meeting and dinner, at which U.S. Ambassador Michael Michalak gave his annual address to the business community. In his remarks to the 60 attendees, the Ambassador reflected on the expansion of U.S. – Vietnam relations during his tenure.
At the same event, Bill Weissman, Consular Chief, U.S. Embassy Hanoi briefed attendees about consular services for the American business community.
Secretary Gates Attends ADMM+
October 11, 2010
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Minister of Defense General Phung Quang Thanh participate in a ceremony at Vietnam’s Ministry of Defense in Hanoi.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates visited Vietnam on October 11-12 at the invitation of Vietnamese Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh to attend the first ASEAN Defense Ministerial Meeting Plus (ADMM+). On October 11, he gave a speech to an audience of 500 at Vietnam National University, in which he stressed that the growing U.S.-Vietnamese partnership is not only important for the two countries but for the region as a whole. Affirming the continued presence of the U.S. in Southeast Asia, Secretary Gates emphasized the need for multilateral mechanisms to confront the most important security challenges in the region. During the visit, Secretary Gates were also received by Vietnamese State President Nguyen Minh Triet and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.
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| Minister Thanh introduces Secretary Gates to high-ranking military officers before a bilateral meeting and joint press conference at Vietnam’s Ministry of Defense in Hanoi. |
For more information, click here: http://www.america.gov/st/peacesec-english/2010/October/20101012143842elrem0.1001703.html.
Secretary Clinton Returns to Vietnam
October 30, 2010
President Triet welcomes U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wrapped up a whirlwind 24 hours to Hanoi on Saturday evening as part of her seven-nation tour of the Asia-Pacific region. This was her second visit to Vietnam in just four months, following her participation in July in the ASEAN Regional Forum, also in Hanoi.
Secretary Clinton represented the U.S. at the East Asia Summit, marking the first time the United States has taken part, and paving the way for President Obama’s full participation at next year’s EAS in Indonesia.
Also on the agenda was a working breakfast with Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam on the Lower Mekong Initiative, as well as bilateral meetings with Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Deputy Foreign Minister/Foreign Pham Gia Minister Khiem, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kim Sung-hwan, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
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| Secretary Clinton meets with leaders to discuss the Lower Mekong Initiative. From left: Hor Namhong, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia; Pham Gia Khiem, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam; U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos; Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. |
Following these meetings, the Secretary took part in three signing ceremonies—a Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and Vietnam on the U.N. Convention Against Torture; an agreement between Microsoft and the Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications; and an agreement between Boeing and Vietnam Airlines.
Finally, the Secretary took part in a 10-minute interview with Vietnam Television reporter Tran Thi Huong Thuy before departing for her next stop: Hainan, China.
Find out more about the Secretary’s visit.
International Education Week To Be Celebrated November 15-19
November 3, 2010
International Education Week 2010 marks the 11th anniversary of an annual event designed to recognize the value of international education exchange and develop mutual understanding around the world. Hosted by the American Center and the EducationUSA Advising Center, the U.S. Embassy Hanoi will celebrate IEW with a schedule of free programs for the public throughout the week of November 15 – 19. Topics will include U.S. government exchange programs, student visas, U.S. education system overview, culture shock, and academic expectations. For more information, see the events calendar at: http://vietnam.usembassy.gov/program.html. International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education.
“Future Smile 2010” Photo Contest Award Ceremony
November 1, 2010
U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer Christopher Hodges with Future Smile contest participants.
On November 1st, an Award Ceremony was held at the U.S. Embassy Hanoi for the winners of the Photo Contest “Future Smile 2010”. The contest is part of the “Future Smile” project, created by students participating in the U.S.-State Department-sponsored 2009 Southeast Asian Youth Leadership Program (SEAYLP) to support Vietnamese children with cancer. More than 300 photographs were submitted by professional and amateur photographic artists from around the country. The winners include Mr. Nguyen Van Quyen and Mr. Nguyen Linh Vinh Quoc from Gia Lai province (First and Third Prizes), Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Sam from Da Nang (Second Prize) and Mr. Duong Ngoc Duc from Ho Chi Minh City (Best Caption Prize). In his remarks at the event, Public Affairs Officer Christopher Hodges highlighted the importance of exchange programs in promoting civic responsibility and enhancing the relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam. He also congratulated everyone who participated in the contest for their high quality creations.
Ambassador Speaks at National Economics University
November 3, 2010
Ambassador Michalak (center) with lecturers and students from National Economics University.
On November 3, Ambassador Michael Michalak visited Vietnam’s National Economics University and spoke to over 100 students of the university’s advanced program on U.S.-Vietnam cooperation in economics and higher education. In his remarks, he noted the positive nature of the relationship between the United States and Vietnam and highlighted the progress in bilateral trade and investment relationships over the past 15 years. He agreed with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s assessment that “opportunities for economic cooperation are unlimited”. The Ambassador also highlighted the growing number of Vietnamese students studying in the U.S. and encouraged NEU students to consider American schools for masters or PhD programs. The animated discussion that followed his remarks was the highlight of the event with questions from the students ranging from educational, financial and cultural issues to U.S. – Vietnam cooperation in the field of environmental protection.
Mid-Term Elections in the U.S.
October 1, 2010
Peter Velasco discusses mid-term elections at the American Center.
On October 1, Peter Velasco of the U.S. State Department Office of Public Diplomacy, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs gave a presentation at the American Center on the topic of mid-term elections and the current political climate in the U.S. The presentation offered 34 students and lecturers the opportunity to learn about the different political parties in the U.S. and the historical backdrop and significance of mid-term elections. Mr. Velasco discussed potential outcomes of the elections and the similarities between this year’s elections with those that occurred in 1994. Mr. Velasco also discussed the role of social media in the formation of the Tea Party movement and answered questions from the audience.
Humane Education: The Environment, Animals and You
November 5, 2010
Robert Lucius (back row, center) poses with some of the attendees from the American Center’s Humane Education presentation.
On November 5th, 80 patrons packed the American Center to hear a presentation on “Humane Education.” The presenter, Robert Lucius, discussed the links between animal cruelty and cruelty towards other human beings and the environment and emphasized the importance of sharing the world with all its creatures. Mr. Lucius shared information about the Humane Education program (now in a pilot phase) that encourages youth to make mindful choices and use critical thinking skills. Following the presentation, Mr. Lucius engaged the audience in a Q&A that lasted over one hour.
Beauty Plus Pageant for Women with HIV
November 14, 2010
U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael W. Michalak congratulates Ms. Tran Thi Hue, winner of Beauty Plus 2010.
At the first-ever Beauty Plus pageant for women living with HIV, there was hardly a dry eye in the audience as U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael W. Michalak crowned the winner, and parents, siblings, children and friends rushed the stage with flowers for all of the 15 finalists.
The event was hosted by the Bright Futures Network of people living with HIV in Hanoi, with financial and technical support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (or PEPFAR), and in collaboration with the Center for Supporting Community Development Initiative and Vietnam Television’s youth-focused channel VTV6.
After two preliminary rounds in October, the finale was held November 14 at the Vietnam Youth Theater, with live footage beamed around the country on channel VTV6. Top honors of the night went to Ms. Tran Thi Hue, a 27-year-old outreach worker with the Hanoi Reproductive Health Center and member of the Bright Futures self-help group of Ha Nam province. Ms. Nghiem Thi Lan, 30, and Ms. To Thi Tuyet, 32, were first and second runners-up.
Among the many factors considered by the star-studded jury was each contestant’s HIV/AIDS-related social work. Jury members include fashion designer Xuan Thu, TV journalist Ta Bich Loan, artist Le Khanh, and Miss Sports Vietnam 2007 Tran Thi Quynh.
“What these women have suffered from reminds us of the need to strengthen our efforts to stop the spread of HIV,” noted Mr. Ong Van Tung, Coordinator of the Bright Futures Network. “However, the fact that they are all beautiful, happy and full of energy after years of living with HIV is evidence that HIV treatment programs work. There are drugs to lengthen the life of people with AIDS, but these people can only have a happy and productive life by overcoming stigma and discrimination, and can exercise their rights to education, employment, health care and social support.”
U.S. State Department Alumni Outreach at International Conference in Hanoi
November 9, 2010
Dr. Can Van Luc presents at the “The Evaluation of Stimulus Policies of Asian Countries 2009”International Conference in Hanoi.
On November 9, Fulbright Alumni, Dr. Can Van Luc presented at the international conference “The Evaluation of Stimulus Policies of Asian Countries 2009” organized by the University of Economics, Vietnam National University (VNU). The one day conference, sponsored by the Asia Research Center (ARC) under the VNU, brought together experts, government officials, lecturers and students in the fields of economics and finance from New Zealand, Thailand, Japan and Vietnam. Dr. Can Van Luc’s presentation “Global Financial Crisis – the View from an Insider” discussed major causes and developments of the crisis and responses by different governments. The presentation also analyzed the effects of the Vietnamese stimulus package and pointed out the lessons learned from the crisis for Vietnam. Dr. Luc was a Humphrey Fellow in banking and finance at the University of Boston from 2007-08. He is currently Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV). The Humphrey Fellowship Program is a Fulbright exchange activity sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. To learn more visit http://vietnam.usembassy.gov/educational_exchange.html.
U.S. Assists Vietnamese MIA Recovery
November 19, 2010
USAID Acting Mission Director Michael Foster and Tran Phi Tuoc, Director of MOLISA, shake hands after signing an MOU to strengthen the capacity of the Vietnamese government to locate and identify Vietnamese soldiers missing since the war.
On November 19, the U.S. Agency for International Development and Vietnam’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding formalizing an agreement to work together to locate and identify Vietnamese persons missing in action. Under the terms of the partnership, USAID will provide $1 million in technical assistance funding over two years, enabling agencies of the two governments to collaborate on a training and technical assistance program to locate and identify Vietnamese soldiers missing in action.
“In providing our assistance through this USAID program, our goal is to strengthen the scientific capacity of Vietnamese entities and improve the ability of Vietnamese authorities to search for, identify, and document those Vietnamese people missing since 1975,” said U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael W. Michalak, at the signing ceremony. “We believe that this will further strengthen the U.S- Vietnam relationship in the area of humanitarian assistance.”
In the 10 years since USAID opened an office in Hanoi, the agency has contributed more than $330 million in support of Vietnam’s development and relief activities.
Press Release
Final MIA Repatriation Ceremony for 2010
November 30, 2010
The remains of American servicemen begin their journey home at a repatriation ceremony held on November 30 at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam.
On November 30, a repatriation ceremony for remains believed to be those of missing Americans took place at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport.
U.S. Ambassador Michael Michalak took part in the ceremony, which was organized by Detachment Two of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), in conjunction with the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP). The remains to be repatriated included those recovered by a U.S. excavation team in Thua Thien-Hue Province, as well as remains turned over by Vietnamese citizens. This was the 117th post-war repatriation of U.S. remains from Vietnam and the fifth and final one for 2010.
Along with the Ambassador, Detachment Two Commander U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Patrick J. Keane represented the U.S. in receiving custody of the remains. A U.S. military honor guard transferred the remains to a United States Air Force C-130 aircraft for repatriation to the United States.
The remains were obtained during the 101st Joint Field Activity in Vietnam, in which JPAC and VNOSMP teams excavated three sites potentially associated with missing Americans. They will now be sent to JPAC's Central Identification Laboratory in Hawaii for analysis.
Joint U.S.-Vietnamese teams have worked together since September 1988, investigating more than 3,500 cases and excavating more than 500 sites.
The two countries last month signed an agreement for a two-year, $1 million technical assistance program whereby the U.S. Agency for International Development would help Vietnam recover its missing in action from the war.
Ambassador Discusses Human Rights
December 9, 2010
Ambassador Michalak listens to a question from the audience during the December 9 human rights event held at the U.S. Embassy’s American Center.
On December 9, over 60 students, journalists and members of the community gathered at the American Center for an event in connection with International Human Rights Day (December 10). U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak delivered remarks, before taking questions from the audience. While noting the advances Vietnam has made in some areas, Ambassador Michalak cautioned that the human rights situation remained in need of improvement.
“We recognize and applaud the progress that Vietnam has made in some areas, such as in poverty reduction, improved infant mortality and other areas of the UN Millennium Development Goals. Over the last five years, the government has also improved the ability of religious people to practice their faith,” said Ambassador Michalak. “We remain concerned, however, about Vietnam’s human rights practices in other areas. Vietnam is a signatory to the UN Convention on Civil and Political Rights, but the government continues to criminalize free speech and dissent, and labels political parties other than the Communist Party ‘terrorist’ organizations.”
Ambassador Michalak also touched on the need for “a vibrant internet, free media and functioning civil society, which will be necessary to help Vietnam to tackle many difficult issues it faces such as education reform, corruption and environmental degradation.”
The U.S. and Vietnam will conduct an annual human rights dialogue on December 13.
A full version of the Ambassador’s remarks can be found here.
Alumni Conference Showcases USG Exchanges
December 10, 2010
Ambassador Michael Michalak gives opening remarks at the Alumni Conference 2010 in Hanoi.
On December 10th, the U.S. Embassy Hanoi held Alumni Conference 2010: US-Vietnam Educational Exchanges: Impact & Prospects. The event, held at the Sofitel Plaza in Hanoi, attracted almost 300 participants including alumni of a wide array of US government-funded exchange programs as well as students, scholars and professionals interested in learning about exchange opportunities and the impact of US-Vietnam educational exchanges. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Michael W. Michalak highlighted the importance of these exchange programs in promoting mutual understanding and strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam. He also recognized and congratulated the alumni on their achievements and their contributions to the betterment of Vietnam and encouraged them to find ways to build on their exchange experiences. In the four breakout sessions, alumni from various programs shared memories of their exchange program experiences and discussed ways to network and stay connected. The conference concluded with a dinner reception hosted by Ambassador Michalak in honor of USG exchange alumni.
Women and Gender Issues Discussed at the American Center
December 8, 2010
A student addresses a question to Ms. Wenchi Yu, Policy Advisor from the Office of Global Women’s Issues at an event at the American Center.
On December 8 guest speaker Ms. Wenchi Yu, Policy Advisor from Secretary Clinton’s Office of Global Women’s Issues, U.S Department of State, discussed gender issues and the importance of advancing the role of women in the economic sector in Vietnam and worldwide. Ms. Yu gave brief remarks that emphasized the connection between women’s economic empowerment and a more productive economy and stable society. She addressed Vietnam’s situation in particular saying that there has been good progress related to women’s equality, however there is much work left to be done. She then answered several questions from some of the 44 audience members.
American Center Marks Facebook Milestone
December 22, 2010
Ambassador Michalak and the American Center’s Facebook friends at a party celebrating the one-year anniversary of the launch of its Facebook page.
On December 22, the Embassy’s American Center marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of its Facebook page with a party on the grounds of the American Club in downtown Hanoi. Roughly 50 of the most active members of the online community met and chatted with Ambassador Michalak and participated in photo opportunities, games, a Facebook “birthday” cake, refreshments and holiday decorations as part of the festivities. The event offered Facebook friends and Embassy staff a chance to meet “offline” and celebrate the creation of this vibrant online community, with 5,302 members and counting. The Ambassador delivered remarks and remained at the event for over three hours, chatting with the crowd of mostly Vietnamese university students on topics ranging from his previous career as an astrophysicist to ideas for English language training by U.S. government exchange program alumni and interest in the Global UGRAD and SUSI programs. See the Ambassador’s remarks here.