BRITCHAM MONTHLY NEWSLETTER_AUGUST 2026

• Dear BritCham members, partners and friends,
• Viet Nam has recorded its strongest first-half growth in more than two decades, with GDP up 8.18%, trade turnover reaching US$549.69 billion, and disbursed FDI at a four-year high. As the country pushes towards its full-year growth target of at least 10%, the second half promises to be just as significant.
• This edition brings together the latest economic highlights, BritCham’s participation at the Prime Minister’s Conference with the Business Community and other advocacy updates, policy developments, and many upcoming events.

———————VIETNAM ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT & TOP HIGHLIGHTS———————

———————BRITCHAM IN ACTION———————

• BritCham Delegation at the Prime Minister’s Conference with the Business Community

On 18 July 2026, a high-level BritCham delegation, led by Warrick Cleine (Chair, British Corporate Advocacy Council) and Denzel Eades (BritCham Chairman), joined the Prime Minister’s Conference at the Office of the Government in Hanoi. BritCham also submitted a recommendation paper to the Prime Minister for consideration and further action. Held under the theme “Removing Bottlenecks – Unlocking Resources – Driving Growth,” the Conference focused on the way forward to improve the business environment and foster sustainable economic growth in Vietnam: Institutional & regulatory reform: streamlining procedures and removing overlapping legal frameworks to cut operating costs From dialogue to action: accelerating delivery to hit double-digit growth FDI–local linkages: deeper joint ventures between foreign investors and Vietnamese firms Digital & AI transformation: across public administration and business Building trust: an open, transparent and predictable investment environment BritCham remains committed to representing British business interests as Vietnam enters its next phase of development. tish business interests as Vietnam enters its next phase of development.

• BritCham’s Meeting with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) on Intellectual Property Rights

On 3 August 2026, a BritCham delegation, led by Denzel Eades – BritCham Chairman, had a meeting on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) with MOIT representatives from the Department for Innovation, Green Transition and Industry Promotion (IGIP), Department for Domestic Market Management and Development, and Department for E-commerce and Digital Economy.  The productive meeting focused on discussing specific IPR issues and recommendations to improve protection for pharmaceutical patent, trademark, copyright in the education sector, as well as strengthen IPR enforcement in e-commerce and the digital space.

• Economic Outlook Webinar with Standard Chartered

• CPTPP SOM3 Business Dialogue & Matchmaking Forum

On 22 July 2026, a BritCham delegation, with representatives from Grant Thornton, Baker McKenzie, HSBC, KPMG, Unilever and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, attended this Ministry of Industry and Trade forum in HCMC. On behalf of BritCham, Board Member Kenneth Atkinson raised key challenges facing UK firms on trade facilitation, investment and supply-chain resilience.

• Position Paper on Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW

———————UPCOMING EVENTS IN AUGUST———————

22/08/2026 | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM BIS JUNIOR CAMPUS | GATE B 225 Nguyen Van Huong, An Khanh Ward, HCMC Experience an unforgettable afternoon featuring classic lawn games, live music, and endless family fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Indulge in a generous selection of complimentary treats, from English cheese & crackers, apple pies, artisan pizzas and gelato to beers, wine, while supporting a great cause! SIGN UP NOW

27/08/2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MOVENPICK HOTEL 83 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi Explore the future of work and discover which human skills AI can never replace. Connect with emerging corporate leaders (complimentary soft drinks, water & canapés). SIGN UP NOW

———————LOOKING AHEAD: FLAGSHIPS & NETWORKING———————

• • CONNECT & COCKTAILS, powered by HSBC – Ho Chi Minh City 
  24/09/2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM CHAMPAGNE BAR – VIETNAM HOUSE Level 3 – Union Square, 116 Nguyen Hue Street, Sai Gon Ward, HCMC

 EARLY REGISTER

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact giang.ngo@britchamvn.com for more details.

———————LEGAL UPDATES———————

Vietnam has introduced several important legal and regulatory developments affecting employers and investors related to the electronic labour contract, the merger control regime and the carbon credits framework.  The electronic labour contract framework is now fully operational, allowing employers to adopt e-contracts while retaining paper contracts as a valid alternative. Organisations choosing electronic contracts must comply with requirements relating to licensed service providers, digital signatures, government systems, cybersecurity, personal data protection and record retention .

See more at HERE.

———————CALL FOR MEMBERS CONSULTATION———————

• Draft Law on Data Security (Deadline: COB Friday, 7 August 2026) Released by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), this draft expands governance beyond personal data to cover national digital resilience, data classification, and corporate data security requirements. If you are BritCham members, please check your email and submit your feedback.
• Draft Amended Law on Food Safety (Deadline: COB Wednesday, 12 August 2026) The Ministry of Health seeks private sector input on proposed statutory changes, regulatory oversight, and compliance procedures affecting food and beverage businesses. If you are BritCham members, please check your email and submit your feedback.

———————WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS IN JULY———————

	GLORYHUB is an Invest Consultant, export/import Services, DPT (Developed Project Transfering), International Trade & Distribution… based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
	The MinhDuc Foundation exists to help women in Vietnam grow their businesses. Not through more advice or training, but through advocacy. The Foundation connects women founders with named sponsors, corporate partners and funders who put their own reputations behind them and open doors they could not open alone. Where practical support helps, the Foundation provides it. The goal is simple: more women in Vietnam building, scaling and sustaining enterprises of their own.
	VinaChamps is a pioneering cognitive and character development company dedicated to equipping children in Vietnam with advanced, science-backed education technology and heart-centered learning. Founded by a specialized international team of educators, cognitive experts, and entrepreneurs, the organization focuses on shaping the compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
	Saigon Young Professionals (SYP) is a growing community of doers, dreamers, and ambitious minds shaping the future of Vietnam. From rooftop socials and deep-dive workshops to early-morning roundtables and black-tie mixers, we create intentional spaces where people come together to build relationships, sharpen skills, and support one another – both professionally and personally.
Alex Kenderdine-Davies	Alexander is currently a Consultant within the Private Equity Team at VinaCapital, where he is involved in Vietnam-focused private-market investment opportunities. His work spans deal origination, market research, investment analysis, and the assessment of businesses operating in sectors linked to Vietnam’s long-term development, including logistics, industrial infrastructure, real estate, and growth-oriented operating platforms.

———————WHAT HAPPENED IN JULY———————

BritCham New Members’ Reception, held on 15 July 2026 at the British Consul General’s Residence in Ho Chi Minh City, welcomed our newest members for an evening of building meaningful business connections. Explore the moments here.
Executive Lunch: Building High-Performance Teams, held with British University Vietnam on 22 July 2026 at Capella Hotel Hanoi, brought together senior business leaders for an insightful discussion on talent management and leadership. Explore the moments here.
BritCham successfully hosted the Connect & Cocktails in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, bringing together professionals from the business community for two vibrant networking evenings. Relive the highlights here:  Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City

———————MEMBER NEWS———————

• CIS Elementary Admissions Open: Claim Your 20% Scholarship! 
• With over 17 years of fostering student success, CIS International School is a vibrant multicultural community of 1,000+ students from 35 nations. CIS offers a global pathway to future success, backed by a prestigious “triple crown” of accreditations: CoIS, Cognia, and WASC. Through inquiry-based learning and robust well-being support, we empower students to achieve academic and personal success in a safe, nurturing environment.
• Admissions are now open for Elementary School with an exclusive 20% scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year. 

[Learn more here!]