ICHAM Newsletter N.3/2014 - ENG

Newsletter

N.3 /2014 JULY 2014

Italian Prime Minister visits Vietnam (p.6) Italian Leather Trends A/W 2015 2016 (p.11)

Desk Vietnam in EmiliaRomagna (p.11)

Vietnam Amends Customs Law (p.15)

New Financial Tools For Italian Vietnamese enterprises (p.3)

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Newsletter N.3/2014

NEWS ITALIAN DAYS ON HIGHER EDUCATION

From 9th – 12th of May, Education Fair: Italian Days on Higher Education was held for the first time in Vietnam. This education fair introduced a variety of education programs in Italy, from undergraduate, graduate to exchange and transition ones, as well as cultural activities, arts and cuisine of Italy.

The event was organized by the Uni – Italia, the Embassy of Italy in Vietnam, Vietnam‘s Ministry of Education, Casa Italia, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), supported by ICHAM, at Casa Italia in Hanoi and the USSH in Ho Chi Minh City, with the attendance of more than 12 Italian universities.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION: ITALIAN NIGHTS, MILANO AND ROMA

Michele D’Ercole visited the exhibition and congratulated the photographer

During a period between May 12th and May 22nd, an exhibition of 20 photos named ‗Nocturnal Memories. Milano and Roma‘ by the Italian photographer Paolo Belletti was opened at Casa Italia, offering an opportunity for visitors to discover the hidden life of empty urban spaces.

To take his pictures, Belletti had to leave home at midnight and returned early in the morning – at 4:00PM. ―I want to present how the cities look like without their daytime bustle. The light of the night changes magically the structure and shape of every location and space. Through my photos, I hope that people who are busy dealing with their daily concerns and problems can stop for a while and look around to enjoy familiar places that they usually ignore,” he said.

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Newsletter N.3/2014

NEWS BUSINESS BRIEFING WITH SCB‘S VICE CHAIRMAN FOR ASIA: ―HOW VIETNAM CAN BENEFIT FROM A CHANGING WORLD‖

(Italian and Vietnamese) operating in one of the designated fields. It is established aiming at promoting entrepreneurship and transferring knowledge as well as welfare as a means of facilitating inclusive and sustainable development.

The manager of the fund is the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) that disburses the funds through the Directorate General for Development Cooperation (DGCS) of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE).

EU BUSINESSES AND EU MEMBER STATES NETWORKING On May 13th, EuroCham and BBGV invited Sir Thomas Harris, Vice President of Standard Chartered Bank, to share his thoughts on the need to continue trade liberalization process, especially the EU - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.

At this meeting, Sir Thomas Harris provided a specialized perspective on some of the challenges which Standard Chartered Bank has been facing. He also joined with prestigious economists and policy makers to discuss how Vietnam and its enterprises could become a benefiNEW FINANCIAL TOOLS FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE ITALIAN SYSTEM

The New Financial Tools for Development in the Italian System is a fund available for Italian enterprises that intend to create a mixed enterprise

In the evening of Tuesday May 13th, ICHAM president - Mr. Michele D‘Ercole attended a networking event between EU Business an EU Member States Heads of Mission and Deputies.

On this occasion, the European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) also honorably introduced their new chairwoman - Ms. Nicola Connolly (photo).

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Newsletter N.3/2014

NEWS

LUNCHEON WITH EU AMBASSADOR

Commerce (ICHAM) on Thursday the 29th of May at Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel.

The EU Ambassador - Dr. Franz Jessen organized a meeting between representatives of business associations such as ICHAM President, Eurocham President and some entrepreneurs with Mr. Andrew Small - his transatlantic fellow at the German Marshall Fund based in the United States. During the meeting, Mr. Small illustrated the crisis situation that has arisen between Vietnam and China as well as informed some updates on the crisis in Ukraine and reflections on Asian markets.

Enterprise representatives had an opportunity to meet potential partners, new suppliers and clients to develop their business. Moreover, they could also access a large range of innovative products and services as well as become a part of the corporate social responsibilities initiative by supporting smaller ones. Fivee members of ICHAM joining this event are: Bonfiglioli, Datalogic, Piaggio, Generali and Perfetti van Melle.

SME – MNCs SPEED MEETING SME – MNCs speed meeting was the only European Business Matchmaking event in Vietnam, organized by the EU – Vietnam Business Network (EVBN) and the Italian Chamber of

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Newsletter N.3/2014

NEWS ICHAM PRESIDENT ON VTC 10

VCCI MEETING WITH FOREIGN BUSINESS COMMUNITIES IN SOUTH VIETNAM On Friday, May 30th 2014, a meeting was hosted by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)‘s chairman, together with the attendance of representatives from ministries, leaders of Ho Chi Minh City, representatives of foreign business associations and FDI enterprises.

ICHAM President Michele D'Ercole was invited as a guest speaker on "Sharing Vietnam" talk show of VTC10 about the topic: ―Commercial Partnership Achievement of Vietnam-Italy Private Sector‖.

During the interview, the President shared his view on how to support the bilateral trade between Italy and Vietnam and talked about his new assignment as Representative of Italian Chambers of Commerce in Asia as well as the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (ICHAM) activities in the year 2014 to foster cooperation between Italian and Vietnamese enterprises.

He also congratulated on Vietnam‘s positive improvement of investment environment in terms of law amendment and Open Policies to attract foreign investors.

During the event, there were discussions on updated information about implementing means under the instructions of Vietnam Prime Minister after the events on May 13rd &14th, feedbacks of enterprises and measures to enhance the public security to assist enterprises as well as investors overcome difficulties and stabilize their activities in Vietnam.

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Newsletter N.3/2014

NEWS ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER VISITS VIETNAM

On June 9th, Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy, H.E. Matteo Renzi, started his two – day official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Tan Dung.

Beside institutional meetings, the Prime Minister also visited Casa Italia (Italian country promotion center) and had a meeting with the Italian business community in Vietnam, the Italian Trade

Agency, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam and representatives of the most important Italian enterprises investing in Vietnam including: Ariston Thermosanitari, Piaggio, Cae, Intesa Sanpaolo, Bonfiglioli, Danieli, Eni, Finmeccanica, Perfetti Van Melle, Carvico, Studio Legale De Masi Taddei Vasoli.

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NEWS 68TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITALIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY To celebrate the 68th anniversary of Italian Independence Day (2/6/1946 – 2/6/2014), the Italian Consulate General in HCMC held a ceremony on 2nd June, with the presence of Vice President of HCMC People‘s Committee Mr. Le Quang Liem, representatives of foreign embassies and consulates, and the Italian community in Vietnam.

2nd June, with the presence of Vice President of HCMC People‘s Committee Mr. Le Quang Liem, representatives of foreign embassies and consulates, and the Italian community in Vietnam.

Mrs. Carlotta Colli – Italian Consul General gave a warm welcome to the invitees, sharing socioeconomic achievements of Italy over the past years and expressing her joy at seeing the development in Vietnam-Italy bilateral cooperation.

Mrs. Colli also hoped that in her position she will contribute to foster the cooperation between the two countries, helping people in Ho Chi Minh City know more about Italian cultural values as well as helping more Italian people know about Vietnam.

Mr. Le Quang Liem – Vice President of HCMC People‘s Committee congratulated Italian friends on occasion of the Independence Day, emphasizing that the partnership between Vietnam and Italy is always strengthened in all fields.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN VIETNAM FOR PARMESAN COMPANIES ICHAM collaborated with Unioncamere EmiliaRomagna and Chamber of Commerce of Parma to organize a mission in Vietnam for a group of 3 companies from Parma. The Italian companies participated in B2B meetings with potential Vietnamese partners from 5th to 10th June, in HCMC and Hanoi. ―Many useful contacts and prospects for cooperation‖, one Italian enterprise remarked.

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NEWS

VIETNAM BUSINESS FORUM 2014: PREPARING FOR NEW TRADE AGREEMENTS The 2014 Midterm Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) chaired by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung took place on June 5th in Hanoi with the theme ―Agenda to Action – Preparing for New Trade Agreements‖.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and ICHAM President

EuroCham Vice Chairman - Mr. Tomaso Andreatta, on behalf of EuroCham and EuroCham‘s partner European Business Groups, presented five main points that he would like Vietnam to focus on: Respect and implementation of WTO commitments prior to signing an FTA; Distribution licensing for foreign companies; Visa issuance to facilitate tourism and business visits; Removal of cap for foreign ownership, in particular as it relates to banking; and Business to Government Dispute Settlement Procedure in the EU – Vietnam FTA. The Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) is a structured and ongoing policy dialogue between the Vietnamese Government and the local and the foreign business community for a favorable business environment that attracts private sector investment and stimulates sustainable economic growth in Vietnam.

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NEWS ICHAM BREAKING ITS OWN RECORD OF NETPLUS Breaking its own record of Netplus, ICHAM‘s 11th edition ―Italian Six Senses: Feel it your way‖ held on 12th June attracted nearly 400 business guests from prestigious enterprises in spite of bad weather. The Chamber was also honored to welcome Italian Consul General Carlotta Colli.

Guests were entertained with many interesting activities in an energetic atmosphere at Hard Rock Café. The event began with a performance ―Dance of fragrances‖, also the theme for the perfume-making game.

On this occasion ICHAM also held a ceremony to award the ―Golden Q‖- the Ospitalita‘ Italiana label of Quality certificates to 4 Italian restaurants in Vietnam: La Hostaria, Pendolasco Italian Garden Restaurant, Pendolasco Italian Restaurant & Gourmet Shop and Pomodoro. Finally came the most exciting part of Netplus when the luckiest guests had their business cards picked up and won valuable prizes from ICHAM sponsors, with the 2 special prizes including 2 round-trip tickets from Etihad Airways.

ICHAM would like to send our sincere thanks to all sponsors for their precious contribution to the success of the event: Asco Lotus Vietnam, Crystal Spa, Da Loc Wine, Dezan Shira, Etihad Airways, Intercontinental Nha Trang, Hausbrandt, La Hostaria, La Perla, Nhat Tan, Park Hyatt Hotel, Pandanus Resort, Robertet, The Drinks Shop, TAS Art & Fashion, Tombolini and Vuvuzela Beer Club.

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NEWS 15th MEETING OF THE SECRETARIES GENERAL OF ITALIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE ABROAD The meeting between the Executive Director (ED) of the Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad (ICsCA) took place in Rome from June 15th to June 18th.

This annual event organized by Assocamerestero had the aim to improve the ICsCA trade promotion and marketing activities, further to coordinate and update the ICsC programs.

During these meetings, the EDs could discuss and share their ideas or suggestions. Furthermore, they could enquire and listen to advices from numerous experts at the meeting.

The representative of ICHAM Mr. Michele D‘Ercole and Mr. Hoang Hai joined the event in the team composed by the Asia, Middle East, and South Africa EDs.

This was a good opportunity to master the cooperation between the ICsCA in order to improve the service that these organizations provide to the Italian enterprises which desire to enlarge their trades in foreign countries. The ICsCA also hoped that by supporting the Italian firms, they might contribute to foster the recovery and development of the Italian industry.

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NEWS BRUSSELS LAUNCH OF EU-ASEAN BUSINESS NETWORKS Brussels, 25th June - Eurochambres organized in collaboration with EIBN, EPDN, EVBN and with the Italian partners of the Consortium including Unioncamere Emilia-Romagna and ICHAM, a seminar to promote and support the economic activities outside EU of SMEs.

This promotion activity has been identified as an important part of the global competitiveness strategy of EU, communicating for Europe 2020. In order to help SMEs seize global opportunities and to help increase and diversify their exports and investment into ASEAN regional markets, EU has cofunded these new consortia. The consortia cannot only provide information services for market access, but also contribute to policy dialogue on economic context and trade relations in their respective countries. Also, B2B meetings were organized between companies and representatives of the three consortia. ICHAM President Michele D'Ercole joined the event and delivered a speech on behalf of EVBN, and also as a representative of Unioncamere Emilia-Romagna. Entrepreneurs have been able to get information for their possible interest in the ASEAN markets.

VIETNAM DESTINATION FOR ITALIAN COMPANIES IN AGROFOOD AND LIFESTYLE Vietnam is now the sixth largest economy in South East Asia with a fast-growing market and a young population (64% in working age). To provide Italian businesses with an overview of the Vietnamese market, especially business opportunities in agrofood and lifestyle industry, Unioncamere Emilia-Romagna, ICHAM and EVBN collaborated to organize the webconference “Vietnam Destination” on 24th of June. During the conference, live streaming between Parma and Ho Chi Minh City, the opportunities were illustrated to Emilia-Romagna companies. “On one hand, there can be companies who want to move part of their production to Vietnam, which offers low-cost but qualified labor. On the other hand, there has always been many companies interested in exporting their products to this market”, noted Mr. Michele D’Ercole, ICHAM President.

Furthermore, there were two round tables in which the representatives of Vietnamese business associations provided insights and answered the questions of Italian entrepreneurs.

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NEWS BUSINESS FORUM ASIA

In 19th and 20th June, PiemontE Foreign Center held an economic forum to provide Italian enterprises with an overview of the business opportunities in Asia, focusing on: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

The ICsCA Executive Directors coordinated the event in collaboration with representatives of the Italian prestigious institutions, Simest and Sace.

ICHAM Executive Director, Mr. Hoang Hai joined the forum as speaker exposing to the Italian firms the possibilities that Vietnam may offer to them.

Indeed, Vietnam is a perfect market for Italian companies. It offers wide availability of partnerships and many business opportunities.

The program was followed by B2B section between ICHAM and the enterprises. Thanks to these meetings, Italian enterprises could receive more insights on the Vietnamese market.

DESK VIETNAM IN EMILIAROMAGNA

ICHAM collaborated with Emilia-Romagna Region to organize a series of meetings in the provinces of Bologna, Parma, Ferrara, Rimini, and Piacenza from 23 to 27 of June. The mission, within the framework of ―Vietnam Destination‖ project, was conducted by ICHAM Executive Director Mr. Hoang Hai, aiming at providing useful information to Italian enterprises to expand their trade in Vietnam. ―Vietnam Destination‖ fosters the investments and collaborations between Italian and Vietnam firms.

Vietnam, as an emerging economy, is an ideal destination for Italian companies to enlarge their business activity. On one hand, Italian companies can cooperate with Vietnamese companies in terms of high technology transfer. On the other hand, Italian enterprises who face the steady Italian market can be attracted by Vietnam‘s dynamic economy as perfect location for the sale of finished products.

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NEWS ITALIAN LEATHER FASHION AUTUMN WINTER 2015—2016 Italy has long been renowned for high quality fashion trends, especially leather fashion.

With the aim of promoting cooperation between Vietnam and Italy in leather sector, the seminar ―Italian Leather Fashion Autumn Winter 2015-2016‖ was organized on 11th July in Ho Chi Minh City, as part of Trends Selection Seminars promoted by Lineapelle (International Leather Fair System), in collaboration with Promos (Special Agency of Milan Chamber of Commerce) and the Italian Chamber of Commerce (ICHAM).

This was a good opportunity for Vietnamese designers and enterprises to update latest leather fashion trends for Autumn Winter 2015-2016 and to learn about application of various leather types through the presentation made by Lineapelle. While the morning section was dedicated to shoe and bag design, in the afternoon the focus was on design for interior furniture and automotive industry.

The seminar attracted more than 100 Vietnamese designers and enterprises operating in leather, footwear and interior design sectors.

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NEWS SEMINAR: ‗OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES IN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT VIETNAM – EU‘

WEB CONFERENCE BETWEEN ANCONA (ITALY) AND HO CHI MINH CITY (VIETNAM) On July 29th, a video conference was held by Marchet, the Special Agency of the Chamber of Ancona in collaboration with ICHAM, Unioncamere Emilia - Romagna and EVBN. The seminar was aimed at introducing cooperating opportunities with Vietnamese enterprises in the field of Wood Industry and Interior Production to Ancona enterprises.

To present the opportunities as well as challenges of the Vietnam – EU Free Trade Agreement and introduce the Export Helpdesk, Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), with support of the Italian Chamber of Commerce (ICHAM), organizes a seminar on July 4th.

At the seminar, there were attendances of Ms. Bui Hoang Yen (Deputy Director of Vietrade HCMC), Mr. Tran Ngoc Quan (Deputy Director General of EU Department—MOIT), Mr. Le Ky Anh (Economic & Trade Officer—Delegation of EU), Mr. Michele D‘Ercole (ICHAM President) and representatives of Italian companies who shared their views from professional perspectives. The seminar attracted more than 100 participants from both

Speakers in Vietnam were Mr. Michele D‘Ercole (ICHAM President), representatives of HAWA, TTT Corporation, IFC Company and EVBN. In Italy, meanwhile, there were attendances of the President of Marchet, representative of Unioncamere Emilia Romagna and 20 Italian enterprises who are interested in the Vietnamese market.

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Newsletter N.3/2014

MARKET VIETNAM AMENDS CUSTOMS LAW

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he Customs Law (revised) will come into force on January 1, 2015 and to enforce it, the Vietnamese government will have to issue five Decrees, one Decision and 15 Circulars.

The key objective of the law‘s revision is to ensure that the sector has a comprehensive system in place to respond to international integration and import – export activities. The proposed revised law also includes major principles on the establishment of the General Department of Customs which has been received public support in the context of socioeconomic development.

THE STATE BANK OF VIETNAM SAYS TO INTERVENE IN GOLD MARKET

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he State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has enough gold bullions that can be sold on a large scale to intervene in the local gold market to ensure its stability. If there are more fluctuations in the gold market, SBV will jump in to stabilize it, said SBV Deputy Governor Dao Minh Tu in a press release on Sunday afternoon.

The strong measures of SBV since late 2013 successfully fixed the disorder of the local gold market, which included insignificant price differences between domestic and world gold prices and the Decision makers warned the public to carefully consider market trends before buying or selling gold so as to avoid unnecessary losses.

impact of speculative activities.

Decision makers warned the public to carefully consider market trends before buying or selling gold so as to avoid unnecessary losses.

VIETNAM PRIME MINISTER DISCUSSES FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN WEF BLOG POST

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n his ―Why Foreign Investment in Vietnam is Booming‖ blog post, the Vietnamese premier stated that attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) has always been a key part of Vietnam‘s external economic affairs and the country is ―working hard to become even more appealing to foreign investors.‖ According to the Prime Minister, there were more than 16,300 active FDI projects, which have collectively pulled in a total of US$238 billion, in Vietnam in the year to May. These investors came from 100 countries and territories, and many of them are some of the world‘s leading multinational corporations.

In conclusion, he stated Vietnam is confident that it will continue to find success in attracting FDI inflows as international forecasts have suggested that FDI flows are returning to dynamic economies as the world economy recovers.

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MARKET MORE AIRPORTS ALLOWED TO OPEN

VIETNAM ASKS VISITORS FROM MERS –

VAT REFUND COUNTERS FOR FOREIGN-

COV AREA TO FILL HEALTH DECLARA-

ERS

TION

V

ietnam‘s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has approved more international airports and seaports to open counters for value-added tax (VAT) refunds for the goods foreign passport holders buy in Vietnam and bring along with them when exiting the country from July 1.

According to Document 806/TTg-KTTH, the VAT refund counters would be allowed at Da Nang and Cam Ranh international airports and Da Nang and Nha Trang international ports in central Vietnam as well as Khanh Hoi International Wharf in Ho Chi Minh city.

VIETNAM‘S E-COMMERCE ACTIVITIES

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ietnam is quickly becoming a prime market for foreign investment in e-commerce activities. The country‘s rapidly growing economy and middle class are, in turn, spawning a strong consumer culture and increasing levels of disposable income. Electronic retail is fast becoming the preferred method of shopping—particularly among the country‘s youth.

According to the market analysis firm EuroMonitor, by 2016, internet penetration in Vietnam will reach 43 million people – 40-45 percent of the total population. This percentage is thought to be the ―golden proportion‖ at which investors will pour into the e-commerce market.(Source: Dezan Shira)

A

s of July 1, all people flying to Vietnam from countries affected by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome caused by the Corona virus (MERS-CoV) are required to fill out health declaration forms before entering the Southeast Asian country.

Under the new rule, visitors from nine Middle East countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan and Iran must make health declarations as a procedure for their entry. The new regulation will first be applied at three international airports: Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang in central Da Nang City.

LOCAL COMPETITION HEATS UP

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nternet penetration in the country is expected to rapidly increase – this will in-turn drive strong growth throughout the e-commerce market. As a result of this growth, it will become more and more crucial to create reliable and easy to use payment systems.

While growth has been strong across the board in Vietnam‘s e-commerce market, there are still hurdles for businesses to overcome. Key among these are the lack of trust that many consumers feel about the products they order online – they prefer to physically touch and evaluate products before making a purchasing decision. (Source: Dezan Shira)

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Members & Friends Interview Mr. Mario Viarengo, Southeast Asian Development Director of Shell Lubricants This interview cannot be completed without the precious collaboration of Massimiliano Bertollo.

1. Mario, how did your ‗adventure‘ to Vietnam start?

In June 2014, I went to work in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur: it was my first time coming to Asia and I am a European who struggled (and still struggles) to start again. I was so fascinated by the dynamics of these markets and the general sense of optimism. When returning back to London, I talked to my colleagues and my boss about the excitement, after several consecutive years working in Europe; I was willing to have professional experience in Asia. My boss, at that time, was surprised. ―Be aware of what you are wishing as it may become true‖, he said. Some weeks later, I was offered this job in Vietnam.

2. Can you share something about your family?

I got married with Alexandra - a Venezuelan.

We have an 8 - year – old daughter and a 2 – year – old son who are accompanying us on this adventure in Asia.

3. Recently, Angelia Jolie gave her lover – Brad Pitt – an island in the shape of a heart. This called Petra, 50 miles away from New York City and cost 15 million Euros. On her next birthday, what will you give to your wife Alexandra as a present?

island is called Petra, 50 miles away from New York City and cost 15 million Euros. On her next birthday, what will you give to your wife Alexandra as a present?

The heart shape is a bit cheesy so I do not think I will take inspiration from Angelina‘s gift. However, the island is a good idea: maybe we‘ll make a trip to one of the Asian islands that we would like to visit.

4. How do you feel as being one of the top seniors of a non-Italian company? That‘s true meritocracy. Tell me about your role in the Shell Vietnam.

After 7 years in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, I came back to Italy working for Shell in 2004. At this company, I held various positions, including Marketing and Sales, on both national and international scales (before coming to Vietnam, I lived in London). At Shell Vietnam, I follow development activities of our Lubricants Division sales network for Southeast Asia. Other than main activities, together with our team, we select retailers and the optimal structure of our sales force.

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Members & Friends 5. Recently, 830 distributors of Shell were transferred to Q8. Can you share some brief comments with the readers?

The transaction is in line with the strategy aimed at concentrating Shell‘s global Downstream business activities in a more limited number of assets and markets, where they can be more competitive.

The Upstream, Gas & Power and Lubricants business in Italy are not involved in this operation and Italy still remains an important country for Shell.

For example, Shell is one of the largest investors in hydrocarbons exploration and production in Italy - a country which has a strong presence and a development strategy with fast growth prospects.

6. Speaking of meritocracy and professionalism, what do you think and would you say to young people who enroll in universities? Go to Albania to graduate more easily? I remember that the son of a prominent Senator graduated in Albania without ever having set foot in the Land of the Eagles (which means Albany) (verified by the Judiciary of Milan). This person, after that, had a position in the Board of the Lombardy Region and, among other things, still confusing Austria with Australia.

And, I‘ll stop!

Back to us, Marino, I promise that no one will know: you graduated in Albany and pursued MBA in Burundi, didn‘t you? http://www.corriere.it/scuola/13_ottobre_11/piano -b-aspiranti-medici-bocciati-italia-provano-albania -d102907e-3238-11e3-b846- b6f7405b68a1.shtml

The problem here is not that the son of that boss went to Albany as hundreds of students enroll in universities with dubious academic quality or attempt to finish national examinations at easier schools just to get the title. At least in the environment of multinational companies, these tricks cannot be used because the selection is made on the quality of academic training and experiences. The same amount of time and money should be better invested to have better opportunities and get into a well-qualified university, maybe even abroad. As for me, I graduated in Business Economics at Bocconi and obtained my Master in International Management at CEMS (Community of European Management Schools) after having studied in Belgium.

In fact, it was the opportunity to study abroad that I then started my international career.

7. When talking about the ‗signs‘, what do you think?

I think that all the streets in Ho Chi Minh City should have a little more but in fact, few people would follow them.

8. As far as I know, the types of crude oil are different in every country. For example, the North Sea crude oil is far better than one of Arab nations; therefore, the price and the quality are much higher. Is it true?

According to some of my friends working in geology, oil is like wine: there are different types and depending on where it is produced, it will owns technical features, price and yield typical for that location.

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Members & Friends 9. Will recently – discovered deposits of ‗black gold‘ be sufficient for consumption in the coming years? And as human discover more deposits of fossil fuels (including gas, also called blue gold), the world continues to depend inexorably on the political adventures of a few countries, including Venezuela, Ukraine (35% of Russian gas to the EU passing Ukraine). Please give some of your opinions.

The world is now in its period of unprecedented progress and prosperity. The average wealth, health and life expectancy are increasing. Higher standard of living, for example, allows greater access to hospitals, electricity and transportation. By 2050, there will be 9 billion people on the planet compared to 7 billion of today. This is equivalent to adding the population of China and India together.

It is estimated that global energy demand will grow by 15 – 20% by 2020, with nearly all the growth coming from non-OECD countries such as Vietnam. A 20% growth in demand is like adding another China in less than a decade. During the first half of this century, global energy demand could double to 200 million Boe (equivalent to a barrel of oil) per day in 2000 to approximately 400 million BOE per day by 2050. To meet energy needs of the whole world in coming years and decades, we will need to mobilize all forms of energy.

The growth in electricity demand will outpace overall demand for energy. By the year of 2020, it is expected that electricity consumption will increase between 25% and 35%, in comparison with

the figure of 2012. Just like electricity, natural gas has a significantly lower impact in terms of CO2 (carbon dioxide) and a water footprint less than coal. We are confident about the possibilities of long-term supply. Throughout the world, there are extensive gas reserves sufficient to last 250 years at the current level of consumption.

10. Chiquita Brands International - an American group that brought the bananas with blue seal around the world blends with the historic Irish competitor Fyffes to give birth to the global giant banana company, with a turnover of 32.3 billion euro.

14 billion euro is a huge amount of money which was paid out by Mark Zuckerberg to buy WhatsApp – a popular messaging application that has 450 users.

Microsoft has owned Nokia at the price of 5.44 billion USD. Google completed acquisition of Nest and invested 3.2 billion for thermostats manufacture. I usually ask myself whether these mergers or acquisitions in other cases will lead to the final consumer welfare or not. What‘s your opinion? http://food24.ilsole24ore.com/2014/03/chiquita-si -allea-con-il-concorrente-irlandese-nasce-ilcolosso-mondiale-delle-banane/ I think that today consumers have much more choices than in the past. Taking messaging applications as example, WhatsApp has replaced BBM (Blackberry Messenger) and if you cannot keep up with the competition, the consumers will leave

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Members & Friends for Viber, Line or maybe an alternative that has not existed yet. Perhaps the real question is if these operations make sense from an industrial point of view and if ultimately be able to remain competitive.

11. What do you think of the judges who take the path of politics?

I‘ll speak from my personal perspective. Article 49 of our Constitution states that: ‗All citizens have the right to freely associate in parties to contribute to democratic processes and to determine national policy‘. I think that some professions such as magistrate and journalist need precautions to avoid the doubt that judgments or opinions expressed in their first career have been influenced by political guidelines and as such are not impartial. If I remember correctly, a career in judiciary already provides that the resignation may not be canceled.

It may be assumed a break at the end of a magistrate and therefore, they possibly enter politics.

Now we come to the tricky part of the interview 12. Why does Devil always wear Prada? In your opinion, is Prada his sponsor?

Perhaps because the historic location of Milan (Via Turati) is very close to the first Prada store ( in Galleria, also in Milan).

13. On Feb 11 1929, Lateran pact was signed at St. Giovanni Laterano. It was leaders of Rome and Lazio‘s supporters who signed this pact. According to the pact, every year at the end of each championship, there will be a break on gentle shores of

Lake Bracciano for 10 days (just like Decameron). These young people spend their time at banquets, dancing and playing games, and to pleasantly occupy the hottest hours, they decided to tell a story every day. For example, ‗What should be a gift for a referee?‘Ham at Christmas.

Or scarves or gloves, but ham is still the best one. ‗When done eating, there is no evidence remaining‘ (Massimo Moratti). Mario, when playing football, basketballs or any other sports, have you ever given a gift to a referee?

I‘ve never played football such at that high level to think of gifts every Christmas. But on a professional level, I consider inappropriate to give gifts to referees. Working many years in Northern Europe, I saw that gifts in Italy (or other countries like Vietnam) are a normal practice. In fact, it is likely to be less appropriate for both the giver and the receiver.

14. Have you read Rosso (Red), Captial or other books of political philosophy?

I am an avid reader but I have never been attracted by classical politics, neither right nor left...maybe I can find the passion here, in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

15. In daily life and workplace, can people deal with everything or are there things that are nonnegotiable?

I do not think that it is necessary to have two different measures for personal life and workplace, and there are principles which cannot be negotiated. This, in reality, can simplify problems

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Newsletter N.3/2014

Members & Friends because it can take away the doubt of having to evaluate situations from time to time.

Quote of the month: <<We can face the future by nurturing a faith, any faith…>> S. Jobs.

16. Both of us are married and you have definitely experienced those ‗not-so-good moments‘; I am finishing the convalescence after the ‗trauma‘! Tell me one thing to do before wedding.

Van Tinh – TRAN LE Councilor – The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam Email: councillor@icham.org van.tinh.tran.le@gmail.com

Forget that the perfect marriage is between a blind woman and a deaf man…

17. It is still early to mention this but to whom will you give the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize?

There are no distinguished personalities in these first months that come to my mind right now.

Maybe the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize will be awarded to organizations who have been overcoming great difficulties to bring aid to people involved in military conflicts. Médecins Sans Frontières won the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize and after 15 years, it may be Save the Children or Emergency‘s turn.

Thank you, Mario and wish you a good day. w w w . i c h a m . o r

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Newsletter N.3/2014

For ICHAM Members: Crystal Spa managed by arom:D would like to offer special Discount 30% for any treatments (except for Salon and Spa Cafe). Valid to 3 Sep, 2014

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Newsletter N.3/2014