Embassy Hanoi and Consulate General Ho Chi Minh - OIG - US ...

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED
requests for American Corners in other parts of the consular district and is aware
of several other possible locations. An informal recommendation included in the
prior discussion covers pursuing these opportunities.
Webmaster
The consulate general webmaster lacks the capability for proper web site
design and management. Embassy Hanoi denied a request for the employee to take
a course out of country to develop these skills. The section is pursuing the possibilities
for other courses. Adequate training is vital for the employee to perform his
key outreach responsibilities effectively. OIG informally recommended that
Embassy Hanoi provide appropriate training for the public affairs section
webmaster.
Broadcasting Board of Governors
The International Broadcasting Bureau’s (IBB) Bangkok marketing office
conducted successful production and reporting training for 25 reporters from five
television stations in the Mekong Delta during May 2005. The training is the first
of its kind in Vietnam and is the culmination of three years of contact work. IBB
provided all funding for the training and consulted with the public affairs sections
in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City throughout the preparation and training process.
FSNs from both the embassy and the consulate general attended and assisted with
the training.
TRADE PROMOTION AND INVESTMENT FACILITATION
The reporting and operational activities of Department officers at both Hanoi
and Ho Chi Minh City are integrated into the trade promotion and investment
facilitation efforts of the Foreign Commercial Service and the Foreign Agricultural
Service. The Ambassador has raised the level of the mission’s overall consciousness
and involvement in commercial promotion. He gives frequent speeches in
support of U.S. business, participates in business conferences in Vietnam and the
United States, visits plants, and advocates U.S. sales.
In addition to the recent Boeing sale, a typical example of commercial success
at both posts was getting the production cap lifted for a U.S. oil company helping to
modernize Vietnam’s $5.6 billion oil and gas sector.
26 . OIG Report No. ISP-I-05-28A, Inspection of Embassy Hanoi and CG Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, September 2005
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED