AmCham Bulletin No. 23 - December 15, 1999

1. Tax Calendar
   
   
2. More Incentives to Foreign Firms Establishing Regional or Area Headquarters and Regional Operating Headquarters in the Country.
   (Republic Act No. 8756, Nov. 23, 1999)
   
   
3. Abolishing the Council for Invesments, Refocusing and Strengthening the Investment One-Stop Action Center and Creating the Position of Investment Ombudsman.
   (Presidential Executive Order No. 180, Nov. 23, 1999)
   
   
4. Amending Revenue Regulations No. 1-95, as Amended, to Implement the Provisions of RA-7227 (Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992).
   (Revenue Regulations No. 16-99, Sept. 27, 1999)
   
   
5. Policies and Procedures in the Issuance of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
   (Revenue Memorandum Order No. 82-99, Sept. 28, 1999)
   
   
6. Suspension of Labor Inspection Activities.
   (DOLE, Dept. Order No. 07, Nov. 22, 1999)
   
   
7. Trade Opportunities
   
   
8. Seeking Employment
   
   
9. Miscellany
   
   
10. Calendar of Events
    
    
11. Classified Ads
    
    
    

I. TAX CALENDAR :

December 20 - Monday

• Last Day of Filing of the Quarterly Income Tax Return (For Self-Employed, Professionals, Estates and Trusts) and Payment of Tax due by a taxpayer whose taxable quarter ends Nov. 1999. (Form No.1701Q)
• Last Day of Filing of the Quarterly Percentage Tax Return by an overseas dispatch, message or conversation originating from the Philippines and Payment of Tax due by a taxpayer whose taxable quarter ends Nov. 30, 1999. (Form No. 2551)
• Last Day of Filing of the Quarterly Percentage Tax Return for amusement tax and Payment of Tax due by a taxpayer whose taxable quarter ends Nov. 30, 1999. (Form No. 2551)

December 27 - Monday

• Last Day of filing of the Monthly Remittance Return of Income Taxes Withheld and Remittance of Taxes Withheld by a Large Taxpayer for the month of Nov. 1999. (Form No. 1601)
• Last Day of Filing of the Monthly Value-Added Tax (VAT) Declaration and Payment of Tax due by a taxpayer for the month of Nov. 1999. (Form No. 2550M)
• Last Day of Filing of the Quarterly Percentage Tax Return and Payment of Tax due by a taxpayer whose taxable quarter ends Nov. 30, 1999. (Form No. 2551)

December 29 - Wednesday

• Last Day of Filing of the Manufacturer's or Producer's Sworn Statements showing the requisite information on the different goods manufactured or produced subject to excise tax.
• Last day of Registration of the Books of Accounts and other Accounting Records by a taxpayer whose taxable year begins Jan. 1,2000.

The New Forms will be used in Revenue District Offices (RDOs) where the computerized Integrated Tax System (ITS) is already being implemented.

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II. More Incentives to Foreign Firms Establishing Regional or Area Headquarters and Regional Operating Headquarters in the Country. (Republic Act No. 8756, Nov. 23, 1999)

President Estrada recently signed into law Republic Act No. 8756, allowing foreign companies to put up their regional headquarters in the country where they can derive income with substantially reduced taxes. Previously, RQH's were allowed only to act as administrative branches and were not allowed to make money.

Under the new law, regional headquarters are granted the following incentives, among others: exemption from payment of income tax and the 10- percent value added tax; to set up warehouses to serve as depots for their supplies, which could also be exempted from customs duties, internal revenue taxes, export taxes and local taxes on certain conditions; multiple-level entry visas for expatriates working at regional headquarters (previously, visas had to be renewed every year) and tax and duty-free importation on their personal and household effects; etc.

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III. Abolishing the Council for Invesments, Refocusing and Strengthening the Investment One-Stop Action Center and Creating the Position of Investment Ombudsman. (Presidential Executive Order No. 180, Nov. 23, 1999)

President Estrada, through Executive Order No. 180 dated Nov. 23, 1999, ordered the abolition of the Council for Investments, creation of the office of the Investment Ombudsman and renaming and refocusing the One-Stop Action Center of the Board of Investments (OSAC) to become more responsive to the needs of investors.

Under the Order, the Investment One-Stop Action of the Board of Investments, created pursuant to EO 136, s. 1987 is now re-named as Quick Response One-Stop Action Center for Investments (QR0SACI) and placed under the Office of the Investment Ombudsman with the following functions:

1. Provide advise, guidance and information on various laws, rules and regulations governing investments and the conduct of business in the Philippines, including incentives that can be availed of;
2. Facilitate the processing of all investment-related requirements by concerned agencies including local government units (e.g., licenses and permits, importation, taxation, etc., by ensuring that all frontline agencies perform their tasks within prescribed standards and parameters);
3. Coordinate closely with the Investment Facilitation Specialists which shall be part of a network providing current and prospective investors with answers to technical and legal inquiries and fast action on the approval of investment-related permits and licenses.
4. Improve time and quality standards for processing of investment-related papers in government agencies; and
5. Coordinate with private sector organizations, the heads of which may be invited to constitute an Advisory Council which shall provide information, advice and feedback on the investment development efforts of the government.
6. Promulgate rules of procedure for the effective exercise of its powers, functions, and duties.
7. Perform such other functions as may be directed by the President and/or the Secretary of Trade and Industry.

In addition, the order provides that the Office of the Investment Ombudsman shall act as a Complaints and Action Center for Investment and as Special Deputy of the Ombudsman.

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IV. Amending Revenue Regulations No. 1-95, as Amended, to Implement the Provisions of RA-7227 (Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992) (Revenue Regulations No. 16-99, Sept. 27, 1999)

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued these regulations to implement the tax incentives provisions under Sec. 12(c) of Republic Act No. 7227 (Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992), particularly the definition of the term gross income earned and the creditable character of the pax paid therein against taxes paid to foreign governments. Full text of the regulations available at AmCham upon request.

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V. Policies and Procedures in the Issuance of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). (Revenue Memorandum Order No. 82-99, Sept. 28, 1999)

BIR Commissioner Beethoven Rualo issued Revenue Memorandum Order No. 82-93 dated Sept. 28, 1999, providing for the policies, guidelines and procedures in the issuance of Taxpayers Identification No. (TIN), to ensure that the need of taxpayers applying for TIN are properly addressed.

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VI. Suspension of Labor Inspection Activities. (DOLE, Dept. Order No. 07, Nov. 22, 1999)

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued Dept. Order No. 07 dated Nov. 22, 1999, directing the suspension of all labor inspection activities in all regions effective Dec. 13, 1999 until Jan. 10, 2000.

The following activities, however, are not covered by the suspension order:

1. The investigation of labor standards complaints which should in all cases be speedily disposed of;
2. Technical safety inspections (e.g. inspections of boilers, pressure vessels, mechanical and electrical installations);
3. Urgent inspections called for because of compelling circumstances, in which case, the Regional Office concerned shall seek the approval of the Secretary of Labor and Employment before any such inspection shall be conducted.

In issuing the directive, the DOLE Secretary stated that the period of suspension, in particular, will be utilized for disposing of pending labor standards cases, improving the Labor Standards Enforcement Monitoring Systems (LSEMS) and preparing the inspection program in accordance with existing rules and policies.

Erratum In Item VI in AmCham Bulletin No. 22, Nov. 30, 1999 re "Implementing Rules and Regulations Governing the Installation and Use of Seat Belt Devices and Seat Belt Anchorage," the line should have read: The rules provide, among others, the following fines and penalties for non-compliance effective May 01, 2000.

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VII. TRADE OPPORTUNITIES

Listed below are recently received inquiries requesting sourcing of products and services. Should you wish to review the original correspondence or have any questions, call the editorial staff at 818-79-11/13.

Seeking Distributors

• Rescue and emergency equipment for fire, police, civil defense, military and safety organizations - AMERICAN SAFETY & RESCUE INC., 4129 Starte St., Suite H, Sta. Barbara, CA 93110 U.S.A. Attn.: David Murray, vice-president. Tel: (805) 681-1338; Fax: (805) 681-1340

Wish To Sell

• Encanto (imported red wine made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon variety of grapes), Chamdor Sparkling Bubblers (made from exquisite Red Chenin Blanc and White Mascadel grapes), Soto Brandy (a brandy of supreme quality) - LOUIS MACLEAN FAR EAST INC. Suite 503 JMJ Building, 3624 P. Sanchez cor. Pat Antonio Sts., Santa Mesa, Manila, Philippines. Attn: Deanna H. Bajar, corporate accounts agent. Tel: (632)716-7872 to 74; Fax: (632)716-7876; E-mail: Imfe@csi.com.ph

Services

• Prime realtors (specializing in rendering relocation services to Foreign Companies, Diplomatic Missions and MNC's for leasing, sale, purchase of commercial, residential & industrial properties) - JAIN REALTORS, 7 Netaji Subhash Marg, New Delhi - 110 002. India Attn: Puneet Jain. Tel: +91-98100-22946; +91-11-325-7398; Telefax: +91-11-325 0437; e-mail: jainrealtors@vsnl.com
• Consultancy Services (corporate training, video documentary production, conflict management/negotiation skills, research & publication design/production, media/PR planning, etc.) - Attn: Bernardo V. Lopez (Corporate Communications Consultant), No. 18 St. Clemence St., San Jose Village, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines. Tel.: 807-4228; E-mail: bernardblue@hotmail.com

* Amcham Bulletin does not make any endorsement of any kind and cannot accept responsibility for products, services and/or contacts appearing in this publication. Unless otherwise indicated, communications should be made direct to the parties concerned.

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VIII. SEEKING EMPLOYMENT:

For more information and to request for resume, please call tel. no. 818-79-11/13.

• American Citizen - American, male. Held positions as Orthopedic Physician Asst., Independent Duty Corpsman, Instructor, Surface Force Independent Duty Corps School (Advanced Hospital Corps School), etc. Honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, March 1999. (SE-992300)
• Belgian National - Male. Seeks position in sales, advertising. Has special interest in traveling, other cultures, painting, music, art, science and technics, and politics. (SE-992301)
• Executive Assistant - Filipina. With 19 years directly- related work experience. BSC-Management, Adamson University, Manila (1980). Computer Literacy (Windows 2000, MS Office 98 i.e. MS Word, Excel & Powerpoint, Microsoft Outlook, and Lotus Notes). (SE-992302)
• Marketing Management - Filipina, single, 22 years old. With work experience as development underwriter executive. BSC-Marketing Management graduate, College of the Holy Spirit, Mendiola, Manila. Computer literate. (SE-992303)
• Business Administrator/Admin. Manager - Filipina, 43 years old. With directly-related work experience. BSBA-Accounting, Philippine College of Commerce (1978), MBA -(earned 36 units) Bus. Administration, De La Salle University, Manila (1980). Computer Literate. (SE-992304)
• Computer Encoder - Filipino, male, 20 years old. With directly-related work experience. Finished a two -year course in computer (Applied Programming) at STI Rosario, Cavite. (SE-992305)

Career Opportunities / Job Vacancies

• General Services Officer - To provide general support services to an international non-profit organization based in Manila in the areas of purchasing, vehicle maintenance, shipping, inventories, lease contract negotiations, security, and supervision of local area network administration. Requirements are the following:
  • Minimum of 5 years experience in a position with similar responsibilities
  • University degree
  • Excellent verbal and written skills in English
  • Excellent public relations skills
  • Attentiveness to details
  • Experience using word processing and data base programs
  • Knowledge of government regulations on acquisition, importation, registration, disposal of duty free vehicles and personal effects
  • Familiarity with administration of Local Area Network
  • Philippine citizenship

  Application in writing, together with a current resume detailing personal qualifications and employment history, and 2 letters of recommendation should be directed by Dec. 31, 1999 to : The Representative, P.O. Box 1936, Makati Central Post Office, 1259 Makati City (CO-992300)

• Journalism / Mass Comm. graduate (or related) needed by a U.S. civic-oriented association, who will handle its monthly publication on a full-time basis. The position requires that the candidate be computer literate (preferably also knowledgeable in desktop publishing), should be able to coordinate with contributors to the publication, write feature articles, edit manuscripts, etc. Interested parties should get in touch with Bob Cardinal at Tel. 818-7911 (local 213) and/or fax or email their biodata indicating Ref. No. CO-992301.

Amerasians and Caregivers Seeking Employment

The American Chamber Foundation Phils., Inc. (ACFPI) is implementing a USAID-funded, two year project on Job Placement For Amerasians and their Caregivers. The project aims to help impoverished Amerasians and their families enhance their economic productivity by referring them to potential jobs in the market.

• Economics Graduate - from Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), 21 years old, female, single, has worked at National Housing Authority.
• Business Administration graduate - 21 years old, female, single. Work experience includes Administrative/Clerk Asst. and as Account Executive.
• Physical Therapist - 22 years old, male, single, work experience include practicum/internship at Olongapo Physician and Medical Rehabilitation Center (OPMRC). Knowledge and skills on therapeutic Management. Computer literate.
• Drivers - 24 to 35 years old, male. Has worked as company/family driver, driving experience 1 to five years.

For resume and other information, please call Susan Gonzales of the American Chamber Foundation at 834-0184, 834-1192 or email: amchamfn@codewan.com.ph.

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IX. MISCELLANY

International Affairs

• CIA99, a powerful combination of ChemAsia'99, the 11thAsian International Chemical & Process Engineering and Contracting Exhibition; InstrumentAsia'99, the 9th Asian International Instrumentation, Control, Measurement & Testing Exhibition and Conference; and AnaLabAsia'99, the 7th Asian International Laboratory & Analytical Technology & Equipment Exhibition. Gearing up for another successful showing just as Asian economies show signs of recovery , the exhibition will be held from 30 Nov. to 3 Dec. 1999 at Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre. For more enquiries, please contact: Ms. Star Yoder, Marketing Communications & PR Manager, Singapore Exhibition Services, 47 Scotts Rd, 11th F/Goldbell Towers, Singpaore 228233, tel. 65 738-6776, fax: (65)732-7667, email: sy@sesmontnet.com.
• 2000 International Builders' Show and International Commercial Construction Exposition (ICCON), Jan. 14 - 17, 2000, Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. The shows will feature more than 1,000 exhibitors offering an exciting opportunity to preview new, cutting-edge materials and will welcome approximately 70,000 building industry professionals from over 100 countries, providing a forum to network with other industry professionals. Registration for the International Builder's Show and ICCON can be done online at www.BuildersShow.com or www.ICCON.com. For any additional information contact Kristin Legere at tel. 202-861-2107, fax: 202 861-2104, email: Klegere@nahb.com.
• International Investment Forum (Your Expressway to the World of Financing), March 4 - 9, 2000, Kuwait. The Forum, which is expected to be the largest of its kind in the World, gathers Investors and Investment Opportunities from around the globe to a common platform. Over US$ 7 Billion worth of projects and opportunities is expected during the forum. Many Investment deals, joint ventures and technology transfers are also expected to be signed. For more information/registration, contact: Arab Research Center, P.O. Box 2799 Safat, 13028 Kuwait; tel. (965)2555701-6 or fax: (965)257-4554 / E-mail: memc@ncc.moc.kw / website: www.InvestsGlobal.com.
• The Asia Pacific Chief Executive Grid Seminar "The Power to Change", March 10-14, 2000 (Friday-Tuesday), Hotel Sofitel Central, Hua Hin Beach, Thailand- Organized by AIM. Management Company Ltd., Grid Associate Inc., Thailand and jointly sponsored by Grid Int'l Inc., U.S.A. The CEO Grid Seminar is a time-tested, systematic interactive executive development program unique in concept and application. Through an intensive series of direct problem-solving experiences, executives construct for themselves a model of dynamic leadership and productive teamwork. Deadline of registration Jan. 16, 2000. Please make your checks payable to "AIM. Management Company Ltd." 262-264 Lardprao 132, Bangkok 10240, Thailand, tel. (662)3740868 to 70, 3740857 to 9; fax: (662)3740860, 7342027; e-mail: gridthai@lox2.loxinfo.co.th
• World Summit on Small Business 2000 (WSSB 2000), March 29 to 31, 2000, Singapore. The Conference offers practical solutions to challenges facing SMEs in the global marketplace, focusing on subjects like Borderless Trade, De-regulation, Information Technology, E-commerce, Service Industry and Knowledge-Based Economy. For more information, please contact Joachim Lee, Congrex Singapore (PCO & Event Secretariat), tel. (85)438-5311, fax (85)438-5322, email: joachim@congrex.com.sg.
• Singapore Expo - The 12th Asian International Exhibition of Food and Drinks, Hotel, Restaurant & Catering Equipment, Supplies & Services and Conference, with the 12th FHA International Salon Culinaire will be held April 11-14, 2000, 1 Expo Drive, Singapore 486150. Pre-register at www.foodnhotelasia. com or for more details, contact Singapore Exhibiton Services Pte Ltd. at tel: (65)738-6776, fax: (65) 732-6776, email: info@sesmontnet.com
• International Purchasing and Materials Management, April 17 - 28, 2000, Doubletree Grand hotel, Miami, Florida. This program is being offered by Unz & Co., a US-based Organization which has trained representatives of many Fortune 500 companies. The program provides a thorough coverage of modern practices in purchasing, inventory and warehouse/stores management. To reserve a place or for more details, please telephone (908)665-8850, fax (908)286-0316, e-mail to : unz@unzco.com, or write to Vincent Seglior, director, International Training, 700 Central Ave., New Providence, NJ 07974-1139, USA.
• WasteExpo 2000, May 16 - 18, 1999, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia. WasteExpo is the largest trade event in North America serving all aspects of the $39.5 billion (and growing) waste and recycling market. For more information, please contact Richard S. Willard, Senior Int'l Consultant, Intertec Exhibitions, tel. (301)340-6488; fax: (301)340-7451; e-mail: dwillard@his.com.
• ACHEMA 2000 (26th Exhibiton Congress) - International Meeting on Chemical Engineering, Environmental Protection and Biotechnology, Frankfurt am Main, 22-27 May 2000. For more information about ACHEMA, visit web site http://www.achema.de.

News Bits

• French Colonial Settha Palace Hotel - built in 1930, has undergone a 4 year restoration program and is now restored to its former charm. The French colonial architectue, period furniture, landscaped gardens complemented by modern facilities are some of the features of this historical landmark in the heart of Vientiane, the capital of Laos. The hotel imparts an old world charm through style and decor which is elegant yet comfortable, classic yet casual.
  The hotel is ideal for individual travelers or select small groups who look for a different hotel experience in a New Destination. For more information please visit web page: http://www.visit-laos.com/hotels/setthapalace or for information on Laos sightseeing, visit web page: http://www.visit-laos.com
• Sangunian (The Philippine Local Government Journal) is now on-line. The country's first ever local government publication in commercial circulation has entered the cyberspace after only eleven months in the market. Just point your interent browser to http://www.sanggunian.com.
  The web site features basic information about the journal, the men and women behind the publication, current and previous issues, advertising, subscription and sales information, relevant and useful materials on local government, and a lot more.
  The journal's on-line edition hopes to reach a greater mass audience especially those outside of the Metropolitan Manila area with internet access in line with the journal's mission of bringing the local government sector closer to as many people as possible. It also hopes to promote the Philippine local government sector in the international scene.
• Thank You Letter - Quoted below is a letter from Atty. Eduardo F. Hernandez, President of Hermont Sugar Plantation Inc., conveying his thanks to the American Chamber Foundation for donating books to the Agsalanan Elementary School and Ilajas Primary School in Brgy. Agsalanan Dingle, Iloilo.

  November 29, 1999 American Chamber of Commerce 2nd Floor, Corinthian Plaza, Paseo de Roxas Makati, Philippines Dear Sir or Madam: I would like to thank the American Chamber of Commerce for their kindness and generosity in assisting the students of Agsalanan Elementary School and Ilajas Primary School through their donation of books. The books, which were given to the Agsalanan Elementary School and Ilajas Primary School in Dingle Iloilo, were greatly appreciated by the students and teachers. I am enclosing herewith some pictures, a thank you mote and the inventory of the books received as a testament to that fact. These books will go a long way in helping these children reach their full potential and will no doubt be a great aid to their development as responsible, capable, god-fearing adults. In light of this, we would like to request again for any available books, which we might be able to donate again to Agsalanan Elementary and Ilajas Primary and the other schools surrounding the area. Again, thank you and god-bless Sincerely, Eduardo F. Hernandez (Signed) President Hermont Sugar Plantation

Local Affairs

• Bringing Hope To Children In Need - Pearl S. Buck International, Inc. (Philippines) on its 50th Year Anniversary in cooperation with Local Productions, Inc. presents "This One's for the Children" - a Christmas concert for a cause, Dec. 21, 1999 (Tuesday), 8:00 p.m., Watering Hole, Shangri-la Plaza Car Park Bldg., Mandaluyong City. For more details & reservations call: Tel: 525-7292, 677-1052, 427-5910 & 911-4087.
• Asian Development Bank Business Opportunities Seminar, Jan. 25, 2000, Asian Development Bank, Manila, Philippines - This seminar is designed to teach American companies how to successfully compete for the billions of dollars of contracts financed by the Asian Development Bank throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The seminar will break up into two workshops taught by senior ADB staff who will provide insights on how to (1) compete for consulting services contracts with good proposals or (2) bid to supply equipment and goods. This is also an apportunity for Asian-based American business reps to get an insiders's view of ADB. Registration is limited to the first 100 American business representatives. For registration or other information, please call (632)80460 or (632)804-0353.
• 6th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PHIHABF), February 11-13, 2000, Clark Field, Angeles City, Pampanga. The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiestas have always attracted aviation and non-aviation audiences alike, filling the viewers' facination with these lighter than air wonders. This year, aside from the spectacular aerial events, the 6th PIHABF takes on an Aviation Theme Park look, with a Fiesta atmoshpere. Non-aviation activities like live concerts, trade fairs, rides, picnic grounds, and camping sites aims to attract more viewers and audiences to the 3-day event. AmCham members are invited to sponsor this event and get the most mileage, and at a unique opportunity at that! For more details, please get in touch with Jose Mari Roa, president Hot Air Balloon Club of the Phils., tel. (632)833-3264, (632)551-2780/85; fax: (632)831-4939.
• IECEP 2000 (major exhibition and conference) will take place on 4 - 7 Sept. 2000 at the Philippine International Convention Center, marking the 50th Golden Anniversary of the founding of IECEP (Institute of Electronics and Communications Engineers of the Philippines, Inc.). Organiser is PIEC, Inc. a member of the Montgomery Network of international organising companies. For further information, contact Ms. Caroll Odvina, "iecep 2000" Director, at tels. 759 -3263/66,759-3230; fax nos. 759 3238, 3233; or e-mail: piecinc@portalinc.com

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X. CALENDAR OF EVENTS

All Amcham members are encouraged to join the committees. You'll get first hand information if you do. (While the schedule of meetings is subject to change, a notice will be sent out to all committee members if a meeting is confirmed). For inquiries, please call the Committee Coordinators, tel. 818-7911 to 13.

If you have made your reservations for Chamber activities and then can’t make it due to some other urgent matters, please do inform the Chamber so we could make the necessary adjustments. Thank you.

XI. CLASSIFIED ADS

• De Luxe Residential Condos For Sale: Kingswood Makati - located at Junction of Vito Cruz Ext. and Pasong Tamo, Makati City. Twin-tower with regular 3 bedroom unit and penthouse 4 bedroom unit with floor area of 77 sqm. & 154 sqm. respectively. Building Facilities: swimming pool, tennis court and other recreational facilities, 24-hours security service with controlled entry point, automatic heat/smoke detection and fire sprinkler systems for all units, standby power generator, audio/video system & individual mailboxes. For more details, please inquire with Zitro Real Estate. Tel: 818-2781 or 751-5472.
• For Lease/Rent - A new 2-storey house with approximately 400 square meters of living space with 3 BRs, 4T&B, driver's quarter with toilet and bath, 3-car garage and a big garden located in Palladium Subdivision just across Wack Wack for only P75,000.00 monthly rental. Please call Jun Mallari or Marie Bonto at 726-6177 or 726-8686, Monday to Friday during office hours only.

  Warden Message - Visa Services November 22, 1999 As a consequence of the so called "Y2K Bug," on or about January 1, 2000, some automated systems throughout the world may experience problems, including unpredictable system malfunctions. The Department of State is preparing its embassies and consulates worldwide for continual operation through the beginning of the New Year. Our embassies and consulates will be available to assist American citizens in emergency circumstances. This ability may be hampered by local Y2K disruptions. Non-immigrant visa appointments will not be scheduled from December 20, 1999 until January 5, 2000, or possibly later.

  REMINDER To All AmCham Members We are now in the process of consolidating the Rental Survey Questionnaire data which will be sent to all members before the year ends. For those who have not yet filled in said questionnaire, kindly do so to enable us to compile and summarize the results for the benefit of our members and new arrivals. You may send in said questionnaire through fax no. 811-3081 or 811-3184. Thank you.

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