If you have ideas, pursue them
On the occasion of International Women's Day March 8th, Ms Mary Tarnowka - Consul General, U.S. Consulate Ho Chi Minh City devoted to Saigon New Day an interesting talk about the role of today's women.
Will you share about the good relationship between Vietnam and the United States in different areas in recent time?
The relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam has never been stronger. The Comprehensive Partnership with Vietnam has set the course for a continually growing and deepening relationship in many areas – political, economic, investment, security, and education to name a few. Our countries’ leaders have forged strong relationships in recent years at the highest levels, with the visits by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to the United States and President Obama to Vietnam at the top of a long list. Economically, Vietnam is America’s fastest growing export market in the world. Our exports have grown 77 percent in just the last two years. And there’s so much more we can do together to boost trade.
The people of our two countries continue to build bridges through strong educational and cultural ties. The large number of Vietnamese universities partnering with U.S. universities is at an all-time high. Additionally, Fulbright University Vietnam (FUV) expects to begin operations as the first private, non-profit independent Vietnamese university founded on the American education traditions of open inquiry, research and critical analysis, while firmly rooted in Vietnamese culture and heritage. FUV expects to offer an American-style education right here in Ho Chi Minh City, with a graduate Masters in Public Policy program being offered in Fall 2017, building on the foundation of 20 years of the Fulbright Economic Teaching Program. In 2018, FUV expects to open its undergraduate program, helping provide Vietnamese students the skills they need to join today’s dynamic workforce. We hope this welcome trend of increasing educational and cultural ties will continue – and accelerate. Culturally, the number of Americans and Vietnamese traveling for tourism or to reconnect with family and friends is skyrocketing. Nearly 100,000 Vietnamese visited the United States in 2015, a 15.4% increase from 2014. We’re thrilled to see this development, because it means our peoples are learning more about each other and building stronger ties. In the education realm, Vietnam is our 6th largest source of foreign students worldwide, and the growth in the number of Vietnamese students ranked first globally last year. We hope this welcome trend will continue - and accelerate.
As you see it, what is the concern of American businesses about Vietnamese investment environment?
The economic relationship between the United States and Vietnam is extremely strong and continues to make significant strides. U.S. exports to Vietnam were up an astounding 44 percent in the first half of 2016, making Vietnam America’s fastest growing export market. Vietnam is now America’s 8th largest export market, up from 11th in 2015. And the United States remains Vietnam’s largest export market, growing 24 percent year-on-year. American businesses that are investing in Vietnam are joining a thriving commercial environment that is growing rapidly.
What is your expectation about Vietnamese-American relationship in coming time?
We expect to see more high-level visits between our countries in the future, including to APEC Leaders Week this November in Danang. Economic cooperation and trade will continue to grow. Vietnam is a valued trade partner of the U.S., and I believe that relationship will only get stronger. Our people-to-people ties, bolstered by the thousands of Vietnamese students studying in the U.S. and the thriving Vietnamese-American communities around the United States, will keep bringing our nations together.
Will you share the advantages and disadvantages of a Consul General, being a woman?
I have found the Vietnamese people to be very welcoming to me as a female Consul General. I am always pleased to meet other women working in government or diplomacy. I am one of seven female Consul Generals in HCMC and we are all having very positive interactions with the public and our Vietnamese counterparts. I hope our presence in these roles helps demonstrate what women can accomplish.
What do you think about Vietnamese women in general and Vietnamese businesswomen in particular?
Since arriving in HCMC and learning more about Vietnam, it has become clear that family is at the center of Vietnamese culture and that women play a huge role in families. Vietnamese women are so dynamic and it’s wonderful to see that society is open and accepting of opportunities for women to achieve their dreams. In my short time here in Ho Chi Minh City, I have been privileged to meet some amazing women, and business leaders. I have been impressed by their spirit, their work ethic, and their adaptability. Success isn’t just about the money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives. It is exciting to see the next generation of women leaders rising through the ranks here in Vietnam, and contributing to an even brighter future for Vietnam’s economic development.
What is your advice for young women?
I encourage my daughters and other women and girls to be bold, take risks, and try new things – not just on Women’s Day, but every day. If you have an idea or interest, pursue it and see where it takes you. The U.S. Consulate and American Center offer many resources that women can take advantage of including events to practice English, STEM-centered programs like our robotics clubs, access to EducationUSA advisors for those considering study in the U.S., and the YSEALI program. More information on all of these can be found on our website and Facebook page.
Saigon New Day
Từ khóa : Mary Tarnowka,Tổng lãnh sự Mỹ
