On CNBC, Mr. Yergin Was Partly Correct: One Russia-Focused Business Organization Disbanded. But, Another Russia-Focused Business Organization Flourishes- With A U.S.-Based President.
Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman of New York, New York-based S&P Global, during an interview this morning on CNBC shared the Washington DC-based U.S.-Russia Business Council, which had approximately two hundred members and an office in Moscow disbanded “two years ago” and the organization’s Internet site, http://www.usrbc.org/ is no longer operational.
However, the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia (AmCham Russia), with headquarters in St. Petersburg and an office in Moscow, is alive and quite active. http://www.amcham.ru/
“The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) is the leading foreign business organization operating in Russia. Founded in 1994, AmCham advocates the trade and investment interests of about 500 members, which include major U.S. Corporations, as well as large European and Russian companies. The Chamber advances commercial relations between the Russian Federation and the international community by promoting an investment-friendly environment. In so doing, the Chamber maintains a constant dialogue with the Russian government to protect and promote the economic interests of member companies.” Orinda, California-based Robert Agee is President of AmCham Russia.
“AmCham Russia has also developed a special membership category - Associate member with Gold ($3,500) and Silver ($2,500) options. This membership type is geared specifically toward those companies that no longer have presence in Russia, but would like to keep an eye on this market, stay informed of the policy developments, investment climate changes as well as tracking the dynamics of international business community's activities. We are glad to offer online event access to all our business and policy events. On a practical note- AmCham is a Delaware Corporation; thus, we can prepare the paperwork, invoice and billing via our U.S. accounts directly to bypass any Russia connection should that be a concern.”
A recent inquiry elicited this response: “Thank you for your message. We appreciate your willingness to meet during your stay. Unfortunately, due to a busy schedule, we will not be able to accommodate a meeting at this time. I hope you have a productive trip, and I look forward to the possibility of connecting in the future.”
