The Honorable Mikhail V. Margelov
Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the
Federation Council of the Russian Federation
and
Eugene K. Lawson
President of the U.S.-Russia Business Council

 

Friday, April 25, 2008
Noon: Registration
12:30 – 2:00: Lunch
The Rainier Club
820 Fourth Avenue

$35 Members of WCIT, FRAEC and TDA
$40 Non-members
RSVP Required

 

Russia, now boasting the world’s eighth largest economy, has seen spectacular growth across income levels and industries. In the last ten years Russia has become a $1.3 trillion economy with annual percentage growth of real incomes in double digits. GDP per capita has risen from less than $2,000 in 1998 to $9,000 today. Russia has foreign-currency reserves of nearly $480 billion with a $144 billion stabilization fund. Washington State has long been one of Russia’s largest trading partners in the U.S. Prosperity in Russia offers huge opportunities for Greater Seattle area companies. As The Economist recently wrote, “Never before have Russians shopped or traveled so much. Restaurants, mega-malls and airports are heaving.” It is time for Greater Seattle to “take a closer look at Russia.”

A lunch discussion on Friday, April 25 featuring Mikhail Margelov, Chairman of the Council of Federation Committee for Foreign Relations of the Federal Assembly, and Eugene Lawson, President of the U.S.-Russia Business Council, will provide insights on business realities in Russia today, and the positive role commercial relations play in shaping our bilateral relationship. Margelov is a close advisor to Kremlin. He is a well-recognized spokesman for the Russian government, known for his dynamic and candid speaking style and savvy analysis.

Eugene Lawson founded the U.S. – Russia Business Council in 1993, serving as its president since inception. Prior to his work with the Council, Mr. Lawson served as Vice Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. In July 2007, Lawson was honored with the Russian Federation’s “Order the Friendship” awarded by President Vladimir Putin.

The lunch presentation offers a great opportunity to hear the latest on Russia’ economy, politics and culture and learn how Seattle area businesses can take advantage of opportunities in today’s Russian Federation.

Registration: The cost of this event is $35 for members of WCIT, FRAEC and TDA and $40 for non-members. Refunds cannot be made after Tuesday, April 22. Contact Michelle Grey at 206-389-7227 or michelleg@seattlechamber.com (or Derek Norberg at derekn@fraec.org)  for more information.

FRAEC is pleased to host this important meeting on Tuesday, December 4, 2007

FRAEC and TDA are hosting an event on Wednesday, November 7th from 3:30-5:00 pm with a reception following.

FRAEC partners with the U.S. Industry Coalition (Arlington, VA), the Larta Institute (Los Angeles, CA), and the National Industry Coalition (Moscow) to support business development capabilities of six high-tech companies emerging from the former Soviet Union defense complex.