Delegation to Moscow

I was recently honored to be invited by the Russian government to join a delegation of about 50 people from the United States to visit Moscow.

The trip was organized by Rossotrudnichestvo -- The (Russian) Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation -- and its mission was to promote a more positive view of Russia’s economic climate to Americans.

The trip focused on learning more about Russian technology, cultural exchange and networking. We met with several high-level government leaders, including J.R. Beyrle, the Ambassador of the United States to Russia; Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow; Georgiy Tosunyan, president of the Association of Russian Banks and more.

During our visit, we learned about Russia’s technological capabilities and how Russia is adapting to a new global environment by visiting Rosnano, a Russian governmental organization that specializes in nano technology, traveling to the Vladimir region to take a tour of one of Kraft Foods’ 12 Russian factories, and visiting the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

We participated in many seminars and discussions about the business and trade relationship between the Unite States and Russia, hoping to increase understand about both cultures and strengthen economic ties between the two countries. We also met with the Moscow media and toured the national TV station, Russia 24.

Of course, it wasn’t all work. We also were treated to many cultural outings, including a trip to the Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art, the Kremlin, Alexander Gardens, and several monasteries and cathedrals in Moscow.

With Russia’s recent admission to the WTO, these meetings were a wonderful way to build a strong foundation of good relationships between the United States and Russia. I hope that these meetings serve as a stepping stone to continued and expanding partnerships between the United States and Russia.