Interview with Andrew Somers, President & CEO, American Chamber of Commerce…
The U.S. and Russia have a long history of trade, and you have personally been with the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia since 2001. Can you give a brief…
Address: Dolgorukovskaya Ul. 7, 14th Floor, Moscow 127006,Russia
Tel: (495) 961-2141
The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia is a business association dedicated to promoting the interests of its member companies. To this end, the Chamber has committed itself to working with the Russian government on key reform measures, such as the RF Tax Code, foreign direct investment regulation and customs legislation. Intensifying dialogue with U.S. decision-makers, AmCham has also broadened its policy reach by establishing permanent representation in Washington, D.C. Through AmCham’s effective advocacy and high credibility, member companies are assured of having their concerns heard by decision-makers in both Washington and Moscow.
At the core of AmCham’s activities is the recognition that the Chamber owes member companies a return on their membership fee investments. AmCham relentlessly applies its resources to overcoming obstacles hindering normal business practices. Tens of millions of dollars in member company revenues placed at serious risk by the imperfect business and regulatory environment in Russia have been returned to bottom lines by AmCham’s straightforward, business-like intercession. This approach is known as AmCham’s ROI business model.
Since 1994, AmCham has grown over 600 percent, and now includes over 800 member companies in Russia.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia is committed to creating a more business-friendly environment in the Russia. Acting as a link between members, policy-makers and business leaders in the U.S. and Russia, the Chamber works to identify common problems to normal business operations and achieve mutually-beneficial solutions. Through its adherence to providing concrete returns on its membership fees investments – the ROI business model, AmCham broadly advocates regulatory improvements in the U.S. and Russia, offers concrete assistance to individual company members in resolving problems, and provides business development opportunities through its networking events.
To realize these goals, the Chamber conducts various types of events for its members, including:
High-Profile Speaker Events
The Chamber invites key Russian and American policy-makers and business leaders to speak as part of its High-Profile Speaker Series. Members have the extraordinary opportunity to directly question presenters and gain a deeper understanding of the constantly changing business environment in Russia.
Policy Roundtable Series
This unique series of roundtable policy discussions addresses major commercial issues by providing government officials and business executives with a forum to discuss specific topics and share models and experience.
CEO Forums
The Chamber provides an intensely rare opportunity for CEOs of world-class companies to engage in dialogue with senior executives of leading Russian, American, and international companies working in Russia.
Annual Investment Conference
Attracting top business executives, leading policymakers and media representatives, this yearly conference examines business trends from the previous year and their potential impact on current activities.
Annual Seminars
AmCham HR and Taxation Committees annually conduct professional development seminars for Chamber members.
Regional Briefings and Trade Missions
As part of Regional Briefings, the Chamber hosts top regional government officials who speak to members about the investment climate of their respective territory. As part of Trade Missions, AmCham leads member delegations on two-day intensive business trips to specific regions of interest to investors.
Social Events
The Chamber conducts a series of social events throughout the year to offer members networking opportunities. These include informal Business After Hours, golf and soccer competitions, and AmCham’s exclusive annual Holiday Party, U.S. Independence Day Celebration and Awards Dinner.
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