During the forum, international, economic, scientific and cultural topics were discussed. Nearly 200 representatives of American financial organizations, well-known economists, representatives of government and community organizations participated in the forum. Participants of the forum included Russian Federation Minister, Moscow Government, Head of the Department of External Economic and International Relations, Sergei Cheremin, Director of the Guggenheim Museum, Richard Armstrong, investor and director of the Wolfsonian Museum, Michael Hughes, patron and founder of “Russian Cultural Initiative” at the American University in Washington DC, Susan Carmel, representatives of the Russian Embassy, RF Trade Representatives, Russian Venture Company and many others.
Potential investment opportunities in Moscow were presented by Minister Cheremin. “For us”, he stated, “participation in this impressive forum opens up opportunities to present our strategy for developments in Moscow. We see as our goal to have Moscow included in the top 20 cities of the world, where best conditions prevail for investment potential. Moscow city government demonstrates openness and eagerness to work with representatives of all business groups”. He informed the audience that prior to the forum, he met with New York city leaders at the mayor’s office. “In fact, we agreed to reinstate our relationship between New York and Moscow, renew active cooperation and collaboration in those spheres that require priority attention, – he explained that “it’s very often that large municipalities have similar problems in areas of town-planning, education and public health”.
Chair of the Coordinating Council of Russian Compatriots of the US and President of the Congress of Russian Americans, Natalie Sabelnik pointed out opportunities available in Russia for international business. She was Marketing Manager and Commercial Director for East Russia for Chevron International Oil Company after the fall of the Soviet Union. She underlined that “forums, such as these, create a conducive atmosphere for trust between our two nations”.
Anton Konev, former legislative director at New York State Assembly in Albany, NY spoke in support of developing inter-regional relations. He feels that “this will create better conditions for business”.
Appraising the discussions at the forum, Susan Carmel, founder of the “Russian Cultural Initiative” at the American University in Washington DC, commented to the TASS correspondent, that “each time, people gather at a Round Table, united by common goals, this helps to resolve even the most serious issues”.
The Forum was sponsored by the Consulate General of the Russian Federation, NY, the Gorchakov Fund, Moscow City Government, American-Russian Law Institute and the Congress of Russian Americans.
TASS Correspondent, Igor Borisenko
more on TASS website http://tass.ru/ekonomika/3230352
April 21, 2016
Princeton Club of New York, 15 West 43rd NY NY
PROGRAM
12:00 PM Registration and Welcome Lunch
1:00 PM Session A: Prospects for Russian-American Cooperation
Keynote Sergey Cheremin, Minister of Moscow Government, Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relation
Moderator: Tom Sima, Owner Law Firm of Thomas C. Sima
Natalie Sabelnik, President of the Congress of Russian Americans; Chair of Coordinating Council of Russian Compatriots; former Marketing Manager & Commercial Director for East Russia of Chevron International Oil Company
Anton Konev, Legislative Director to Luis Sepulveda, Member of Assembly, 87th District former City Councilman, City of Albany
Aleksei Lossan, Deputy Editor in Chief Russia Beyond The Headlines
Ruslan Bayramov, President of the International Charitable Foundation “Dialogue of Cultures – United World“, Founder of Ethnomir
2:00 PM Coffee Break
2:30 PM Session B: Prospects for Russian-American Business Cooperation
Moderator: Axel Tillmann, CEO of RVC USA Fund
Mikhail Kalugin, Head of Economic Section at Embassy of Russia, Counselor
Alexander Jutkowitz, CEO of Group SJR
Randi B. Levinas, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of USRBC
Alexander Potapov, Executive Director of Member of the Management Board of RVC
Pavel Efremkin, Chairman of Aerolase Corporation
3:30 PM Coffee Break
4: 00 PM Session C: Russian- American Cultural Cooperation
Moderator: Anton Fedyashin, Director of The Carmel Institute of Russian Culture and History
Richard Armstrong, Director of The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation
Susan E. Carmel, Founder of The Carmel Institute of Russian Culture and History at American University
Patricia Duff, Founder/CEO of The Common Good
Michael Hughes, Development Director of The Wolfsonian – Florida International University
5:30 PM Closing Remarks