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Economic relations among nations have taken a place alongside security at the high table of international relations. Free trade and investment have proven powerful contributors to economic prosperity, improved relations among peoples, and international stability. Around the world, governments and businesses increasingly cooperate to advance their common interests. Robert Zoellick, President of the World Bank and then U.S. Trade Representative, has said: “…all of us have a stake in development and democracy.” This shift presents great possibilities for new venues to improve mutual understanding and strengthen international business cooperation and investments.
In 1997, the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Victor Chernomyrdin asked Harvard to create an event that would promote business ties between Russia and the United States. Since then, US-Russian Investment Symposium has been held each year, drawing the highest level of U.S. and Russian participation.
“..This Symposium is helping American leaders in government, business, and education learn more about the Russian business environment and encouraging partnerships between American and Russian businesses. Your efforts not only are strengthening our countries’ relationship but also are injecting new vitality into the global economy.”
- President George W. Bush in his letter to the 7th U.S.-Russia Investment Symposium
The International Economic Alliance
In 2004, expanding on this history, the International Economic Alliance (IEA) was conceived at Harvard to extend and develop the US-Russian Investment Symposium and create new practical Symposia. Independently created as a non-profit, with the support of corporations and the Starr Foundation,
IEA has since continued its mission of furthering global trade, economic development, and advancing business relations. It has widened its activities, creating bilateral meetings as well as multi-lateral symposia.
What makes IEA’s events distinctive are their mix of participants and their end-goal. IEA brings business, finance, government and academic leaders together, for results-oriented exchanges. The IEA serves as an source of knowledge, a facilitator of relationships, and a catalyst for new business opportunities. |
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