On Tuesday, September 30, 2014, the West Michigan World Trade Association will sponsor a panel discussion: ‘US and EU Sanctions on Russia: How They Affect You.’ Andy Wahl, WMWTA president notes that “This topic is very much on the minds of our members and of critical importance to many in the wider business community.” The panel will discuss:
The recent annexation of Crimea, subsequent downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17, and ongoing unrest in East Ukraine have significantly altered US and European Union (EU) relations with Russia. Both these geopolitical developments and the resulting sanctions present significant challenges to US companies doing business with the Russian Federation, directly or through European affiliates. Strategic questions that arise include:
- Which market segments are or could be lost as a consequence of Western export bans?
- How might sourcing channels be affected by Russian responses?
- What are the legal and ethical implications of US products reaching consumers in Crimea, bypassing Ukraine?
- How are shipping rates and the prices of commodities likely to change in the face of global uncertainty?
- What impact will political tensions have on commercial risk profiles in the Baltics, Moldova, the Caucasus, and other adjacent areas?
Members of the discussion include: Todd Huizinga, Acton’s Director of International Outreach, Dr. Gerry Simons, Professor of Economics at GVSU, editor of the Seidman Business Review, and a native of England; Brian Gill, a Russian-speaking lawyer who worked at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe; and Dr. Joel Westra, Professor of Political Science at Calvin College and a specialist in multilateral and regional security.
The event will take place at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School Grand Rapids Campus. A reception will begin at 6PM and the panel discussion will start at 6:30PM. To reserve a seat or to learn more about this event, you can contact Rebecca Climie at [email protected] or 616.301.0032. The cost is $20 or $15 for WMWTA members.
