Goals of the Russian Business Society

The LSEsu Russian Business Society (RBS) was founded in January 2004. Its original aim is to promote awareness of current Russian business and economic issues and opportunities among the LSE Student Union. We bring the best lecturers, businessmen and politicians to the LSE to share their insights, experiences and perspectives with you.

In February 2008 the society organized a highly successful LSEsu Russian Business Week (RBW). The committee put together events that covered a wide spectrum of issues concerning Russian economy today. The highlight of the week was the presentation by the CEO of Gazprom Marketing and Trading Vitaly Vasiliev, which included an insight into the company's business and the Russian gas sector, while Chief Economist of VTB Bank Europe, Chris Green gave a more academic lecture about the future economic and financial developments in Russia.

As the scope of the society has been evolving, the target audience has grown to reach students, Russian-speakers and those interested in russian business from outside the LSE. The LSEsu Russian Business Week was attended by students from many London Universities, as well as hosting guests from Pushkin House, business representatives and the press.

The range of our events has also broadened and now encompasses talks on cultural and political topics. Last year we invited Seva Novgorodtsev to give a speech at the LSE about his 30 year experience working for BBC and as Head of BBC Russia. While RBW included talks of political nature, for example presentation by Elzar Appakov, Head of the Dombay ski resort and head of the Karachaevo - Cherkess Republic Administration.

Although originally the society was not designed to provide entertainment events, we think they are a great way to bring together people who share common interests and ideas in an informal environment, be it a personal after-talk dinner with one of the speakers or an end-of-term party.

The society is constantly growing both in numbers and in ideas. This year we are launching the new interactive RBS website with weekly russian business news updates, events, recruitment, photos, student forum and much more.

We hope to continue the hard work and bring you yet another year of exciting events and networking opportunities!

Yours,

RBS Committee.