Russo-British Chamber of Commerce
Russo-British Chamber of Commerce (RBCC) is a trade association, which promotes trade between the United Kingdom and Russia.
History
[edit]The Russo-British Chamber of Commerce (RBCC) was founded in 1916 as a not-for-profit organisation to promote trade and economic relations between the British Empire and the Russian Empire. On 29 November 1916, the first event was held at the Savoy Hotel in London.[1]
After the 1917 Russian Revolution the organisation changed its name to the British-Soviet Chamber of Commerce. On March 16, 1921, trade relations were restored between the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union. In 1959, the Anglo-Soviet Five-Year Trade Agreement was signed.[1]
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher inaugurated the chamber’s new office in Moscow on her visit to the Soviet Union in 1987.[2] The organisation changed its name once again after the collapse of the Soviet Union.[3]
In 1998, the RBCC was granted royal patronage when His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent became the patron of the chamber.[1]
Throughout its history, the RBCC has played a key role in facilitating business partnerships, supporting companies from both countries with advice, networking, and market-entry support. Chamber arranged RussiaTALK Investment Forum in Russia.[4] It maintains offices in London (head office), Moscow (since 1987), and Saint Petersburg (since 2004).[3][5][6][7] In 2021, the chamber had offices at 184 Shepherd's Bush Road, Hammersmith, London, and at the Galereya Aktyor Business Centre in Moscow.[8]
Prince Michael of Kent served as the patron of the RBCC from 1998 until he resigned in 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[9][3][10]
Charles Hendry served as president of the advisory council. Tim Eggar served as president.[3] Tony Brenton served as a director.[11] Roger Munnings was the chair of the association.[12][13]
Ambassador of Russia to the United Kingdom, Andrey Kelin, and Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Russia Deborah Bronnert served as honorary presidents of the RBCC.[3][14]
Despite sanctions members still fund the organisation.[15][16]
Controversies
[edit]Following a period of increasing tension, Vladimir Putin’s relationship with Western governments deteriorated significantly, culminating in Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. Despite the worsening political climate, the RBCC continued to advocate for closer economic relations between the United Kingdom and Russia. The RBCC maintained its efforts to facilitate trade and investment, emphasising the importance of sustained business dialogue even amid heightened political tensions and the imposition of sanctions.[3]
RBCC has played a role in influencing United Kingdom foreign policy towards Russia. The RBCC has actively sought to shape governmental perspectives by leveraging its self-described “close and good working relationships” with the administration of President Vladimir Putin. In 2017, under the pretext of submitting evidence to the UK Parliament, the RBCC advocated for “reinstating Russia as a worldwide trade and investment priority”.[3]
In August 2022, the chamber organized a low-key event for its members and stakeholders. The invitation was subsequently leaked to the media.[17]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "RBCC - History". 2022-01-20. Archived from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ^ "REES alumnus Alexandre Gianasso appointed a Commercial Manager at the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce". www.area-studies.ox.ac.uk. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ a b c d e f g Coles, T. J. (2022-04-08). "How an Influential Pro-Russian Business Network Worked Silently Within Westminster for Decades". Byline Times. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "Speech by British Ambassador to Russia at the RBCC's RussiaTALK Investment Forum". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "Russo-British Chamber of Commerce | Devex". www.devex.com. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "The Russo-British Chamber of Commerce | Business Directory | Moscow". www.inyourpocket.com. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ ""The Russo-British Chamber of Commerce: playing a key role in the relationship between Great Britain and Russia for 100 years". Talk by Executive Director Russo-British Chamber of Commerce, Trevor Barton". Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society. 2017-07-30. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "RBCC - Russo-British Chamber of Commerce". 2022-01-20. Archived from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ^ Russo-British Chamber of Commerce (2020-11-11). HRH Prince Michael of Kent Welcome Speech to RussiaTALK 2020. Retrieved 2025-05-06 – via YouTube.
- ^ U.K. Royal’s Russian Allies Helped Putin Crony Rotenberg Dodge Western Sanctions. OCCRP. Tom Stock, Will Jordan, Graham Stack, Ben Cowdock. June 20 2023.
- ^ Putin on the march. Tony Brenton. The Times. 5 November 2024.
- ^ "Roger Munnings, Chairman, Russo-British Chamber of Commerce". forumspb.com. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ Quach, Georgina (2022-03-09). "'My moral duty': directors quit Russian firms over Ukraine crisis". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ "RBCC - Our People". 2022-01-20. Archived from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ^ "RBCC - Russo-British Chamber of Commerce". www.rbcc.com. Archived from the original on 2025-03-21. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ Ralph, Alex (2022-08-14). "Members still fund Russo-British Chamber of Commerce". www.thetimes.com. Retrieved 2025-05-06.
- ^ NA, NA (2022-08-10). "Russo-British Chamber of Commerce "Do Not Wish to Attract Outside Attention" to Next Week's Drinks Party". Guido Fawkes. Retrieved 2025-05-08.