ANNUAL REPORT 2013
relationship. On Tuesday, the program began with a breakfast and company visit to the GE
offices and was followed by a fruitful lunch with the Atlantic Council. In the afternoon, the
updated ‘Case for Investing in Europe’ was launched at the U.S. Chamber together with Trade
and Economic Counsellors of Member States who after also joined ACE and other guests for
a networking cocktail that marked the end of the program in Washington D.C.
Strategic Networking Meetings
In order to continually stay abreast of relevant trends and opportunities that can increase
AmCham’s value to its members, the Executive Director invests significant time throughout
the year to expand and maintain the organization’s local, regional and international network
of contacts. In 2013, these meetings included the following:
• With Sr. Commercial Officer with the U.S. Commercial Service Officer based in Sofia,
Bulgaria, Thomas Bruns;
• Participation in IMF Post-Program Monitoring meetings;
• Organized informal gatherings with Board members, Patron member company
representatives and U.S. Embassy officials;
• Met with an IPR specialist with the EU Delegation to Macedonia regarding increasing
communication and coordination on common priorities;
• Conference preparation meetings with the Deans of Saints Cyril and Methodius
University’s Faculties of: Mechanical Engineering; Electrical Engineering and
Information Technologies; Computer Science and Engineering; Economics
• Attendance at AmCham Bulgaria’s Conference on the Bulgarian Perspective with
regard to the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership;
• Provided promotional support for and attended Macedonia2025’s annual investment
conference;
• Meeting with Fitch ratings agency representatives during their visit to Skopje.
AmCham was the only private sector entity to meet with this group;
• The newly appointed Director of USAID Macedonia, James Stein;
• Met with a group of potential American investors interested in learning more about
energy sector opportunities;
• Participated in the USAID organized Round Table on the po tential for a Regional
Clean Energy Development and Investment Center;
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