News Stories Archives

USCIB Statement on Russia Conflict in Ukraine

Published on February 24, 2022

New York, N.Y., February 24, 2022 – As conflict tragically unfolds in Ukraine, USCIB joins President Biden in denouncing the shocking attack by Russia on a sovereign nation and on the global rules-based order. USCIB deplores the impact of this aggression on innocent people, and the destabilization and disruption it brings in its wake. We are more committed than ever to the fundamental importance of peace and security, democracy and multilateral cooperation for American business and for the international community.

We fully agree with UN Secretary General António Guterres when he urgently called for “a ceasefire and return to the path of dialogue and negotiations to save the people in Ukraine and beyond from the scourge of war.”

We are sharing the “ICC Statement on Russia – Ukraine Conflict” issued this morning by ICC Secretary General John Denton, and the setting out of ICC’s next steps to assess and address potential economic and trade disruption. We will continue to keep members apprised of further developments.

USCIB Supports Strengthening Trade, Investment, Economic Ties in Indo-Pacific

Published on February 23, 2022

USCIB was among a dozen other trade associations in submitting a letter to the Biden Administration welcoming the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) initiative as part of the government’s Indo-Pacific strategy. USCIB’s engagement on the letter was led by USCIB Trade and Investment Committee Chair, Rick Johnston.

The letter stated: “We agree that strengthening trade, investment and economic ties with the region benefits all Americans. The United States needs an affirmative agenda with allies and key partners in the Indo-Pacific to advance shared economic and strategic interests. The United States, as well as our allies and key trading partners, would benefit most from an ambitious and comprehensive IPEF initiative with enforceable commitments, new market opportunities, and wide adoption of high standards.”

“It is critical that U.S. industry voices its support for Biden Administration leadership in engaging this important region of the world,” said USCIB Director for Investment, Trade and China Alice Slayton Clark.

According to the letter, the Indo-Pacific already accounts for $1.75 trillion in trade with the United States and thirty percent of U.S. goods and services exports, supporting millions of American jobs.

USCIB Meets With Australian Consul General to Discuss Mutual Interests, Future Collaboration

Published on February 23, 2022
Left to right: Nick Greiner, Peter Robinson

USCIB had the honor of hosting Australian Consul General Nick Greiner and his colleague Mike Ryan on February 16 in the USCIB New York office.

The meeting between the Australian delegation and USCIB, which included USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson and Senior Vice President for Policy and Global Strategy Norine Kennedy, allowed for a candid discussion of mutual interests and potential future collaboration—namely in trade and investment, climate change and digital economy, among others.

It was acknowledged that USCIB and its Australian counterpart, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), are both privileged to serve as the respective national affiliates of the three main global business organizations: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), International Organization of Employers (IOE), and Business at OECD (BIAC).

ACCI also serves as a Steering Team Partner on The USCIB Foundation’s Business Partners to CONVINCE initiative, which is a global network of employers of all sizes that seeks to build vaccine confidence and support uptake among employees.

The Australian Consulate is located in the same building as the Australian Mission to the United Nations, and Consul General Greiner generously offered to introduce USCIB to the latter.

Business at OECD (BIAC) Holds Annual Consultation With OECD Ambassadors and Leadership

Published on February 22, 2022
2022 Annual Consultation with OECD Ambassadors and Leadership

Business at OECD (BIAC) held its annual consultation with OECD Ambassadors and Leadership on February 22 with the theme, “Exiting Crisis Mode: Addressing Business Recovery, Risks and Realities.” USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson participated as a BIAC spokesperson with an intervention focusing on “Digital,” in which he emphasized several points that honed in on ensuring inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

Robinson noted that the business community looks to the OECD to lead in the development of consistent, coherent and cross-cutting policy frameworks for emerging digital technologies. “We point to the OECD AI principles as an excellent example of how multi-stakeholder processes can develop cutting edge principles for the digital economy,” stated Robinson.

He also stressed the need for globally interoperable data policy frameworks that facilitate more responsible data-sharing and collaboration, as well as enforceable cross-border and cross-sector data flows—adding that the upcoming OECD Digital Ministerial will be an important opportunity for the OECD to deliver cross-cutting data governance policy guidance that works for business, governments and individuals alike.

Finally, Robinson emphasized support for OECD efforts to produce high-level principles addressing the critical issue of trusted government access to personal data held by the private sector. “OECD is best placed to address this important issue, which underpins economic growth and societal well-being,” stressed Robinson.

BIAC provided other interventions on various policy priorities such as trade and investment, climate change, energy, taxation, employment and health, with BIAC representatives including several BIAC Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs. The BIAC input was responded to by OECD Ambassadors, including U.S. Ambassador Jack Markell, as well as representatives of the OECD Secretariat.

The Annual Consultation was opened by OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, BIAC Chair Rick Johnston (Citi and USCIB board member), and Italian BIAC Board member Emma Marcegaglia, who served as chair of Italy B20.

A summary of the meeting by BIAC is available here, which includes a link to BIAC’s Recommendations from the private sector affirming the role of the market economy.

USCIB Offers Business Recommendations to UN Partnership Forum  

Published on February 9, 2022

The 2022 United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Partnership Forum was held on February 2, under the theme “Building back better from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while advancing the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” This Forum is the first in a series of SDG-related meetings leading up to the UN General Assembly, and the only focused on SDG17, Partnerships. 

USCIB was invited to speak during the Opening Plenary as the U.S. Business representative through its standing in the UN Major Group for Business and Industry, where USCIB Senior Vice President Norine Kennedy is a Co-Chair. Kennedy invited USCIB members, Bayer, to speak on behalf of U.S. Business. Representing Bayer, Dr. Alejandra Castro, Global Head of Partnerships and International Organizations, emphasized the criticality of multilateral partnerships being inclusive, and how the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) continues to serve as the sustainability framework for business planning and action to advance sustainability in partnership with the international community and with all stakeholders.

Castro continued speaking on how, for Bayer, when focusing on sustainability within food and agriculture, they “have welcomed openness across the UN system to partnering with business on pandemic response –and recovery – and many members of business and industry have stepped forward. Farmers have been supporting our food system at a time where markets are facing shutdowns, slowdowns, climate change and economic crisis.” In closing out her remarks, Castro underlined the readiness of USCIB and all colleagues in business to work with the international community to get back on track, and to build back better with dedication to inclusive multilateralism that engages every societal partner working side by side with governments, and with one another.  

The Secretary General’s report, Our Common Agenda (OCA), was frequently referenced during the Forum – both by speakers and attendees. The OCA contains ninety recommendations setting out to supercharge action towards realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and will play a critical role in multilateral partnerships moving forward. 

USCIB, with the International Organization of Empoyers (IOE), co-chairs the Business and Industry Major Group at the UN in New York. IOE organized two events in the Forum:  

USCIB Commences 2022 With Robust Engagement With Biden Trade Officials

Published on February 2, 2022

USCIB is off to a vigorous start in 2022 in the area of business advocacy. In January, USCIB Director for Investment, Trade and China Alice Slayton Clark held three major committee meetings to bring USCIB members together with Biden Administration officials to discuss China, India and Indo-Pacific trade policy.

Launching this effort, the USCIB China Committee met January 11 for an off-the-record virtual discussion with Deputy Assistant USTR for China Affairs Tim Wineland regarding the key issues confronting the U.S.-China trade relationship. The meeting provided an opportunity for USCIB members to discuss the latest policy developments impacting relations with one of our largest trading partners; topics addressed included the Biden-Xi virtual leaders’ summit, the Administration’s new China trade policy and negotiating agenda for 2022, an assessment of the China Phase 1 trade agreement, and the U.S. plan to address industrial subsidies with China, among other concerns.

The following week, USCIB members met January 19 with Assistant USTR for South and Central Asia Chris Wilson and Deputy Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch for an update on the US-India Trade Policy Forum (TPF) process and the chance to share trade concerns to help inform U.S. priorities as TPF working groups in the areas of agriculture (regulatory alignment), non-agriculture, intellectual property, and services (including digital) are formed for 2022.  A dialogue established by India and the United States in 2005, the TPF was on pause for several years until the Biden Administration relaunched it with an inaugural meeting November 23, 2021.

According to Clark, “the TPF is important to the elimination of trade barriers between the United States and India, and we are grateful to the Biden Administration for resetting the bilateral relationship by reviving this process.  It was important for USCIB members to talk with the negotiators and share their company concerns so the discussions can yield the best results for U.S. industry and its workers.”

Finally, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia at the Department of Commerce Pamela Phan joined the USCIB Trade and Investment Committee quarterly meeting January 27 to discuss the Biden Administration’s recently announced Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). The IPEF is a Biden Administration initiative intended to reassert U.S. leadership and influence, particularly vis-à-vis China’s economic linkages in the region.  While IPEF is in its early stages, USCIB felt it important to engage with Administration officials now to help shape workstreams and expectations for the discussions ahead.

USCIB Launches Competition Webinar Series; First One Focuses on China

Published on January 26, 2022

The USCIB Competition Committee launched a new webinar series for 2022 titled “Updates in International Competition Law and Enforcement,” spotlighting antitrust developments in key jurisdictions around the globe.

The first event was held last week, focusing on China antitrust regulation and enforcement and featuring experts from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) China National Commission: Dr. Hao Zhan, managing partner at Anjie Law Firm Beijing and ICC Competition Commission regional ambassador to China, Susan Ning, senior partner and head of compliance department of King & Wood Mallesons in Beijing, and Song Ying, antitrust partner at Anjie Law Firm Beijing.

“We hope these webinars will benefit USCIB members, giving them the opportunity to learn from competition experts from around the globe on issues critical to their business,” said USCIB Director Investment, Trade and China Alice Slayton Clark.

Zhan discussed recent fundamental changes in China’s antitrust system, with consolidation in 2018 of three authorities into the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), a centralized, vice ministry level authority with more power to promulgate and enforce competition rules and laws. According to Zhan, this has ushered in a new era of antitrust enforcement in China with the establishment of the State Anti-Monopoly Bureau and more cases and higher penalties targeting mostly the media, finance, technology internet platform and pharmaceutical sectors.

Ning outlined the Anti-Monopoly Law, draft amendments released in October 2021 and the anti-monopoly guidelines on the platform economy enacted in February 2021. She discussed how the trend in China is to focus antitrust efforts on the platform economy, focusing on the role of algorithms and platform technologies being misused to exclude or coordinate with others in the marketplace.  Vertical, horizontal and hub and spoke relationships are all targeted. She also discussed the behavior patterns for big data killing, when platforms discriminate in pricing practices using algorithms to differentiate consumers and customary spending costs and described a few high-profile penalty decisions imposed on platform operators who hindered the flow of consumers between platforms – “picking one from the two” problem.

Finally Song described the recent history of anti-monopoly law development in China, highlighting a few of the key changes sought through AML amendments, most of which fall under merger control, addressing no safe harbor, aiding and abetting (liability of third parties), stop the clock, and higher penalties for gun jumping, for example.

Clark plans to host the next webinar in the spring, spotlighting European or Latin American antitrust enforcement practices.

USCIB Participates in First-Ever Virtual ILO Labor Conference

Published on January 12, 2022

The 109th International Labor Organization’s (ILO) International Labor Conference (ILC) concluded in December 2021, and USCIB once again actively participated in negotiations as the U.S. Employer Representative. Of special note, USCIB Senior Counsel Ronnie Goldberg was elected and served as Vice President (Employers) of the conference. USCIB President and CEO Peter Robinson, Vice President for Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs Gabriella Herzog, and Senior Counsel and ILO Governing Body Member Tom Mackall also participated on behalf of business.

According to Herzog, the ILC is the leading global forum for discussion of key social and labor questions. Each year, Employer, Worker and Government delegates gather at the ILC to negotiate and to adopt international labor standards. Held virtually for the first time in the ILO’s 100+ year history, the 2021 ILC was conducted over two online sessions – one in May/June, and one in November/December. Due to the pandemic, the ILC was not held in 2021.

Among the outcomes across the two 2021 sessions, the ILO’s tripartite constituents adopted a Global Call for Action for a Human-Centered Recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, an emergency resolution on the situation in Myanmar, a resolution concerning the second recurrent discussion on social protection (social security), and two sets of conclusions and reports on Skills and lifelong learning  and Inequalities and the world of work. This is in addition to regular proceedings, such as the Committee on Application of Standards and adopting the ILO’s program and budget.

“USCIB was gratified that the ILO was able to pivot and continue the important tradition of hosting the ILC, albeit virtually,” said Herzog, “and we look forward to the end of the pandemic and the safe return to in-person tripartite social dialogue at the ILC for the ILO and its 187 Member States.”

USCIB Joins IOE in Mourning the Passing of IOE Honorary President François Perigot

Published on January 12, 2022
François Perigot

USCIB is joining the International Organization of Employers (IOE) in mourning the passing of François Perigot, who served as IOE President from 2001-2006, after which he was given the role of Honorary President.

Perigot was widely known throughout the employer community as an individual with strong and deep human values, and a forceful believer and advocate for employer organizations. He made significant contributions, during his tenure at IOE, to promoting and protecting employer interests worldwide. He particularly stood out for his unwavering commitment to champion the international business community.

“He was a man of great stature, and IOE and its members were fortunate to have him as their President,” commented Ronnie Goldberg, USCIB senior counsel and former IOE vice president.

As a member of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalisation, he participated in the elaboration of the report “A fair globalisation: Creating opportunities for All,” presented to the International Labor Organization (ILO) in 2004.

Perigot was also widely respected businessman and served as president of CNPF (the French employer organization, now known as MEDEF) from 1986 – 1994, and President of MEDEF International from 1997 – 2005.

USCIB Welcomes New Policy Staff Members

Published on January 5, 2022

USCIB has welcomed several new policy support staff at the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. In November, USCIB welcomed Katya Nicholas as USCIB’s new Executive Assistant, Office of the President replacing Crys Won who has left the position in March 2021. Agnes Vinblad joined later in November as USCIB Policy and Program Associate, Sustainability. Finally, USCIB welcomed Angela Goulovitch, starting most recently on January 3, 2022 as Policy and Program Associate, Corporate Responsibility & Labor Affairs.

Katya Nicholas

For the past several years, Katya Nicholas has served in a number of C-Suite EA positions in New York and San Francisco, including for a marketing technology company and a technical company supporting the automotive retail industry. Her experience includes calendar, travel, and project management; team coordination; event management and meeting logistics; communications and HR. Nicholas has expressed great interest in USCIB’s mission, and is an internationalist herself. She was born in St. Petersburg, and lived in Prague and Vienna before moving to California.

She has an MA in Communications/Translation and Interpreting (English/French/Russian) and also speaks Czech, Spanish and German. She has certificates in High-Tech Product Management/Marketing and Project Management from UC Berkeley. She is also a photographer and certified Clifton Strengths Assessment coach. Nicholas is based in USCIB’s New York office.

Agnes Vinblad

Agnes Vinblad is based in USCIB’s New York office, working closely with USCIB Senior Vice President, Policy and Global Strategy Norine Kennedy, supporting USCIB’s advocacy and representation at the UN and other inter-governmental forums relating to environment and the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, including the SDGs. Vinblad brings professional experience with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, where she spent the past two years working with questions related to youth, the SDGs and social innovation.

She has held other short-term appointments with multiple NGOs and international organizations. Additionally, Vinblad holds private sector experience from working in strategy consulting and other administrative roles. In 2018, Vinblad was appointed as a Delegate for the Y7 (Youth 7) – one of the official G7 Engagement Groups. This opportunity brought her to both Brussels, Belgium and Ottawa, Canada. She has lived and worked in Norway, China, Hong Kong, as well as her native Sweden, prior to settling in New York.

Angela Goulovitch

Angela Goulovitch is based in USCIB’s New York office, working closely with USCIB Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Labor Affairs Gabriella Rigg Herzog on USCIB advocacy work and Member engagement on cross-cutting issues of corporate responsibility and responsible business conduct, labor, corporate governance, human rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goulovitch joins USCIB with over 10 years of professional experience in the public and private sectors, with a strong track record of excellence in communications, project management and partnership building, among other areas. Most recently, Goulovitch served as External Advisor on UN affairs for the International Organization of Employers (IOE), where she tracked policy developments, conducted external engagements, and fostered cooperation between employer organizations and UN Resident Coordinators.

Before that, Goulovitch served as a Knowledge Specialist with the International Labor Organization (ILO), where she researched and wrote publications on government and company policy best practices that promote women’s economic empowerment. Goulovitch also has private sector experience in the financial services sector where she worked in client service, as well as public sector experience from her time interning for the U.S. Department of State and the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President. Originally from Ukraine, Goulovitch completed her Master of Arts degree in International Relations from New York University in 2018, and is also a true New Yorker – raised and still living in Brooklyn, NY.