Stephen Olson Email & Phone Number

Produce analytical articles and white papers on trade and geopolitical issues. Speak at conferences, seminars, and webinars. Conduct media interviews.

Produce thought leadership on trade, geopolitics, and globalization. Conduct media interviews and support issue-specific projects.

Develop and teach courses on international trade and contribute to the Institute's thought leadership program.

Singapore

Spearheaded the Foundation’s thought leadership activities in international trade, economics, and investment. Produced commentary and analysis on issues such as East Asian regional integration, foreign direct investment, China’s trade and investment policies, sustainable development, the multilateral trade system, trade disputes, and bilateral or regional trade agreements such as TPP, NAFTA, RCEP, FTA-AP, and the AEC. Regularly published articles in prominent newspapers, magazines, and online platforms.Worked closely with the Economist Intelligence Unit and IMD to develop the Hinrich Foundation Sustainable Trade Index, a groundbreaking tool which evaluates trade sustainability across the three pillars of economic growth, environmental protection, and strengthening social capital.Provided support for a major Foundation-sponsored research program examining the impact of FDI on China’s development.Built relationships and foster substantive collaborations on trade, investment, and sustainability issues with other like-minded organizations.Served as Managing Editor of Tradevistas, a joint initiative of the Hinrich Foundation and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).Regularly presented Foundation viewpoints and analysis at conferences and seminars, as well as media interviews.

Hong Kong

Teach MBA course "Emerging Challenges in International Business for Managers", and provide various guest lectures.

Research and write major commissioned research studies on issues related to globalization, development, international trade, finance and economics. Current or recent studies (typically in excess of 90 pages in length) include: 1) an analysis of the evolving role of China in international institutions such as the ADB, and 2) an analysis of global imbalances and industrial policy (in conjunction with the China Development Institute in Shenzhen), and 3) an assessment of the implications of the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community. Also write numerous shorter articles on global or regional economic issues for journals and newspapers.Provide a variety of services to corporate clients interested in business development opportunities in Asia. This includes the organization and execution of high-level business missions into selected markets, as well as the development and delivery of background lectures and briefing materials on Asian economies.Assist governments in developing trade and investment promotion activities, and in maximizing the benefits derived from trade and investment liberalization agreements.Provide expertise, input and presentations to international or regional institutions on economic, social and business issues, including UNESCAP and ADB.

Cairo Governorate, Egypt

ARTOC is a major Middle Eastern conglomerate, with companies in a variety of sectors, including real estate, automotive, consumer products, petroleum, engineering, and publications. Served on ARTOC's Senior Executive Committee, which oversees the operations of all ARTOC companies. Participated in the development of individual corporate business plans, and monitored financial results and achievement of operational objectives. Met with company heads on regular basis to review progress, and assisted on company operational issues as appropriate.Developed international business and investment opportunities for the ARTOC Group, evaluated business proposals and plans, and provided recommendations directly to Chairman. Met with prospective business partners, from the Middle East, Asia and emerging European markets, to discuss and negotiate potential business collaboration including joint ventures and distribution agreements. Spear-headed a major corporate re-branding initiative, including a refreshed corporate identity and an extensive television advertising campaign on CNN International, including sponsorship of the highly-rated “Business Traveler” program. Led ARTOC’s participation in various NGO and membership organizations, such as the World Economic Forum and the Arab Business Council. Liaise with diplomatic community in Cairo.

Hong Kong

Served as PBEC’s Chief Executive and oversaw all aspects of the organization’s operation. Responsibilities included: policy, communications, strategic planning, external relations, media, finance, and administration. PBEC is the oldest organization of senior business leaders in the Asia Pacific, representing several hundred corporations in twenty countries and economies around the region. Worked with PBEC’s corporate leaders to develop policy recommendations on business and economic issues. Promoted these recommendations to individual governments and organizations such as the WTO and APEC. Attended APEC leaders meeting and coordinated PBEC’s policy input and media relations. Coordinated the policy activities of a number of PBEC working committees, in areas such as corporate social responsibility, trade and investment, environment, and anti-corruption. Strengthened PBEC’s working relationship with other prominent international organizations such as APEC, the World Trade Organization, the OECD, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the United Nations. Liaised with officials at these organizations to conceive and develop collaborative projects, conferences, and initiatives on issues of mutual concern, such as economic development, the environment, anti-corruption, and regulatory reform. Represented PBEC’s policy positions at international conferences.Developed and maintained close working relationships with key journalists and editors from prominent media outlets and publications throughout the region in order to promote PBEC’s international profile. Wrote opinion articles on Asia issues for prominent publications such as the International Herald Tribune. Worked closely with White House officials to coordinate media aspects of Presidential participation in PBEC/APEC events. Drafted and disseminated media advisories and press releases. Organized and moderated press conferences and press briefings.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Worked with economic development officials to assist Hawaii companies in exploring Asian markets. Conducted economic research and analysis on Asia-Pacific region and produced detailed written reports. Provided advice to companies interested in trade/investment in Asia. Provided advice to Hawaii state legislature on Asia-Pacific economies and opportunities for Hawaii companies. Monitored and reported on international political, business, investment, and import/export trends, especially in Asia-Pacific region. Spoke to business groups on trade and investment issues.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Member of U.S. negotiating team for North American Free Trade Negotiations (NAFTA). Wrote position papers, action plans, and talking points for Cabinet officials on policy issues. Particular expertise in areas of intellectual property rights, technical barriers to trade, automotive trade, section 301 cases, and forest industries.Represented Commerce Department in follow-up negotiations mandated by U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). Engaged in consultations with Government of Canada on CFTA disputes. Provided detailed briefings, oral and written, to Cabinet officials. Spoke to organizations across country on CFTA and NAFTA. Responded to numerous media inquiries.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Member of U.S. negotiating team for U.S.-Canada Free Trade negotiations (CFTA). Worked extensively on tariff negotiations and reported directly to chief U.S. negotiator. Wrote policy recommendations and talking points for Cabinet officials.

Master'S Degree, International Relations

Bachelor'S Degree, History