Ambassador Jonatan Vseviov and Alvar Soosaar.
Photo by Estonian Embassy in Washington

In September, Alvar Soosaar began his term as Director of U.S. investment and Trade out of the Embassy in Washington, DC.

His naming came as part of the expansion of Estonia’s business diplomacy efforts in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“I look forward to devoting my time, effort, and network full-time to growing Estonia’s exports to, and investment from, the United States,” said Soosaar. “It was time for me to contribute back to a country that has given me and my family so much, a country that has world-class companies and products that it wants to share.”

“Alvar Soosaar is of a rare breed: an experienced individual with strong business networks and language skills in both Estonia and in the United States, and we are thrilled to bring him on board,” said Jonatan Vseviov, Ambassador of Estonia to the United States. “With this appointment and others elsewhere around the world, the message is clear: Estonia is open for business.”

Covid-19 has had an impact on trade and investment everywhere, and yet, Estonia’s tech-savvy e-governance has meant those impacts were minimized in the EU member state.

“One of the very first things we are doing is leading a virtual trade delegation to the United States in October,” according to Soosaar. “Some of Estonia’s very best companies will be presenting to, and having breakout sessions with a hand-picked group of U.S. potential clients and investors.

We are confident that the event will ultimately lead to a number of mutually beneficial business connections.”

Soosaar, who was born in the United States, has a 25-year career as an investment manager, angel investor, and entrepreneur in the United States, Bermuda, and  Ireland. He has an MBA from the University of Oxford and his undergraduate degree is from the University of Virginia.

Photos and text:
Estonian Embassy in Washington