Over centuries, different parts of the world have become increasingly interconnected and since the 1980’s, the pace of this (economic) interconnectedness has accelerated. With the Cold War over, China opening up and the spread of the World Wide Web, there were no more limits in connecting the Globe. Problems like war, famine and plaque seemed conquered, and we were entering a new bright future. But then came the financial crises, the rising of the so called Global South, geopolitical reality, climate change and COVID-19. The vision of the bright future became cloudy. Western economies began to see their weaknesses. It turned out that they had become depended on far away resources, in places that were, or could become ‘uncontrollable’. This started a process of near-shoring and friend-shoring. All encouraging the process of Regionalization, and the creation of different economic blocs.

Does this means the era of Globalization is over? With almost 30 years of experience in international trade and having worked on 4 different continents, Mr. De Potter will share his views on this evolution. He will give an insight on how Europe is strengthening its position to keep playing its role in the global economy.

Mr. Frederik De Potter is Economic Counselor, representing the interests of Flanders in Chicago. Before coming to Chicago, Mr. De Potter was a diplomat in Saint-Petersburg, Riyadh, Prague, and Seoul.

Lunch will be provided.