The Russian State University of Trade and Economics (RSUTE) has splendid traditions. Its history dates back to March 12, 1804, when the Moscow Imperial Commercial College was founded by the decree of Emperor Alexander I.
In the Soviet period the Moscow Imperial commercial College has been replaced by a Factory workers' education center, which was then converted into a college. In 1930 on its basis the All–Union Extra-Mural (Correspondence) Trade Institute was established. Its main mission was to train specialists for the country’s centralized distribution system. The Institute had branches in nearly all former Soviet republics.
In 1990 the Institute underwent considerable dramatic changes: the structure of the school and its curricula were radically reformed to solve problems of a growing market economy. To meet the challenges of the fledgling market economy and higher education based on needs of the market, full and part-time programs were given priority in the study process. These changes brought about new types of courses and teaching methods. In this year the Institute was named the Moscow Institute of Commerce.
In 1993 the Institute was given a university status. Then in 1995 it was named the Moscow State University of Commerce. For many decades the university accounted for some 80% of all middle and high management personnel at trade firms, including high-flying positions at the country’s federal and republic’s ministries.
In 2002 our teaching institution was named the Russian State Trade-Economic University (RSUTE). Today it is the main institution of higher education for the trade industry and estimated as the largest university complex in Russia which carries out educational programs, develops methodology and conducts research activities. It established very close links with the State institutions, largest domestic and foreign companies. Since 1930, more than 200,000 students have graduated RSUTE. In 2010 the University celebrated its 80th anniversary.