Following an unprecedented number of bidding chambers, Torino’s bid with the theme “community, identity and vision”, narrowly triumphed to co-host the Congress with the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF) when it returns to Europe in 2015.

Located in the geographic and manufacturing heart of Italy, Torino is a constantly evolving city. The cradle of the Italian automotive industry, Torino is also the home of thriving industry sectors from aerospace, energy and environment and biomedicine to food and wine – all sectors with great potential for growth and innovation.

President of the Torino Chamber of Commerce Alessandro Barberis links the process of organizing the 9th World Chambers Congress to a broader initiative aimed at making Torino a city well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of globalization. “Torino delivers beyond expectations,” he said. “It is a city with a rich variety of cultures, languages and entrepreneurial talents. This is our strength – and the strength of WCF. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover Torino as a top-class destination offering quality facilities charming landscapes and local food excellence”.

With the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services, the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce as first-rate contenders, voting was a close call. Geneva distinguished itself with its unique international atmosphere given that it is home to several international organizations and NGOs. Liverpool’s bid was driven by culture and regeneration, repositioning the city as a truly unique destination for world trade, heritage and tourism. Belfast was the “believer” among the four chambers, inviting chambers worldwide to come and witness a new Northern Ireland with its growing economy, and to help rebuild its international ties.

“It has not been an easy task choosing between these four candidates,” said Rona Yircali, WCF Chair who also chaired the Congress selection jury. “These chambers are all at the heart of very diverse trade and business hubs and all put together extremely attractive proposals.”

On behalf of the selection jury – comprising the WCF General Council and the ICC chairmanship – Mr Yircali congratulated Torino and extended his personal gratitude to the other candidates, for the great deal of effort and thought put into their bids.

Organized by WCF and held every two years in different regions of the world, the World Chambers Congress is the only international forum for chamber of commerce leaders to share best-practice experience, develop networks, learn about new areas of innovation from other chambers, and address the local business issues pertinent to the companies in their region. The 8th World Chambers Congress will be held in Doha, Qatar, 22-25 April 2013.

For more information visit World Chambers Congress.