- Best Unconventional Project
- Best Small Business Project
- Best International Project
- Best Networking Project
- Best Project from a Developing Country Chamber

Best Unconventional Project

INN - International Network of Norway

With an unemployment rate of fewer than 2%, Norway relies on foreign skilled workers to fill the gaps in local expertise. Norway is ranked by the UN as one of the best places to live in the world; however this did not stop 15-30% of the foreign labour force from breaking off their contracts early. In late February 20005, the Oslo Chamber of Commerce introduced INN® - International Network of Norway to assist expats in the various aspects of settling into their new lives in Norway. The service includes a handbook, assistance with visas, helping find housing and much more.

Finalists

Cámara de Industria, Comercio, Servicios y Turismo de Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Izmir Chamber of Commerce, Turkey
South Trinidad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Trinidad and Tobago
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia, Australia
Wermland Chamber of Commerce, Sweden

Full project

Best Small Business Project

Dual Vocational Training for Madagascar

In 2003, Madagascar started a political and economic reorientation. The new president of Madagascar invited the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce to analyze the potential of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Hamburg Chamber of Commerce concluded after discussions with numerous entrepreneurs, that there was a tremendous need for a qualified workforce. Dual Vocational Training (DVT) was introduced as a solution. DVT combines practical on-the-job training (80% of the apprenticeship) with theory classes (20% of the apprenticeship). At the end of the apprenticeship a final exam must be passed in order to obtain a certificate of proficiency.

Finalists

Greater Baltimore Committee, USA
Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mongolia
The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

Full project

Best International Project

From concept to car (FCTC)

The Piemonte region can be defined as the cradle of the automotive industry in Italy. With a slowdown in production at FIAT, the Torino Chamber of Commerce launched a marketing programme aimed to enhance the international visibility and business opportunities of and for the Piemonte automotive cluster. The project included organizing trade missions abroad with FCTC companies, organizing business to business meetings between local supplier and international car manufacturers and direct one-on-one assistance to local suppliers for their commercial contracts and negotiations with potential clients.

Finalists

Chamber of Commerce of Malaga, Spain
Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Turkey
Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, France
Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry, United Kingdom

Full project

Best Networking Project

Post-Tsunami Chamber Cooperation

Following the tsunami in December 2004, the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) took a decision to invest in a programme to support the economic re-development of tsunami affected areas. After a search for a suitable organization with whom it could build a relationship, GMCC signed a three-year partnership agreement with the Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka. The project has produced an economic development strategy for the Hambantota District, the development of tourism in the region and the development of a careers service centre.

Finalists

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dubai
Konya Chamber of Industry, Turkey
Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Serbia

Full project

Best Project from a Developing Country Chamber

Izmir University of Economics

The Izmir Chamber of Commerce realized that without the creation of an internationally orientated labour force, Izmir would be left behind in the rapidly developing world economy. Although establishing a university is not an activity typically associated with a chamber of commerce, in 2001 the chamber established the Izmir University of Economics. Through the university, the chamber has been able to strengthen its members and created a strong link between the business community and academia.

Full project