ICC’s World Chambers Federation has released the themes of its 6th World Chambers Congress plenary sessions.

Under the theme umbrella “Leading sustainable growth and change", the three-day congress – to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 3-5 June 2009 – will address paramount challenges faced by chambers and their businesses today during three plenary sessions:

• Economic impact of climate change;
• Interdependency between food, water and energy crisis; and
• Challenges and opportunities of globalization

In addition, a series of 16 workshops divided into tracks (business issues, professional development and chamber services), will provide practical solutions and best practice guides for chamber and business leaders alike.

Workshop topics include: Intellectual property issues for chambers and SMEs, empowering women in business, Web 2.0 in business, how to develop young entrepreneurs, chambers and the environment, social responsibility and governance for chambers and association, and trade facilitation projects and services.

"The right mix of topics and best practices through our plenary sessions and workshops, with world class speakers continues to make the congress the premier meeting place for chamber leaders from all around the world," said World Chambers Federation Chair Rona Yircali.

This year’s congress is organized by ICC's World Chambers Federation, and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).

“This is the first time the World Chambers Congress will be held in South-East Asia,” said Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon, President of FMM. "Our hope is that many chambers from developing countries in the region will be able to attend, thus opening the door for discussions and partnerships with chambers from industrialized countries."

FMM, with the support of local partners, will arrange an extensive business programme for business delegations accompanying chambers. The business programme includes:

• FMM Conference on Excellence in Manufacturing
  (2 June 2009, Impiana KLCC Hotel and Spa, Kuala Lumpur)
  Focusing on strategies for operational and management excellence in manufacturing and international value chains. The conference will present CEO perspectives on global manufacturing, latest trends in globalization and manufacturing for operational and supply networks, and focus on business strategy through innovation.
  
• MIDA Seminar: Investment Opportunities in the Manufacturing and Services Sectors in Malaysia
  (3 June 2009, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre)
  Highlighting Malaysia's favourable environment for investors, the seminar provides plentiful opportunities for participants to create business ties with leaders in the region. Participants will network with Malaysian companies and develop strategic business partnerships during the business-matching sessions.
  
• SMIDEX 2009
  (3 – 5 June 2009, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre)
  An avenue for small- and medium-sized enterprises to network and to exhibit products and services to potential buyers. Large and multinational companies are also invited to explore new technologies and business opportunities with suppliers and partners during this event.

For more information and to register for any part of the business programme, please contact Angelina Lim (wcc2009@fmm.org.my).

Since the First World Chambers Congress was held in Marseille in 1999, the biennial World Chambers Congress has quickly established itself as the place where chambers of commerce from around the world come together to share best-practices and develop networks. More than 1600 delegates from at least 100 countries are expected to attend the congress next year.

To learn more about the World Chambers Congress, please visit: www.KL2009.com