This year’s finalists in the 2009 World Chambers Competition Best Networking Project will cover a wide range of topics when they present their projects to an international judging panel during the 6th World Chambers Congress.
The Competition will be close with finalist’s project issues ranging from corporate social responsibility, and supporting the economic re-development of tsunami affected areas, to creating clusters and working with other chambers to promote business development in selected industries.
The winner will be announced at a special event to be held on the final day of the Congress.
This year’s Best Networking finalists are:
Serbian Chamber of Commerce
– Establishing CSR in SEE
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an important topic for South East Europe countries as it will assist them in gaining a stronger connection to the international business community. In 2007 the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, jointly with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, organized a conference on CSR for small- and medium-sized businesses. They also established the CSR Award 2007 to identify the best CSR projects and initiatives in South Eastern Europe.
“We would like to express our gratitude to the World Chambers Federation and respected judges for selecting the Serbian Chamber of Commerce Project – Establishing Corporate Social Responsibility in South East Europe – to be one of the 4 most successful best networking projects. It is a great reward for us, but at the same time, we face the challenge of presenting, in the best way, both our country and our project in the final competition.”
Konya Chamber of Industry
– Konya Auto Sub Industry Cluster
With both regional and international competition in automotive sub-industries increasing, in 2006 a study was undertaken with the cooperation of both Selcuk University and the Konya Chamber of Industry to look into the potential benefits of creating the Konya Auto Sub Industry Cluster.
“To be announced as a finalist in the category of Best Networking Project which we have participated within this valuable organization, is an honour for us and motivated in the sense of that our endeavours produce success,” said Tahir Büyükhelvacıgil, Chairman, Konya Chamber of Industry.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Dubai Hamburg Business Forum
With similar logistical infrastructure and worldwide renowned sea ports, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce agreed to work together to implement the Dubai Hamburg Business Forum. The aim of the project was to promote business development in selected industries in the regions by providing a channel to exchange information and research on opportunities or challenges each market faces. The forum provides a full programme of plenary sessions, interactive briefings and networking opportunities, along with one-to-one sessions and site visits.
“The Dubai Chamber is honoured with its nomination in the Best Networking Project category for the 4th World Chambers Competition,” said Hamad Buamim, Director General, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “The nomination is an incentive for us to strengthen and enhance our value-added services, formulate new innovative initiatives and move on in our steady march towards supporting and protecting the interests of the business community in Dubai. We consider being a finalist in the competition as an indicator that the Dubai Chamber is becoming one of the leading chambers in the world,”
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce – 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.
“We are delighted to have been short-listed for the Best Networking Project award. The Asian tsunami of 2004 presented unprecedented challenges for the people of the Hambantota district of Sri Lanka. Our project, however, shows how something positive can come out of such a terrible situation. We are delighted that the international chamber movement has recognized the personal commitment and long-term relationship building that has taken place between individuals in the two chambers over the past six years," said Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Angie Robinson.
The World Chambers Competition, organized by the ICC World Chambers Federation, is the only global awards programme to recognize the most innovative projects undertaken by chambers of commerce and industry from around the world. The 2009 edition of the World Chambers Competition attracted 48 entries from 31 countries.
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World Chambers Competition
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6th World Chambers Congress