Trade and economic development issues are at the heart of a chamber of commerce’s daily work, not only at the local, regional and national level, but also at a transnational level. ICC World Chambers Federation’s (WCF)
Transnational Chambers of Commerce Forum drew members of the transnational
chamber community from all corners of the world
to Paris this week,
providing them with a unique opportunity to exchange programmes, activities and opportunities for supporting their business constituency with their peers. Following the success of the transnational chamber meeting at the 4th World Chambers Congress in Durban, South Africa earlier this year, this second meeting was convened to honour and introduce the incoming President of Eurochambres, Pierre Simon, who is also President of the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Three new transnational groups were noted at the meeting: the Indian Ocean Chamber of Commerce group, lead by the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce & Industry; a private sector group for chambers and companies in the Pacific Islands; and the Adriatic Chambers of Commerce which links the chamber communities of Serbia & Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Slovenia, Italy and Greece. Milan Jankovic, President of the Adriatic Chambers of Commerce and the Belgrade Chamber said: “This forum and the opportunities it opens to work with chambers at all levels provides chambers with direction and optimism about what they can obtain for their business community”.
A key concern, raised as a priority for WCF in 2006, was the strengthening of the chamber brand since perceptions of what chambers are and do vary greatly from country to country. Delegates proposed the development of a system or standard to help chambers at the local level show that they are meeting international chamber of commerce standards.
Several transnational chamber delegates reported to the group on their chambers activities and current priorities:
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The Canadian Chamber of Commerce presented its experience of the meeting of G8 Chambers of Commerce in Scotland which coincided with the
Group of Eight leading industrial economies (
G8) meeting in July this year. It also updated delegates on the Circumpolar Chamber of Commerce initiative, which unites
chambers of commerce and business communities in northern latitudes
.
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The Islamic Chambers of Commerce informed delegates of its various education and training initiatives, its trade and investment programmes, including its efforts in developing women entrepreneurs, and its upcoming Islamic trade forum in Kuwait.
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The Union of African Chambers of Commerce and the Southern African Chambers (SADC) spoke about the challenges for their area and sought support from other regions to assist the business and chamber communities’ development.
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The Federation of Russian Chambers of Commerce spoke of its ties with several associations, including a chamber group which links former soviet states.
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Junior Chamber International reported on its organization focus, branding challenges across its 100 member countries, and the establishment of its leadership, entrepreneurship and management training mission.
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The Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry’s (CACCI) programme of activities for 2006 included the launching of the CACCI Asia-Pacific Young Entrepreneurs Awards.
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The Association of Mediterranean Chambers (ASCAME) reported that it will hold its 2007 meeting back to back with the WCF World Chambers Congress which will be held in Istanbul from 4-6 July 2007. ASCAME representative Pere Vicens said: “Chambers at all levels, especially transnational chambers, should make the most to learn and make links with each other, through WCF, the global forum for the chamber community.”
Chambers and organizations represented at the WCF transnational chamber meeting included:
World Chambers Federation
Junior Chamber International
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Eurochambres
Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry (CACCI)
Adriatic Chambers of Commerce
Association of Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce & Industry
Southern African Chambers of Commerce (SADC)
The Union of African Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture & Professions
Chamber of Commerce & Industry of the Russian Federation
Islamic Chambers of Commerce
Conference Permanent des Chambres de Commerce Africaines et Francaises
United Nations Development Program (Business Partnerships)
ICC World Chambers Federation
