Chambers of commerce, large and small, benefit from a rare opportunity to come together to share best practices, exchange information and develop networks when they take part in a World Chambers Federation Congress, according to the Monaco Chamber for Economic Development (CDE), a regular participant.
Jean-Pierre Fonteneau, Director General of the CDE and Secretary General of ICC Monaco, recalls that his groups' participation in the 2001 World Chambers Congress in Korea quickly drew his attention to the relevance and effectiveness of the congress.
"Our chamber, comprised of five staff and 350 members is relatively small, but just three days in Seoul was sufficient time to achieve a great deal of recognition for the work of our chamber, identify potential areas for growth and to promote the Monegasque economy," he said.
The entrepreneurial efforts of individual chambers are also spotlighted and rewarded through the World Chambers Competition.
The congress is organized by the World Chambers Federation (WCF), ICC's specialized division for its chamber of commerce members worldwide.
"The World Chambers Congress is an ideal opportunity for chambers to determine their future on critical issues such as chamber accreditation and branding, small business services, financing and the Internet," said WCF Chair Avijit Mazumdar.
An increasing number of chambers are making sure that the biennial World Chambers Congress is a priority on their chamber's calendar. Delegates come together from as far as DR Congo, New Zealand, Ecuador, Mongolia, Nepal, Fiji, Madagascar, Uganda, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Ivory Coast, Costa Rica and Cuba. Chambers from over 91 countries were present at the 3rd World Chambers Congress held in Quebec in 2003.
The 4th World Chambers Congress will take place in June in Durban, South Africa. It is expected to attract over 1000 chamber executives from around the world and marks the first time the congress will be held on the African continent.
Mr Fonteneau referred to the congress as a veritable international gathering that presents considerable opportunities to chambers of commerce and businesses alike.
"We have not missed a congress to date and are already planning to be at the 2007 congress in Istanbul," he said. "The chamber learnt many things from the various workshops and plenary sessions at the last congress in Quebec. Our Monagesque delegation - comprised of 44 leading member companies - gained invaluable know how on how a chamber should operate, inspiring us to strive to achieve more in our development.
"Delegates were also able to explore new business opportunities not only with business in the region, but with other congress delegates from around the world. Our chamber has certainly been strengthened by our presence at the congress."
Mr Fonteneau added:
"Experience has taught us that the key to a successful congress is good preparation."
His advice to chambers and businesses around the world contemplating particip ating in this year's congress- "Just do it," he said. "We look forward to seeing you there."
For further information please contact:
Anthony Parkes
Director
Email:
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Helene Kolmodin
Assistant
Email:
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World Chambers Federation
World Chambers Competition
Monaco Chamber for Economic Development
