Chambers of commerce sign up for global gathering
Marseille, 1 August 1999 - The Premiere Congress in Marseilles at the end of September is the first world gathering of chambers of commerce. Already delegates from chambers in 52 countries have registered for the event.
The congress is being organized by the International Chamber of Commerce together with the oldest existing chamber, Marseille-Provence, which this year celebrates its 400th anniversary. Although there have been many events in the past bringing together chambers regionally, this is the first time there has been a global gathering.
The congress, from 30 September - 1 October 1999, aims to look at the role of chambers of commerce in the 21st century, affirming the important part they play in business leadership and exploring their potential as catalysts for trade expansion in a world of instant communications and immediate access to up-to-date information. Issues covered will include e-commerce, the effects of globalization, financing, relations with government and inter-chamber cooperation across borders.
Delegates from as far afield as Australia, South Africa, India and Uganda have already secured their places at the Premiere Congress with on-line registration simplifying and speeding up the procedure. The United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank are also offering financial support for chambers in selected Less Developed Countries.
Avijit Mazumdar, Chair of ICC's International Bureau of Chambers of Commerce, believes the congress will give chambers an opportunity to showcase their best practices and the innovations they use to serve their local business communities. " By sharing and exchanging experiences, chambers will discover new ideas to implement in their own local marketplaces, " he said.
Click here to register on-line for the congress or to visit the Premiere website
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