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More than 150 business executives from over 80 countries convened here today for the 186th session of the ICC World Council.
The meeting delegates came from as far afield as South Korea, Indonesia, South Africa and the US. From the Netherlands, Romania, Finland, India and China.
Led by ICC Chairman, and Vivendi Universal CEO, Jean-René Fourtou, the Council took stock of the world business organization's activities in 2003 and set targets for 2004.
Four new national committees were welcomed to ICC's global business network - ICC El Salvador, ICC Malaysia, ICC Panama and ICC United Arab Emirates.
"ICC's influence grows with every year," said Mr Fourtou. "The addition to ICC of these four new national committees is evidence of the legitimacy and vitality of this unique global network."
Guest speakers, His Excellency Hassan Abouyoub, Moroccan ambassador to France and Mr Andre Azoulay, adviser to the King of Morocco, told Council delegates of the advanced state of planning for next year's ICC World Congress in Marrakesh (June 6-9) - "Standing up for the global economy".
"Morocco is a dynamic country with an economy in transition," Mr Azoulay said. "The congress will do much to highlight the business opportunities which exist there, as well as provide you, the world business community, with a fitting backdrop to set directions for future growth of the global economy."
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chair of ICC's commission on e-business, presented delegates with the ICC work plan for the upcoming World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva.
Citing the considerable advocacy ICC has undertaken on behalf of business during preparations for the Summit, Mr Abu-Ghazaleh said outcomes reached in Geneva could have profound impacts on the way business and the internet interact in the future.
"It is vitally important that we are active at WSIS to ensure the voice of business is heard during these governmental deliberations," he said. "The future shape of e-business will be determined, our vested interest here is obvious."
ICC's Commercial Crimes Services (CCS) director, Captain Pottengal Mukundan, used the meeting to highlight new trends in trade fraud and maritime piracy.
Outlining the recent growth in membership of the CCS, Captain Mukundan said the new era of heightened security in the world meant that the CCS had "never been busier".
"Port security and piracy prevention have never been more important, financial fraud and cybercrime are all on the increase," he said. "Companies need to be vigilant like never before, which means CCS services and products have never been more important."
ICC Court of Arbitration chairman, Dr Robert Briner spoke of renewed efforts to market the court's burgeoning array of dispute resolution services.
"We have launched a concerted marketing effort to further spread the good work and services of the ICC Court of Arbitraton," he said. "More and more companies are beginning to realize the sense and efficacy o
f inserting an ICC Arbitration clause in their contracts."
For the the full list of delegates and countries represented at the 186th ICC World Council, click here.