A new organization bringing together business interests throughout Africa was launched here today.
The Union of African Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Professions (UACCIAP) aims to "dynamize" the role of the private sector in Africa, said Abdel Sattar Eshrah, of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, the initiators of the new union. He predicted that African prosperity and African welfare would flow from this "great edifice" of 42 countries.
It is the first such organization to unite chambers of commerce throughout Africa.
The launch took place at the 4th World Chambers Congress in Durban, where some 800 business people from 88 countries are meeting in this year's biggest gathering of chambers of commerce. It comes at a time when the world is specially focusing on Africa, with the continent high on the agenda of the Group of Eight most industrialized countries when it meets in Scotland in July.
Among the aims of UACCIAP:
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to enhance the economic development of Africa;
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to help upgrade chambers, national federations and similar organizations concerned with boosting trade among African countries;
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to act as a bridge between its members and other African organizations to consolidate economic integration in the continent;
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to work for greater freedom of movement for people, goods and services between African countries;
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to help in the creation of small and medium enterprises;
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to set up an arbitration mechanism for trade disputes;
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to remain in close contract with African Union and overseas organizations.
Mr Eshrah outlined the goals of UACCIAP this morning on the news program "180 degrees", which is broadcast throughout Africa by South Africa's leading broadcast network, SABC.
ICC Egypt, founded in 1974, is based in Cairo. It has worked consistently to prepare the groundwork for UACCIAP. A conference in Alexandria in December, "Towards a Strong Economic African Relationship", preceded today's formal foundation of the union in Durban.
For more information or to organize interviews please contact:
In Durban:
Mary A. Kelly, Director of Communications, International Chamber of Commerce,
Click here to send a mail
.
Claire Kilvert, Communications Manager, International Chamber of Commerce,
Click here to send a mail
.
In Paris:
Dawn Chardonnal, Communications Manager, International Chamber of Commerce, +33 (0)1 49 53 29 07;
Click here to send a mail
.
World Chambers Congress website
