10th World Chambers Congress, one week to go

Organised by the International Chamber of Commerce and the World Chambers Federation, the event – held every two years – is being staged in Australia for the first time with co-organisers Sydney and NSW Business Chambers.

“This 10th edition of the Congress is a major opportunity to examine current developments affecting chambers of commerce and their respective business communities,” said World Chambers Federation Chairman Peter Mihok. “As the champion of the chamber community, the World Chambers Federation is looking forward to welcoming participants who, in a digital age, recognise the value of face-face interaction with like-minded leaders.”

Sydney won the right to host the event having competed in a selection process which received bids from China, India and The Philippines.

Under the theme ‘Where Business Connects’, the 10th World Chambers Congress is the unique global forum where chambers and their business leaders address the business and economic issues that impact their local business communities.

“Having attended the past three Congresses in Mexico, Qatar and Italy, I know how beneficial this gathering is to share ideas, success stories and to hear the latest business developments from across the globe,” said NSW Business Chamber CEO Stephen Cartwright, who is also a Councilor of the World Chambers Federation.

Discussions over the three days will include:

• Business, conflict and terrorism;
• Global mobility;
• The future of cities;
• Access to finance for small and medium businesses;
• Youth entrepreneurship; and
• The 4th industrial revolution

One of the highlights of any World Chambers Congress is the World Chambers Competition, where chambers of commence from across the world showcase what they have done for their members.

Categories this year are:

• Best education and training project;
• Best job creation and development project;
• Best corporate social responsibility project; and
• Best unconventional project

“From the opening ceremony on the first morning to the gala dinner on the third night, the team in Sydney, in consultation with the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris has worked tirelessly to make this a great event,” Mr Cartwright said.

“I’m really looking forward to hosting these business leaders in Sydney and I know how beneficial the Congress will be for all of those attending. A great programme has been developed and there are amazing opportunities for Australian businesses to connect, network and start business discussions with new overseas markets.”

“We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the mix of nationalities that have registered for next week’s Congress – there are big delegations from Africa, South East Asia, the Middle East, South America and Central Europe, all of whom have set up side meetings with Australian suppliers and distributors while they are here.

“They’re not coming for a holiday, they’re here to do business, which is what the international chamber network was designed to facilitate,” Mr Cartwright said.