ATA Carnet Council re-elects Chairman Peter Bishop

Managed jointly by the ICC World Chambers Federation and the World Customs Organization, the ATA Carnet system enables duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods of professional equipment, commercial samples, and goods for trade fairs and exhibitions for up to one year. Chambers in 67 countries issued more than 150,000 Carnets in 2009, for goods valued at more than US$17 billion.

Mr Bishop first became WATAC Chairman in 2004, succeeding Patrick Coidan from Switzerland, and was re-elected in 2007.  Following a proposal by WCF Chairman Rona Yircali, Mr Bishop agreed to chair WATAC and its Administrative Committee for another term.

“I am honoured to continue in the role of WATAC Chairman to ensure the continuity and stability of the work performed by the ATA team,” said Mr Bishop.

Mr Bishopis Deputy Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry where he is responsible for the Chamber’s international trade activities which include documentation, a European Information Centre, events, trade missions and exhibitions.

In a typical year the London Chamber issues over 140,000 export and import documents, answers 5,000 trade enquiries, and organises 12 trade missions, and 30 export seminars each year. Mr Bishop also overseas the chamber’s Asian Business Association and information service.