Chambers address economy recovery at Asia Pacific Congress

“As history has taught us, together, a global network of chambers can realize hopes and tackle problems much more effectively than if individual chambers try to survive alone,” said Rona Yircali, Chairman of ICC World Chambers Federation during his keynote address at the first Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce Congress organized by the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC) in Kunshan, China, 29-30 March, 2012.

Welcomed by CCOIC-CCPIT Chairman Wan Jifei, Mr Yircali and Jean-Guy Carrier, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), were joined by some of the most influential members of the global chamber community to address the critical need for chambers to work together at a turning point in the global economy.

Chamber, government and business leaders debated, during a series of panels, on the economic recovery and trade outlook in the Asia Pacific region, as well as on the impact of China’s import expansion policies. Panels were led by WCF Vice-Chair Mustafa Mansur and ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman.

“The more Chinese companies integrate themselves in the global economy and do business with the rest of the world, the more relevant ICC products and services will be to them,” said Mr Carrier during the discussions following his keynote address. “The time to build our cooperation is now.”

Mr Yircali congratulated CCOIC on initiating the First China Import Fair, held alongside the Congress. The fair was supported by ICC and the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF).

“The best thing a chamber can do for the local economy is to find ways to expand its role in the world economy,” Mr Yircali said. “We must encourage and help local businesses to explore and develop international markets. This is a vital role for chambers.”

Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico (Philippines), who is the President of the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry, met with the CCOIC Chairman – with the support of WCF – to open dialogue and strengthen ties between their respective organizations.

More than 200 chamber colleagues from 40 countries, accompanied by 600 of their member companies, attended the various events over the two days. The 2nd China Import Fair will be held in May 2013.
During the event, ICC National Committees from the Asia region also held their annual meeting.

Learn more about the China International Import Expo