Mexican president to open the World Chambers Congress in Mexico in June

Delegates will also hear Coca-Cola Chief Executive Muhtar Kent and Rona Yircali, Chairman of the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF), the body organizing the event in partnership with hosts Mexico City National Chamber of Commerce (CANACO).

Speakers with key positions in chambers, business and government will tackle topical issues in a series of plenary and workshop sessions that follow the event’s overarching theme of “Enterprise – Network – Prosperity”. Panels will face questions such as: “What is the outlook for the world economy?”; “How can business make the most of green economic growth?”; “What is the role of business in promoting global peace?”, and “How can governments and business together ensure a well-educated, available workforce?”

In an online film inviting the world’s chambers of commerce and their business members to the event, Mr Yircali said the 7th World Congress promised to be an outstanding professional and personal experience.

“The Congress will come at a historic turning point for businesses and industry as the global economy emerges from recession and the new world economic order moves into place. The Mexico Congress will allow delegates from around the world to take advantage of the renewed economic dynamism in the Americas as well as to share best practices and explore new opportunities,” said Mr Yircali. “The choice of Mexico City is sure to make our seventh Congress an exciting event to attend.”

The last World Chambers Congress, held two years ago in Malaysia during the peak of the economic and health crises, brought together more than 1,000 chamber leaders from more than 100 countries. The success of this Congress reinforced the importance of the chamber network, and their relevance of working together to help SMEs locally.

The Congress is not just talk: there is action too. In eight training workshops, experts will give practical advice enabling chambers to improve services for their own business communities on their return home. Of the wide range of activities on offer, workshop participants can choose to:

• Understand what it takes to be a successful leader
• Learn how to integrate a country into the ATA Carnet chain, permitting duty and tax-free temporary export or import of goods traded worldwide
• Learn how to join the R20 government and business coalition set up by US Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to contribute towards a global green economy
• See how social networking sites could undermine or empower the “old” chamber network.

For chambers and business executives wanting to maximize their exposure to new markets and expand their pool of vendors, the 7th World Congress is a chance to make valuable business contacts. To save them time, the organizers plan four speed-networking sessions, grouped by region: Africa and the Middle East; the Americas; Europe; and the Asia Pacific region.

Registration for the 7th World Chambers Congress is now open, with a discount for people signing up before 31 March 2011. Chambers with artistic flair can also enter a video competition to win a free entry.