World Chambers Federation
Transnational Chambers of Commerce stage inaugural meeting
The inaugural meeting of the Transnational Chambers of Commerce was held at ICC Headquarters in Paris last week attracting an unprecedented number of participants from around the world and addressing issues of urgent importance to chambers everywhere.
The meeting produced a number of important action items, including further promotion of the World Chambers Network, addressing quality audits and chamber accreditation problems, as well as an agreement to organize a meeting with funding partners.
Invitations to this unique event were extended by the World Chambers Federation (WCF) and the World Chambers Network (WCN). WCF is a founding partner of the WCN, the only web-site designed by chambers of commerce, for chambers of commerce worldwide.
The meeting found that chambers operating at local and national levels have different priorities based on the geography, economics and politics of their specific region.
Speakers at the meeting concluded that despite such differences, transnational chambers, which operate in a unique space between national chambers and the international chamber of commerce, have much in common.
Presenters also provided an overview of the latest developments at the World Chambers Network (WCN) and its range of services. Of particular note was a look at how electronic business is opening up new opportunities and challenges for chambers. Transnational chambers were further able to provide their input on issues they would like to see addressed at the upcoming 3rd World Chambers Congress, to be held in Quebec City, Canada 15 – 17 September 2003.
Building on the success of this inaugural meeting, WCF director Anthony Parkes said that planning is underway to make the transnational chambers meeting an annual event. The next meeting is expected to take place in Quebec City, Canada during the 3rd World Chambers Congress.
Maria Livanos Cattaui, Secretary General of ICC: the world business organization and Avijit Mazumdar, Chair of the World Chambers Federation (WCF), opened the meeting. Avijit Mazumdar, and George Fischer Chairman of the World Chambers Network (WCN) and Deputy Director, for the Economic Information Department for the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry co-chaired the meeting.
