3-5 June 2009Kuala Lumpur, Malaysiawww.KL2009.com

Report

Your Congress organizers

ICC World Chambers Federation

Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2009, the international Chamber of Commerce (iCC) is the world business organization, representing enterprises from all sectors in every part of the world. The fundamental mission of iCC is to promote trade and investment across frontiers and help business corporations meet the challenges and opportunities of globalization.www.iccwbo.org

The World Chambers Federation (WCF) was established by iCC in 1951 to be the advocate of its chamber of commerce members worldwide. WCF is a non-political, non-governmental body representing the interests of all local, national, regional, bilateral and transnational chambers of commerce and industry.

WCF strengthens links between chambers, enabling them to improve performance as well as discover new products and services to offer their members. Chambers represent companies of all sizes, particularly small- to medium-sized enterprises, the backbone of any true world business organization. WCF promotes and protects the chamber of commerce as an essential intermediary between business and government and between business and the general public.www.worldchambersfederation.com

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) was established in 1968, as Malaysia’s premier business organization. With a membership of 2,200 companies and some 4,000 subsidiaries of member companies, FMM covers a wide cross-section of industry sectors which contribute to 32% of Malaysia’s gDP.

FMM has spearheaded the nation’s growth and modernization and is a leader of the manufacturing sector. as iCC’s national committee in Malaysia, FMM also represents business at both the regional and international levels. www.fmm.org.my

iCC World Chambers Federation38 Cours albert 1er

75008 Paris, FranceTel : + 33 1 49 53 29 44Fax : + 33 1 49 53 30 79e-mail : wcf@iccwbo.org

Federation of Malaysian ManufacturersWisma FMM no. 3, Persiaran Dagang PJu 9Bandar sri Damansara52200 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaTel : +603 6276 1211Fax : +603 6274 1266 or 6274 7288e-mail : wcc2009@fmm.org.my

Introduction ��Introduction

Perhaps never in human history has the very survival of mankind been so seriously threatened. With the world’s population growing exponentially, vital resources

such as food, water and energy will become insufficient to meet growing demand. The shortages are interrelated and exacerbated by climate change, which threatens to displace hundreds of millions of people due to flooding and make it difficult, if not impossible, to meet the basic needs of a population projected to reach 9.2 billion by 2050.

The 6th World Chambers Congress in Kuala Lumpur scrutinized these and other major problems and the role that the international business community can and should play in finding solutions. Three plenaries – Our Global Challenges, The Economic Implications of Climate Change, and Food, Water and Energy – heard from world experts about the extent of the problems and the consequences if the world community does not act urgently.

The Congress heard a specially taped message from former US President Bill Clinton in which he pointed out that the world’s great challenges are increasingly becoming urban challenges, with urban areas consuming 75% of the world’s energy and producing 80% of greenhouse gas emissions. The former president, now head of the William J. Clinton Foundation, said resolving the problems will require the creativity, flexibility and adaptability that characterize international business.

In choosing “Leading sustainable growth and change” as the theme of the Congress, the ICC World Chambers Federation and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers emphasized the social concerns and responsibility of the business community everywhere, from the backyard entrepreneur to the largest multi-national corporation.

The 6th World Chambers Congress will be remembered for raising the consciousness of the international business community about the challenges that face mankind, and especially for opening the debate in the search for solutions to those problems. It was indeed a crucial Congress in a time of challenge.

A CrUCIAL COnGrESS In A TIME OF ChALLEnGE

FMM President Mustafa Mansur, ICC Chairman Victor K. Fung and WCF Chair rona Yircali

The World Chambers Congress is the premier meeting place for the global chamber of commerce community

� �Opening Ceremony �

“�The�world�is�undergoing�profound�changes�as�a�consequence�of�our�response�to�the�uncertainties�and�volatility�of�the�global�economy.” Muhyiddin Yassin, Deputy Prime Minister, Malaysia

A COLOUrFUL CErEMOnY OPEnS A FOrWArD LOOKInG COnGrESS

A solo violinist played as colourfully dressed Malaysian dancers swayed to the traditional

“Tarian Makan Sirih” to inaugurate the 6th World Chambers Congress under the theme “Leading sustainable growth and change.”

“Given the nature of globalization, the imperative for business is ensuring competitiveness to stay resilient in the face of economic turbulence,” Deputy Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin told over 1,000 delegates from 105 countries gathered at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

“In response to the current global economic crisis, governments of affected economies are increasingly under pressure from deteriorating domestic economic conditions to adopt protectionist policies and measures,” Mr Yassin added. “Giving in to such pressures would only serve to make the situation worse and undermine the prospects of an early economic recovery. Countries must collectively refrain from protectionist tendencies.”

A highlight of the ceremony was the special message recorded for the Congress by former US President Bill Clinton, who told the delegates that “the world’s great challenges – whether climate change, food and water shortages, sanitation, or extreme poverty – are increasingly becoming urban challenges.”

In his opening remarks rona Yircali, Chair of the World Chambers Federation, emphasized the importance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the chamber movement as well as their vital contribution to the global economy.

“SMEs not only contribute to sustainable economic development by employment and trade, they also contribute to innovation and sustainability,” he said.

ICC Chairman Victor K. Fung reminded delegates that this year marks the 90th anniversary of ICC, founded by a group of visionary businessmen following World War I who became known as ‘Merchants of Peace’.

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“ICC’s voice is being heard in major international forums, including the G20 and the G8 thanks to our network of national committees and chamber of commerce members,” he added. “We have spoken out against protectionism and we have advocated increasing the availability of trade finance.”

Mustafa Mansur, President of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, which co-hosted the Congress, said the Congress would focus on key business challenges that affect the global business community. “This Congress will provide delegates with opportunities to discuss and share views on how to mitigate these challenges successfully.”

Mustafa Bayburtlu, representing the Union of Chambers of Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, the host of the 5th Congress in 2007, reminded delegates of the importance of this event as the platform for networking among the chambers from around the world.

The ceremony ended with Deputy Prime Minister Yassin sounding a gong, which in Malaysia symbolizes the unity of man.

“�Meeting�these�challenges�requires�the�creative�energy�of�the�business�world�–�its�flexibility��in�adapting�to�changing�circumstances,��its�search�for�efficiency,�and�concrete�results.” Bill Clinton, Chairman, William J. Clinton Foundation, United States of America

Opening Ceremony

Plenary Session Plenary Session ��

FOOD, WATEr AnD EnErGY

The growing shortages in food, water and energy are due to increasing population and

a rise in energy needs, but they are also linked to the effects of climate change. For this reason, they must be resolved simultaneously, according to experts who participated in the Food, Water and Energy plenary.

The relationship is particularly close between food and water shortages, as the water supply becomes more vulnerable while food production and deforestation increase, rajat Gupta, Senior Partner Emeritus, McKinsey & Company Inc. in new York told the panel. At the same time, there is a close relationship between the food and energy crises given the large amount of natural gas needed to produce fertilizer and nitrogen.

“Part of the problem is that some of these key resources have been mispriced,” Mr Gupta, who is also ICC Vice-Chairman, told the plenary. “When you allow free carbon emissions and water for agriculture is also available for free, you have unlimited use.”

Technology is the key to resolving the upcoming food shortage, according to Mike Mack, the CEO of Syngenta, a Swiss-based company specializing in Ag inputs, which creates the potential for plants to produce both food and energy. he said 50% more food will have to be produced by 2030 in order to meet needs if current population growth projections are accurate.

But while new technology is needed, Mr Mack added, correct use of existing technologies could easily increase rice yields in the next three to five years to six tonnes per acre compared with just four tonnes per acre today. Mr Mack

also called for greater government sponsorship of technology training and education and increased university participation on health and safety issues. But he said the biggest challenge was to pool resources to tackle the problems simultaneously.

Mr Mack added that so-called food crises in many developing countries are in large part due to infrastructure problems that delay or prevent products from reaching their markets.

Jack Moss, Senior Water Advisor for Aquafed, France, said poor water services limit productivity and restrain growth. he said water-related diseases are a serious threat to mankind, with half the world’s population lacking an adequate water supply. Moss said the current water demand was twice the rate of population growth in large part due to mismanagement.

Speaking on the subject of bio fuels and food production Megat Zaharuddin, Chairman, Platinum Energy Global, said the challenge was to find affordable energy supplies capable of sustaining communities around the world. Today world energy consumption is growing at a rate of 2-3% percent a year, with 35% of the energy generated coming from petroleum.

Mr Zaharuddin said that while bio fuels can reduce greenhouse effects, there is scepticism about their utility because it is estimated that even by 2030 liquid bio fuels will be able to meet only a small fraction of the world’s energy needs. he added that because of their cost, bio fuel production needs government subsidies, though new technologies and economies of scale can reduce the cost of producing bio fuels.

Global trends in demographics, migration and industrialization are putting enormous

pressures on vital resources including food, water and energy, and it is urgent that these issues and their relationship to climate change be addressed simultaneously if we are to avoid catastrophic consequences.

In a fascinating discussion looking forward to what our world may look like in 2025, Erik r. Peterson, Senior Vice President, Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC, outlined what he called the seven revolutionary forces of change that he said will be instrumental in shaping the future. These are population growth, resource management, technology, information, economic integration, conflict and governance.

“Your task is not to foresee the future, but rather to enable it,” Mr Peterson said, citing the French writer Saint Exupery.

Mr Peterson said the world’s population will reach eight billion people by 2030 and 9.2 billion by 2050 compared with 6.8 billion today. In addition, the world’s population will become increasingly older.

This growth will place added strains on resource management, raising questions about how much arable land and water will be left in the world. “The challenge,” he said, “is to expand food production by 50% by 2030 and double global food production by 2050.”

Sullivan O’Carroll, Managing Director of nestle, Malaysia, emphasized the need to conserve water, saying most cities have water distribution issues and that many countries have experienced water shortages. These trends, in addition to the large amounts of water it takes to produce food, could lead to acute competition for water usage that will reach intense levels by 2025.

For Victor K. Fung, ICC Chairman and moderator of the panel, changing the business model is more important than technological advances because it has a greater impact and ultimately affects technological choices. With the dispersed manufacturing that exists today, he said, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can be integrated into the global production chain.

“We need to measure the diverse worldwide patenting by SMEs and their impact,” Mr Fung said.

Lawal Mohammed Marafa, regional Coordinator for the new Partnership for Africa’s Development, stressed that economic integration needs to include the assimilation of knowledge and technology. he said technology can be made accessible to every part of the world, and insisted that knowledge is what leads to the development of new products.

Yoshihiro Watanabe, the Managing Director of the Institute for International Monetary Affairs in Japan, said societies must deal with their aging populations through life-long learning programmes and employment opportunities. These programmes would have the additional advantage of overcoming shortages in the workforce in some countries such as Japan and many European nations due to low birth rates.

“�With�its�far-sighted�programme��in�Kuala�Lumpur�this�year,�the��6th�World�Chambers�Congress�provided�participants�with�critical�information�and�know-how�on��how�they�and�their�organizations�can�and�should�respond�to�a��world�of�accelerating�change.” Erik R. Peterson, Senior Vice President, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, United States of America

OUr GLOBAL ChALLEnGES

“�We�need�to�know�what�future��we�want�to�be.” Yoshihiro Watanabe, Managing Director, Institute for International Monetary Affairs, Japan

“�Last�year’s�global�crisis�was�a��food�price�crisis,�not�a�food�crisis.” Mike Mack, CEO, Syngenta, Switzerland

“�The�world�water�crisis�is�an�accumulation��of�local�crises��that�require�local�solutions.�Powerful�voices�like�business�and�chambers�have�a�role�to�play.�Investments�in�water�and�sanitation,�relatively�small,��are�needed�now.” Jack Moss, Senior Water Advisor, Aquafed, France

Sullivan O’Carroll, Victor K. Fung, Yoshihiro Watanabe and Lawal Mohammed Marafa Megat Zaharuddin, rajat Gupta, Mike Mack and Jack Moss

Plenary Session� �

ThE ECOnOMIC IMPLICATIOnS OF CLIMATE ChAnGE

Climate change and its myriad implications for international business and society was

the topic of the plenary session dedicated to what may be the biggest challenge facing mankind, with experts telling delegates that international business must take a leading role in resolving the issue.

The plenary gave delegates from around the world the tools and information they can use in their home countries to help corporate and government leaders mitigate the effects of climate change and to adapt to new conditions resulting from the phenomenon.

In opening remarks, ICC Policy Manager for Environment and Energy Carlos Busquets pointed out that the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change said global emissions must be cut by half from 1990 levels by 2050 to have a reasonable chance of avoiding a 2°C temperature rise that is generally accepted as the threshold to avoid harmful and unpredictable climate change.

“This is quite a serious challenge,” Mr Busquets added, “with implications for energy access, development and economic growth.”

Kimball C. Chen, Chairman, Energy Transportation Group, Inc. in the United States, said business needed to know exactly what would be negotiated at the United nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen at the end of 2009. The convention is expected to

negotiate a post 2012 framework on greenhouse gas emissions.

For Patrice rollet, the Executive Chairman of Avantec SA, France, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have a major role to play in climate change because they can develop critical niche solutions within their area of expertise. “A new state of mind is needed for change,” he said. “Everybody in the company needs to adapt because change is continuous.”

But if SMEs are to play their full role, he added, they must be extensively informed on the issues before they can contribute to finding solutions. “Small can be beautiful, small can also be clean,” he added.

Chow Kok Kee, Managing Director of the Sustainable Technology resource Centre in Malaysia, said it was time to go beyond sharing knowledge and experiences on climate change issues with developing countries and accelerate the technology assistance and transfer from developed to developing nations.

he pointed out that in Malaysia the government was working with the private sector on transferring technology to turn waste into bio gases to harness energy by the palm oil industry.

“Global agreements and protocols are political commitments but at the operational level the business sector should be more involved,” he concluded.

“�You�need�to�learn�about�the�issues��of�climate�change.�There�will�be�economic�consequences��of�climate�change.�You�must�plan��for�them�and��you�must�act.��Action�is�imperative.�It�is�not�a�choice.” Kimball C. Chen, Chairman, Energy Transportation Group Inc., United States of America

ChAMBErS AnD ThE EnVIrOnMEnT

Workshop

Chambers must take a leading role in addressing environmental management

issues and should introduce benchmarking of corporate social responsibility (CSr) among chambers, share best practices through online forums, and introduce awards in recognition of CSr initiatives, the workshop on chambers and the environment concluded.

Panellists from several chambers described efforts to raise awareness about environmental issues and specific measures that have been put in place.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry promotes the participation of SMEs in environmental management activities such as pollution control and green programmes and has advocated for the adoption of environmental legislation. “The key to chambers’ success in addressing environmental issues is a strong private-public sector partnership,” remarked Jose Alejandro, Vice-President of the Philippine Chamber, who also acted as moderator.

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry recycles water for its own use. The chamber has also created parking space for eco vehicles and adapted its building to reduce energy costs by 47% over the last 10 years. In addition, it has developed recommendations to enhance the Gulf region’s environmental performance, including providing tools to reduce carbon emissions, developing a database of suppliers with green products, and raising awareness about climate change.

“We aim to lead by example and be a model for other organizations,” said hamad Buamim, the Director General of the Dubai Chamber of

Commerce and Industry in the United Arab Emirates.

rajeev Singh, Secretary General of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Calcutta, highlighted that SMEs lack infrastructure support to address climate change issues and financial and technological incentives to promote low carbon growth. To meet the problem, the chamber provides SMEs with a validated pool of credible technology providers, facilitates online message sharing and in-house training, and conducts regular industry surveys to identify key environmental management problems.

The Chapel hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce in north Carolina set up the Green Plus programme to motivate and reward environmental initiatives by SMEs.

The programme provides actionable, affordable information and advice for improving sustainable performance as well as online access to specialists and business peers. It rewards participants with branding and marketing support and helps local businesses make and save money by going green and sustainable.

Kate nicolazzo, General Manager, Centre for Innovation and Sustainability Excellence, Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Australia, showcased two programmes launched by the chamber, which are helping SMEs adapt their operations.

Grow Me The Money and Carbon Down have brought savings of over AUS$6,600, 3.8 mega-litres of water and 28 tonnes of carbon emissions to each SME successfully completing the programme.

“�Our�actions�and�efforts�today�shall�decide�how�future�generations�look�at�and�remember�us.” Rajeev Singh, Secretary General, Indian Chamber of Commerce in Calcutta, India

“�Green�Plus�improves�the�way�members�engage�their�environment�and�their�community�and�makes�them�more�successful�for�it.” Aaron M. Nelson, President and CEO, Chapel hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce in north Carolina, United States of America

Patrice rollet

Jose Alejandro

Kimball C. Chen, Chow Kok Kee and Carlos Busquets

Kate nicolazzo

CrEATInG SUSTAInABLE CITIES

The world’s great challenges are increasingly urban challenges, and as mega cities grow

in the coming decades they will face six key difficulties – managing globalization; climate change (including rising sea levels and storm water management); energy; food security; global credit; and a rising number of poor people living in metropolitan areas.

“Chambers have a critical role to play in ensuring sustainable development in cities and should take the lead in doing so instead of waiting for governments to enact legislation,” Prince Sifiso Zulu, World Chambers Federation Vice-Chair and moderator of the panel, told participants. “Creating sustainable cities is critical for the future and the growth of businesses.”

Mexico City, one of the world’s largest cities with a population close to 30 million, is a good example of a metropolitan region trying to balance economic and sustainable development. Yet because of the rapid rise in population, infrastructure was built without much consideration for sustainable development, according to Lorenzo Ysasi, the Past President of the Mexico City Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Ysasi said waste, water, housing, energy and food supplies were among the major concerns for Mexico City, and cited pollution from the public transportation system as a major challenge.

The difficulties facing the biggest cities were also emphasized by former US President Bill Clinton in a special message to the Congress that was shown during the workshop.

“My foundation has formed a partnership with the world’s largest cities to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency in the world’s most densely populated urban areas,” the former US President said referring to the foundation that bears his name. “For it is in cities that the fight against climate change and for a cleaner, more efficient use of energy and water resources must be fought and won.”

Matthias Gelber, Board Member of Maleki Gmbh in Malaysia, argued that while infrastructure improvements are important, it is crucial to empower people from the bottom up to implement sustainable development activities such as recycling household items and installing insulation materials.

“There are a lot of barriers for new enterprises to get out there and survive,” he said. “We are all agents of change and we can make a big difference when we empower others.”

In Geneva, sustainable development is now part of a legal framework, with the law renewed every four years, explained Philippe Meyer, International Affairs Director at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services. he said the chamber’s role in sustainable development included political lobbying in the interest of the business community. he added it was important to emphasize that firms play a leading role in enacting sustainable development. The Geneva chamber has also set up a commission on energy and the environment.

Mr Meyer said governments can encourage sustainable development by reducing company taxes and increasing consumption taxes, ending trade barriers and agricultural subsidies, and encouraging innovation and investments in research and development.

“The�world’s�great�challenges�–�whether�climate�change,�food�and�water�shortages,�sanitation,�or�extreme�poverty�–�are�increasingly�becoming�urban�challenges.�Today,�urban�areas�consume�75%�of�the�world’s�energy�and�produce�80%�of�the�greenhouse�gas�emissions.” Bill Clinton, Chairman, William J. Clinton Foundation, United States of America

“�The�balance�of�the�three�fundamental�principles�necessary�to�create�a�sustainable�city�–�people,�plant,��and�economy�–��will�ensure�long-�term�prosperity��and�quality�of�life.” Philippe Meyer, International Affairs Director, Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services, Switzerland

Workshop

POrTS: FACILITATInG ECOnOMIC DEVELOPMEnT AnD TrADE

In many countries, the first chambers of commerce were formed by trade and shipping

merchants in port cities across the world.

With more than 95% of the world’s trade conducted by sea, the economic health of the world’s ports is clearly at the heart of many chamber agendas, with ports a vital component of a strong world economy. A workshop dedicated to ports discussed issues such as the current decline in world volume, productivity, complaints by shippers about rising freight charges, and politically related issues such as strikes.

Participants watched a special videotaped message from former US President Bill Clinton, who explained the initiatives of the William J. Clinton Foundation regarding climate change. The message was also shown at the opening ceremony of the 6th World Chambers Congress.

Mahbubur rahman, Past President, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry and President of ICC Bangladesh and

who moderated the panel, said ports are the focal point in international trade. Efficient management of the ports, he added, is therefore fundamental. Another problem is that ports can become embroiled in political battles such as strikes that can be very costly to a country’s economy.

“If ports do not serve their clients on time, it affects world trade,” he said. “Inefficient ports affect the economy.”

Ton Geerts, General Manager of the rotterdam Chamber of Commerce, said that the city’s port is the largest in Europe and the third largest in the world. Mr Geerts emphasized the moves towards clean energy and the reduction of CO2 gases through the rotterdam Bio Port, which is in line with the Clinton Climate Initiative.

Mr Geerts said the rotterdam Chamber of Commerce provides a portal between authorities and the business community. “Sustainability is not new for the Port of rotterdam, even with growing volume,” he said.

“In�the�airline�business�there��are�different�fares.�Shipping�has�only�one�fare�but�it�is�constantly�being�undercut.” G. Gnanalingam, Executive Chairman, Westports Malaysia, Malaysia

Workshop ��

Matthias Gelber, Lorenzo Ysasi, Philippe Meyer and Prince Sifiso Zulu

G. Gnanalingam, Mahbubur rahman and Ton Geerts

IP-ILLICIT: ThE DArK TrADE

Intellectual property is a driving force for growth for both companies and national economies, and it is even more important during downturns. Yet the increasing infringement of intellectual property (IP) rights is a crime that costs companies billions of dollars and can be dangerous to people’s health and well-being.

To underline the message, participants in the workshop on intellectual property saw the film “Illicit – The Dark Trade,” which highlights the links between intellectual property theft, counterfeiting, arms and human trafficking, terrorism, child labour and the drug trade. Produced by the US Chamber in partnership with national Geographic, the documentary is based on Moises naim’s best selling book Illicit and was shown to chambers and universities across the United States last year.

Sambuu Demberel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Mongolian national Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said his chamber was increasing public awareness of the importance of intellectual property through initiatives including education and training, exhibitions, awards for best brands, and green label brands for companies that produce 100% natural and ecological products.

The Mongolian chamber’s plan includes raising awareness on IP issues among the government, the public, and the private sector. “In emerging

economies,” Mr Demberel said, “it is important to promote IP as consumers are not able to decipher between real goods and fake ones.”

Michael Kuckartz, Deputy Director, Innovation and Environmental, hamburg Chamber of Commerce, briefed on the role of the Innovation and Patent Centre established by the chamber to provide services to small- and medium-sized enterprises that generally lack the ability to manage their patents.

he said services on patent management depend on their level of complexity, and that the development of systematic analysis and strategic actions are aimed to maximize the value of IP. The generic strategies derived from patent portfolios increase the value of the patents.

For Geoffrey Onyeama, Assistant Director General at the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva, IP rights become more important during economic downturns than during periods of growth. “Patents are economic assets,” he said.

Mr Onyeama said that intangible values have risen over the costs of production during the past 15 years, adding that capitalizing on IP assets from exclusive rights and monopolies enable companies to ensure guaranteed markets and to control profit margins. IP can also be used as collateral by small businesses that lack tangible assets.

Mr Onyeama described the low use of IP due to a lack of awareness and expertise and to complex filing procedures. he said his organization is trying to create an enabling environment to promote the use of IP, including developing appropriate protection laws.

“�Various�studies�have�shown�that�companies�in�a�position�to�manage�their�IP�portfolio�are�far�more�successful�than�those�which�merely�administrate�it.” Michael Kuckartz, Deputy Director, Innovation and Environmental, hamburg Chamber of Commerce, Germany

�0 ��Workshop Workshop

WOMEn AnD BUSInESS

Despite substantial progress made in recent years, women continue to earn less than

men for doing equal work and relatively few women are at decision-making levels even in industrialized countries, a workshop on women and business was told.

“Governments and corporations need to start looking at women not as economically vulnerable but as economically viable,” Irene natividad, President of the Global Summit of Women in Washington, DC told the workshop.

Ms natividad added that more than 80% of all purchasing decisions were made by women, allowing them to determine the profitability of any company in the world. “Women are the backbone of future profit,” she said. “If you are looking at a new economic model, it is women.”

Ms natividad added that in addition to providing more networking opportunities for women, chambers of commerce around the world should organize studies to make the business case for increasing the number of women leaders in business. This theme was picked up by Sophia Economacos, the President of Eurochambers Women network in Brussels, who said that despite significant progress the gender pay gap persists, with very few women at decision-making levels. She said that the European Union has many directives to reach gender equality, and that the role of European chambers of commerce includes facilitating access to finance, training and networking for women.

Selima Ahmad, the President of the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said women in developing countries were seeking to engage in entrepreneurial activities. her chamber was created to organize women entrepreneurs to access resources for business development, thereby leveraging women’s ability to create jobs and build sustainable businesses.

Beatrice Booth, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Queensland, Australia, said that in her country the representation of women on the boards of large companies had slipped in recent years. nevertheless, regulations adopted over the past several decades have benefited women and helped to reconcile work and family responsibilities. “There is no doubt,” she added, “that we need to educate women to be more forceful and break down the barriers to success.”

The workshop recommended that every chamber establish a special desk to deal with issues affecting women in business and should organize training, networking, and mentoring services for women. In addition, every country should establish data to show the contribution women make to their country’s economy. Quantifying the contribution women make, the workshop concluded, would attract the attention of policy makers and financial institutions.

“�If�you�do�not�get�support�from�your�own�country,�get�support�from�the�global�community.” Selima Ahmad, President, Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bangladesh

Sambuu Demberel, Michael Kuckartz, Geoffrey Onyeama and William C. Miller Jr

Susan Sarfati, Selima Ahmad and Sophia Economacos

Irene natividad

Web 2.0 is far more than a technological phenomenon. It is a set of economic, social,

and technological trends that facilitate communication, secure information sharing, interoperability, and collaboration within companies and between stakeholders.

“The challenge is for the business world to harness these technologies and how business uses the four drivers – communication, collaboration, innovation, and cost savings – to develop their organizations,” explained Sheryle Moon, Director of The Centre for Skills Development in Australia.

Ms Moon explained that major companies use Web 2.0 to connect with customers and promote their organization and brand name, adding Web 2.0 could be useful for chambers to obtain feedback on policy positions and changes. “Blogs and Wikis are important tools for you to project your organization, express opinions, reach out to members, raise awareness and disseminate information,” she told the workshop.

But some in the audience questioned the value of Web 2.0 for chambers, pointing out that chamber members do not identify brand names and products in the same way that they identify with chambers. The different cultural mixes and the degree to which information technology has been adopted by a chamber are other drawbacks to the adoption of Web 2.0.

Ms Moon acknowledged that small- and medium-sized companies had a long way to go in adopting Web 2.0, warning that the consequences of not engaging in the latest technology could be fatal for a business. But she added that it is up to the individual enterprise to make the decision and acknowledged that adopting new technologies did come with a price tag.

Web �.0 Definitions

• Web 2.0 Principals – Described by Tim O’reilly, Sept 2001 (Dot.bomb time) – The net is the platform, service based. – “Participation Architecture, collective intelligence, but you control

your own data” – Multiplying power of “Data remix” and “The Long Tail”

• “Enterprise 2.0 is the use of emergent social software platforms, within a company or between the company and their partners or customers” Source Andrew McAfee – harvard

• Enterprise 2.0 – The application of Web 2.0 and social media inside organizations to bring value. Also, it is literally about creating the next version of the enterprise. The challenge is: how do we create this and keep up with it as it changes?

OnLInE nETWOrKInG TEChnOLOGIES USInG WEB 2.0

“�The�only�way�to�understand�social�media�is�to�participate.” Sheryle Moon, Director, The Centre for Skills Development, Australia

UnITED nATIOnS PrOCUrEMEnT OPPOrTUnITIESWith more than US$12 billion in United

nations procurement in 2008, chambers and their members can benefit from the opportunities to supply Un agencies with a wide variety of products, a workshop on Un procurement was told.

The ICC World Chambers Federation and the Un, acting through its Office of Central Support Services, signed a Cooperation Agreement during the Congress to identify new business opportunities for members of the ICC WCF and support the outreach needs and efforts by the Un to increase its vendor database. In addition, the Cooperation Agreement will develop training material for chamber staff.

Paul Buades, the Director of the Un Procurement Division and moderator of the panel, said the agreement between the Un and ICC WCF formalizes existing technical cooperation and can add value by sharing training materials. “The staff of chambers can become ambassadors to the Un procurement system,” he said.

Kiyohiro Mitsui, Chief, Integrated Support Services of the Un Procurement Division, explained the procurement requirements and the wide range of goods and services purchased by Un agencies. he said 85% of procurement was for Un peacekeeping missions around the world.

In support of this new programme, a DVD is available on Un procurement that educates and informs chambers on using Un tools and increasing awareness of Un procurement opportunities and procedures. The DVD includes a short video on the role and functions of the Un Procurement Division, seven audio chapters on the procurement process, and an electronic brochure entitled Doing Business with the UN Secretariat. All information is posted on the Un Procurement Division website: www.un.org/Depts/ptd/new_developments.htm

“An in-house focal point within chambers would go a long way in supporting Un procurement opportunities,” Lisa Fraser, Member States Liaison Officer for Business Seminars at the Un Procurement Division, told the workshop. She urged chambers to share the procurement process information with members and to use the DVD to strengthen outreach with the Un.

The Un Global Marketplace (UnGM) simplifies vendor registration with all Un agencies and increases the transparency of the Un procurement process, Giorgio Fraternale, the Deputy Director and head of the Procurement and Contracts Division, World Intellectual Property Organization, told the workshop. “The main idea of creating the portal is to facilitate doing business with the Un for you and your business community,” he said.

niels ramm, Procurement Officer for UnGM, said vendors could register either as global suppliers if they have a minimum three years export experience, or with local Un agencies in their countries if they lack the necessary experience.

he said that after receiving the registrations it was up to the Un agencies to evaluate the vendors, adding that some agencies were more rigorous than others in this process. Mr ramm added that the annual statistics compiled by UnGM give vendors a good idea of whom they are competing against, their potential partners, and the right Un agency for their products.

Susan Struck of the high Level Committee on Management Procurement network said that Un procurement focuses on four areas: harmonization, professionalization, vendor management and increased access to procurement for developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

�� ��Workshop Workshop

Lisa Fraser, Kiyohiro Mitsui, Paul Buades, Giorgio Fraternale, niels ramm and Susan Struck

rona Yircali and Paul Buades

�� ��

new leaders emerge during a time of crisis, and leading successful change during

difficult times redefines industry winners, the workshop on transformational leadership was told.

“Don’t waste a good crisis,” Seelan Singham, Managing Partner, McKinsey & Co in Malaysia and moderator of the discussion, told participants. “no two transformations are the same.”

Kimball C. Chen, Chairman, Energy Transportation Group, Inc. USA, described the key tasks of a leader as driving creation and maintaining a coherent vision while building a team and inspiring it to take ownership of the company’s vision.

“reward and praise those that help to realize the vision through their efforts and attitudes; discipline those that do not,” he said. “Display and inspire confidence, understand that leading is different from management.”

Mr Chen concluded, “Leaders must have ethics and not be solely motivated by money. Good leaders have fundamental traits that include a passion for business and a desire to work as part of an organization that does good things in good ways.”

Idris Jala, the CEO of Malaysia Airlines, suggested participants ask themselves what new business values they can acquire from the crisis that they would not otherwise be able to get. “Vulnerability is a virtue,” he said.

he described what he called the six secrets of transformational leadership: reaching for the impossible, discipline of action, situational leadership, winning coalitions, profit and loss anchorage, and divine intervention.

he said there is always a capacity to make a difference in an organization, but the conditions must be created to do it. “The role of a leader is to create and develop other leaders,” Jala added. “Assume the worst but aim and plan for the best.”

TrAnSFOrMATIOnAL LEADErShIP

Workshop

“�A�transformational�leader�is�one�who�can�fundamentally��and�radically�change�how��an�organization�does�its�business��and�who�can�fundamentally�change�the�character�of��the�organization.” Idris Jala, CEO, Malaysia Airlines, Malaysia

Workshop

YOUTh AnD EnTrEPrEnEUrShIP

Although societies that encourage entrepreneurship tend to be successful

and entrepreneurs drive economic growth, the world’s educational systems fail to emphasize entrepreneurial values and skills from an early age.

Graham hanlon, the 2008 President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) and moderator of a workshop on young people and entrepreneurship, reported that in partnership with United nations foundations, JCI activities include climate change, fighting malaria, and leadership. JCI has also identified three main factors for developing entrepreneurism – reducing the barriers to creating companies, balancing the risks and rewards, and creating a society that values entrepreneurs.

Andrea Tomat, President and CEO of Lotto Sport Italia SpA, remarked that the Veneto region of Italy has a GDP per capita higher than the European average because of the large number of small enterprises created in the area during the last 10 years.

he said entrepreneurship should be promoted at the university level, pointing out that many products of innovative companies are often the result of university research.

Tomat, who is also Chairman of ICC Italy, said there are three key factors to be a good entrepreneur: spirit and motivation, the ability to accept setbacks, and resilience. “Initial setbacks are not a good reason to abandon initiatives,” he said.

Speaking on entrepreneurial activities in Pakistan, Mian Waqas Masud, Chairman of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Youth Committee, identified bureaucracy and discrimination as major constraints on entrepreneurship in Pakistan and other countries. he added that in Pakistan young people did not have role models such as Bill Gates.

For Kevin Smith, Chief Executive, Young Chamber, United Kingdom, activities for young people related to entrepreneurial skills should begin as early as 11 years old, a time when many businessmen interact with youngsters through local community activities such as sports.

Mr Smith added that only 50% of young people over 18 are still in the British educational system, compared with 75% in the United States and 85% in France. In addition, employees are generally dissatisfied with the math and literacy skills of new recruits.

“�At�age�five,�95%��of�the�problem�solving�capacity�is�entrepreneurial,�by�age�23,�it�has�been�reduced�to�5%.” Graham Hanlon, 2008 President, Junior Chamber International, United States of AmericaKimball C. Chen, Seelan Singham and Idris Jala

Andrea Tomat and Mian Waqas Masud

Kevin Smith

�� Workshop Workshop ��

Emphasizing the fact that chambers of commerce have long proved their

competence in issuing Certificates of Origin (CO), Singapore International Chamber of Commerce Deputy Chief Executive Lee Ju Song told a workshop that governments should move rapidly to allow chambers to issue preferential COs.

“Chambers of commerce have long been regarded as neutral and competent issuing CO agents by customs administrations given that they have been issuing COs since April 1898,” said Mrs Lee, who moderated the workshop.

Antoine Massina Manga, Director, Tariff and Trade Affairs Directorate at the World Customs Organization, said it was a growing trend for chambers to issue preferential certificates of origin, adding that his organization was constantly monitoring the development of free trade agreements that have led to the increase in preferential COs.

Eki Kim, Counsellor in the Market Access Division of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, said the increase in the number of regional trade agreements calls for a harmonization of the rules of origin for preferential trade, adding that the WTO had been working on the harmonization on rules of origin for non-preferential goods since 1995.

“I believe these WTO efforts should shed some light on how the international trade community should achieve the goal of ICC, making the rules of origin regime a more simplified and harmonized one,” he said.

Mr Kim added that last year 230 regional trade agreements were in place and that by 2010 about 400 such agreements are expected to be operational.

Liu Ping, Executive Director, Office of rules of Origin, Department of Customs Collection at China Customs, said it was necessary to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of having chambers issue COs as well as the legal and administrative reforms required to enable chambers to process and issue COs on behalf of the government.

“Chinese customs are in favour of chambers issuing preferential COs, which is in line with the administrative reforms of having government agencies delegate power to chambers of commerce, but this is going to be a gradual process,” Mr Ping said.

Takeshi Akagi, Deputy General Manager of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, briefed the workshop on the Economic Partnership Agreements his country has signed with six countries and said the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry issues preferential COs on behalf of the Japanese government.

Mr Akagi explained that this is in line with the Japanese government’s policy of utilizing the private sector for public services, thereby contributing to cost cutting and efficiency. he said the long history of excellent performance record by chambers also contributed to the policy.

The British Chambers of Commerce have been processing preferential COs for UK Customs for the last five years, according to Steve Baker, Manager, International Trade Certification, British Chambers of Commerce.

“Through its greater network of local chambers, the British Chambers now issue more preferential COs per year than UK Customs, which is indicative of the business community’s preference for the accessibility and convenience of the service offered by the chamber network,” Mr Baker said.

PrEFErEnTIAL CErTIFICATES OF OrIGIn

ELECTrOnIC CErTIFICATES OF OrIGIn

Chambers of Commerce issue millions of Certificates of Origin per year. To improve

efficiency in servicing the expanding international business community, implementation of total electronic Certificates of Origin (eCO) is a top priority for chambers of commerce. On the occasion of the 6th World Chambers Congress, WCF brought together chamber experts to share their experiences and expertise in the provision of eCO services.

Electronic certificates have numerous advantages over their printed counterparts, including reduced turnaround time, the low cost of ownership, and the possibility of reusing the data keyed into the system, explained Carman rossi, Managing Director of eCertify in Australia.

Because many countries still refuse to accept the electronic version of Certificates of Origin, Christopher Coulie, Legal Affairs Manager of the Belgian Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, would like to have more engagement with customs officials, embassies, banks and companies to explain and promote eCOs.

For David Siah, Business Development Director, Crimson Logic, in Singapore, the ideal eCO system would protect the printed CO from photocopying or tampering by incorporating security features such as optical watermarks, micro printed security features, and encrypted 2D barcodes.

“The ideal scenario,” Mr Siah said, “would be for CO applicants to apply electronically for their certificate of origin, receive the document electronically, and forward it electronically to the customs, banks and consignee stakeholders.”

The Thai Chamber of Commerce has also undertaken efforts to reduce fraud through measures that include the categorization of exporters according to their level of credibility and the introduction of the eCO, said Somkiat Anuras, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trade of the Thai Chamber.

“The importing countries now require exporting countries to apply more stringent CO issuance procedures,” Mr Anuras added. “Every CO issued has to be traceable.”

In order to keep pace with the rapid shift to ebusiness and to improve efficiency, implementing eCOs is of great importance, according to Lee Ju Song, Deputy Chief Executive, Singapore International Chamber of Commerce and the workshop moderator. “There are increasing concerns on fraud and eCOs will help improve transparency and facilitate trade in a more secured documentation environment,” she said.

Somkiat Anuras

Lee Ju Song

Christopher Coulie

David Siah

Antoine Massina Manga

Liu Ping

Takeshi Akagi

“�Chambers�are�the�natural�institutions�for�the�issuance�of�preferential�COs�and�they�have�established�themselves��as�trusted�third�parties�in�their�delivery.” Lee Ju Song, ICC Asia Director, Chair of Certificates of Origin Task Force, Deputy Chief Executive, Singapore International Chamber of Commerce, Singapore

“�I�believe�eCert�is�the�technology�of�the�new�world.” Carman Rossi, Managing Director, eCertify Pty Ltd, Australia

�� Workshop Workshop ��

The ATA Carnet system is the answer to facilitating trade and opening new business

opportunities, and it has become an essential tool in the age of globalization, the workshop on the customs document was told.

“The common objective of the ATA Carnet is to help members develop their export markets, harmonize customs practices, speed up the removal of non-tariff barriers, and strengthen customs-private sector cooperation,” said Lee Ju Song, Director, ICC Asia and Deputy Chief Executive of the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce.

The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. ATA Carnets cover commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for use at trade fairs, shows, and exhibitions. The carnet reduces costs to exporters by eliminating the value-added tax, and they simplify customs border crossings by allowing both importers and exporters to use one document for all customs formalities.

Christoph Wolf, Director, Law of International Trade at the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIhK), stressed the need for staff training in the management of the system. Mr Wolf also said it was important that the national guaranteeing organizations set up to prepare the effective

implementation of the system, hold seminars for carnet holders on the proper handling of carnets and put the appropriate security measures in place at the national level.

Chambers, business organizations and ICC national committees have an important role to play in the implementation of the ATA Carnet system, explained Carmen Gloria Fuentealba, Manager of International Business at the Santiago Chamber of Commerce. She said it was essential to establish a good rapport with government and customs officials and to strongly promote the system.

henk Wit, Carnet Manager at the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also emphasized the importance of promoting the system through brochures and active presence at trade events. he said information about the system should be disseminated to freight forwarders, customs officials, and business organizations, adding that feedback on how well the system is working is essential.

The workshop was followed with roundtable discussions between ATA experts from around the world and delegates interested in how the system operates. The informal sessions allowed delegates to raise questions and receive concrete answers regarding the operational, financial and managerial aspects of the ATA Carnet.

ATA CArnET SYSTEM

“�The�ATA�Carnet�is�an�excellent�tool�for�customers��and�chambers�–�if�used�and�run�correctly.” Carmen Gloria Fuentealba, Manager, International Business, Santiago Chamber of Commerce, Chile

“�At�a�time�of�global�downturn�many�businesses�are�using�ATA�Carnets�to�facilitate�their�prospecting�missions�as�they�go�hunting�for�new�customers�and�new�markets.” Peter Bishop, Chair, WCF World ATA Carnet Council; Deputy Director, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, United Kingdom

International and domestic arbitration has grown rapidly over the last decade, but the

market may not be growing as fast as the number of players in it, Jason Fry, Secretary General of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, told the workshop on arbitral institutions.

“A corollary of that growth has been a proliferation in the number of arbitral institutions vying for a slice of what is perceived to be a lucrative domestic or international market for dispute resolution,” Mr Fry said.

he added that the increase in the number of arbitral institutions brought with it competition, varying standards of service, and increased business risk, and wondered whether the phenomenon could be managed to everyone’s best advantage or whether it risks bringing arbitration itself into disrepute.

With several panellists urging ICC to train local law institutions and lawyers on good practices, Mr Fry said ICC would look at ways of exploring synergies. however, he said there was both a question of cost and brand image for the institution.

Some panellists suggested franchising ICC Arbitration. In response, the Secretary General of the Court commented that this was an interesting idea that may be applicable to some extent. however, he said it would be difficult to ensure quality and it would change the way the ICC Court functioned.

Ariel Mirelman, a lawyer from Tel Aviv, said the biggest problem Israeli arbitrators face are the lawyers, who he said distrust arbitrators because they are not formally trained and there is no quality control by the appropriate ministry. “If more lawyers attend ICC courses and receive a certificate to prove their attendance, in the long run this will increase the use of ICC Arbitration,” he said.

Michael Barnett, Chief Executive, Auckland regional Chamber of Commerce, said ICC has to protect its brand name. “If you dilute the brand or relinquish it, or associate yourself with an institution that is not in line with your values, you will erode your brand,” he said. “You need to police your brand.”

Sabrina Low, CEO of Maps & Globe Specialist Distributor, said that as a corporate counsel she was concerned that arbitration is promoted and used locally without publication of jurisprudence and case law, and she urged ICC to publish sanitized cases leaving out the terms of the award.

Mr Fry replied that in fact the ICC does publish sanitized extracts of awards in the Bulletin, which is the ICC Court’s legal journal. however, the needs of the legal community to have precedents needed to be balanced against “one of the perceived main advantages of arbitration, which is confidentiality,” Mr Fry said.

ThE GrOWTh OF ArBITrAL InSTITUTIOnS – COMPETITIOn Or SYnErGY?

henk Wit

Lee Ju Song Carmen Gloria Fuentealba and Christoph Wolf

Diana Droulers

Sabrina Low

Cheng Yee Khong and Jason Fry

COrPOrATE SOCIAL rESPOnSIBILITYEncouraging women to become entrepreneurs,

identifying solutions to a national crisis, developing the business community after the fall of communism. These are examples of how business associations and chambers of commerce can reach beyond the immediate needs of their members and have positive effects on their societies as a whole.

“Social responsibility is often perceived as philanthropy, but in the view of our partners it’s much more than that – it’s real investment by the business community in institutional reforms and countries’ development prospects,” said Aleksandr Shkolnikov, Senior Program Officer, Global Programs of the US Centre for International Private Enterprise, who moderated the workshop.

Addressing the workshop on business and social responsibility, Moses Kiambuthi, Senior Executive Officer, Kenya Association of Manufacturers, described how business associations built coalitions of stakeholders during the social and political crisis in Kenya in 2007.

Mr Kiambuthi said the Kenya Association of Manufacturers mobilized business leaders, the media, the diplomatic community and even labour unions to campaign for the cessation of violence following the elections and the subsequent political upheaval.

The coalition proposed alternative solutions to the country’s problems that were eventually adopted and led to the signing of the Power Sharing Deal that ended the crisis in February 2008. “The business community ought to be involved in resolving issues of national concern even if they do not affect them directly,” Mr Kiambuthi told the workshop.

In Pakistan, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry decided to encourage women to become entrepreneurs as part of its social responsibility agenda. “Empowerment of women is going to change the face of Pakistan,” said Aasia Saail Khan, a member of the Lahore chamber’s Executive Committee.

Ms Khan said the role of the Women resource Centre and the Entrepreneurship Development resource Centre to provide information and training for women was an important element in trying to overcome the cultural, social and religious inhibitions to women’s participation in Pakistan’s business and economic life.

The Montenegro Business Alliance (MBA) facilitated the development of the business community after the end of communism in the Balkan country by promoting business ethics and standards, market principles, and transparency. “MBA influenced the development of more than 40 new business laws,” Darko Konjevic, MBA’s Executive Director told the panel.

More importantly, to quell violence and lack of trust following a number of conflicts in the Balkans, MBA organized B2B forums and exchanges among the conflicting countries. These forums led to concrete investment deals worth millions of dollars, ultimately creating new jobs and new hope.

The association, which has been recognized internationally for its work, now plans to assist in the recovery of Montenegro’s middle class, nurture and educate a new class of entrepreneurs, and promote regional cooperation.

Since�2003,�the�US�Centre�for�International�Private�Enterprise�has�supported�Congress�participation�by�chambers�and�associations�from�countries�around�the�world�to�increase�access�to�information,�promote�an�entrepreneurial�culture,�and�help�shape�an�understanding�of�the�role�that�chambers�play�in�making�markets�and�democracies�work.�This�year,�12�participants�from�developing�countries�were�sponsored�to�attend�the�6th�World�Chambers�Congress�in�Kuala�Lumpur.

���0 Workshop Workshop

GOOD GOVErnAnCE

Chambers of commerce encourage companies to innovate and change, but

they must do the same if they are to be credible and competitive. Successful chambers take into account their members’ input and feedback to meet their needs, develop long-term strategic plans based on their missions, and ensure that leadership positions are well defined and effective.

These and other themes were explored in the workshop on good governance. Several examples of chambers that had taken the lead in becoming more competitive and responsive to their members through governance reforms were discussed.

The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for example, modernized its organization and integrated young people into leadership positions after members recognized that the chamber was controlled by one person – the president.

These changes, explained Chamber Vice President Shaban Khalid, led to a better utilization of resources and to the adoption of strategies and plans. The involvement of young people grew as chamber operations became increasingly transparent and outreach efforts toward young entrepreneurs improved.

“The new generation has no time to waste,” Mr Khalid said. “Being more educated, we value time more and have a sense of doing something for the community.”

he added that in developing nations encouraging change is difficult unless people understand what the change is about and its expected results. “If you want change,” Mr Khalid said referring to young people, “you have to be a part of it.”

In the Philippines, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry carried out an analysis of its organization, leading to a harmonization of policies and procedures, said Crisanto S. Frianeza, Secretary General of the chamber. The results were more dynamic chambers at the local level.

“Good governance promotes better democratic values, transparency, and the infusion of new blood,” Mr Frianeza said.

Jean rogers, of the US Chamber of Commerce affiliated Center for International Private Enterprise, moderated the workshop and noted that chamber governance is too often neglected. “Working with chambers in more than 100 countries, we see the difference that good governance makes in their ability to deliver relevant services, meet socio-economic needs, and improve their sustainability based on a sound value proposition for members,” she said.

Jean rogers and Shaban Khalid

Crisanto S. Frianeza

Aasia Saail Khan and Aleksandr Shkolnikov

Moses Kiambuthi

Darko Konjevic

The customer service workshop emphasized the difference between public and private

law chambers. Private law chambers provide direct service to companies, whereas all the companies of a given country are members of public law chambers.

Public law chambers are mainly found in Europe, and with large numbers of members (German chamber membership totals 3.6 million), direct service is not possible, according to Fernando Gómez Avilés, Vice-President of the Spanish Federation of Chambers of Commerce.

Instead, public chambers represent the general interests of their members, carry out training and consulting programmes, and deal with international issues. “The strength of the public chambers lies in their unique features, such as the highest level of representation within the business community, the democratic governance system of the chambers, and their financial autonomy and public supervision,” Mr Avilés said.

But there are challenges as well, including maintaining proximity to companies and working as a network at the international, national, regional and local levels simultaneously.

Susan Sarfati, the Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Excellent!, a United States firm, said studies show that 68% of client defections take place because customers feel poorly treated.

She pointed out that outstanding companies expect mistakes and problems and are equipped to deal with them, allowing their employees to deploy their skills. “Surprise, delight and challenge became the mantra of our organization,” she said.

CUSTOMEr SErVICE

Workshop�� Workshop ��

WCn – DEVELOPInG nEW InTErnATIOnAL BUSInESS COnTACTS FOr YOUr MEMBErSThe biggest challenges to global e-commerce

services are guaranteeing visibility, credibility, and trust for its transactions. The Congress showcased two new World Chambers network (WCn) partnerships, designed to help member companies of a chamber increase their e-profile and develop new international business markets.

WCn is a partnership between ICC, the World Chambers Federation, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris.

During the Congress, WCn signed memorandums of understanding with Alibaba.com and OpenEntry to help the community of 14,000 chambers take advantage of global e-commerce and trade, and insure that their member’s transactions are carried out securely.

“Trust is the number one issue in B2B e-commerce,” said Brian A. Wong, Senior Director, Marketing and Strategic Business Development, Alibaba.com, hong Kong. “We work hard every day to provide a safe environment for our buyers and suppliers so they can trade online with confidence and we look forward to collaborating with WCn in this ongoing effort.”

Alibaba.com and WCn consider stringent authentication and verification processes essential to providing a safe trading environment for members as well as a way to improve the credibility of the Internet as a tool for doing business.

“WCn’s intensified cooperation with Alibaba.com is a testament to the growing importance of the Internet for the chamber community and small- and medium-sized enterprises,” said Georges Fischer, Chair of the World Chambers network. “Our confirmed commitment will promote international electronic trade by contributing to a trustworthy source of information for traders and provide more exposure for our two organizations in the global marketplace.”

WCn also announced a partnership with the OpenEntry e-commerce platform in an initiative combining the trust generated by WCn’s ChamberTrust Seal with OpenEntry’s award-winning technology. OpenEntry provides free e-commerce catalogues as well as network markets specially designed for chambers’ use with their small and micro businesses in every country.

“OpenEntry is the solution for micro and small businesses to enter the e-commerce world on a local, regional or national scale, without having to run into huge expenses that they cannot afford,” said Dan Salcedo, Founder and CEO of OpenEntry. “It is also a new tool chambers of commerce can deploy to their existing and would-be members, a service that companies are expecting from chambers.” Businesses interested in international trade and more specifically those holding the ChamberTrust seal that participate in the OpenEntry national network markets are then aggregated into a global network market, thereby enjoying the high visibility of WCn.

“Thus, each company can use its online presence either to be present only in its domestic market or to have a bite of the global market as well,” added Mr Fischer.

Managing the technical intricacies of web catalogues and establishing visibility, credibility, and trust are the biggest challenges facing global e-commerce. OpenEntry resolves the first problem by enabling enterprises anywhere to create and maintain their own free e-commerce catalogue on Google tools and servers.

At the same time, the issue of trust is addressed by WCn, which enables member chambers in any country to issue ChamberTrust seals certifying they are members of this prestigious world network. Those businesses certified by their national chambers with the ChamberTrust seal are automatically enrolled in the global WCn network market.

Commitment to Action

Commitment to Analysis

andFeedback

Commitment to Purpose

�. A Customer Service Culture

�. Alignment of Products and Services With Mission

�. Organizational Adaptability

�. Alliance Building

Remarkable�. Data-Driven

Strategies

�. Dialogue and Engagement

�. CEO as a Broker of Ideas

Exceptional Communication

• Seven touch points that membership-based organizations use to communicate with customers/stakeholders

• Email• Voicemail• Snail Mail (Post)

• Phone• Fax• Face-to-face• Social Media

Fernando Gómez Avilés and Susan Sarfati

Georges Fischer and Brian A. Wong

CIrCLES OF InFLUEnCE

Circles of Influence�� Circles of Influence ��

G20 ChAMBErS

“Small- and medium-sized industries, the backbone of all economies in ensuring job creation and long

standing economic growth, count on chambers and business organizations to verify that sound policies from national governments are implemented,” World Chambers Federation (WCF) Chair rona Yircali told representatives at a special meeting of the G20 Chambers.

“It is critical that the G20 Chambers of Commerce continue to ensure that government actions remain on target,” he said, adding that close coordination and synergy with ICC was important “to ensure that all our respective governments hear our message.”

Pierre Simon, the President of Eurochambres, said his organization had issued position papers ahead of the G20 Washington and London summits.

During lively discussions, it was recommended that statements issued by ICC should include the interests of small- and medium-sized companies (SMEs) that are traditionally represented by chambers of commerce. Guven Sak, the Director of the Economic Policy research Foundation of Turkey, said SMEs were underrepresented in the global policy dialogue.

TrAnSnATIOnAL ChAMBErS OF COMMErCE

representatives from over 20 transnational and leading chambers of commerce came together at the Congress

to increase cooperation, strengthen ties, and address some of the most pertinent issues for chambers of commerce today. Transnational chamber meetings hosted by WCF have been held annually since 2002.

A transnational chamber of commerce is a group of chambers representing chambers within a geographical region, economic grouping, cultural or language basis. They are established in most regions of the world.

During the information exchange, transnational chambers provided input into a number of practical tools they would like to see developed by WCF. These include: a book profiling transnational and selected national chambers; an online training and capacity building resource library; and an online registry of experts available to provide training.

“Though each region and country of the world is unique, it is more important than ever to strengthen our ties in order to have a more effective chamber movement and to be able to confront the challenges we face,” said Mr Yircali, who chaired the meeting.

PrESIDEnT’S CIrCLE

Chamber Presidents joined WCF Chair rona Yircali and Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Chairman Mustafa

Mansur to discuss ways to strengthen future WCF World Chambers Congresses.

Greater involvement by intergovernmental organizations in the Congress was seen as highly beneficial, noting that many such agencies are working directly with chambers in many communities and are eager to build further relationships with this segment of the business community.

In addition, delegates committed themselves to supporting WCF to expand its range of high level speakers for future World Chambers Congress programmes. It was also hoped that the Congress would continue to make recommendations and resolutions for chambers to adopt locally.

The sessions where corporate and chamber CEO’s shared their experiences were highly popular and well received. It was agreed that there was an opportunity for ICC to further develop its business CEO Summit (formerly ICC World Congress) to answer the needs for business CEOs to discuss topics of common concern.

�� Competition Competition ��

The World Chambers Competition is the only global awards programme to recognize the most innovative projects undertaken by chambers of commerce and industry from around the world. The 2009 edition of the World Chambers Competition attracted 48

entries from 31 countries. The four categories this year, with a special fifth prize going to a chamber from a developing country, were:

WOrLD ChAMBErS COMPETITIOn ShOWCASES InnOVATIOn

Wermland Chamber of Commerce, Sweden Meetingpoint WermlandThe Chamber’s creation of Meetingpoint Wermland increased the knowledge and growth of Information and Communication Technology skills in the region and therefore the competitiveness of local companies.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, Australia Apprenticeships AustraliaThe Apprenticeships Australia project was introduced to fight the decline of skilled labour in Western Australia.

South Trinidad Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Trinidad and Tobago Safe to Work in Trinidad and Tobago The Safe to Work in Trinidad and Tobago (STOW-TT) project addressed the health, safety and environment challenges facing the energy sector in the country.

Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, Services and Industry, Bolivia Entrepreneurship Fostering Social CohesionThe Entrepreneurship Fostering Social Cohesion project was created to open up opportunities for microenterprises in the most dynamic economic sectors in Bolivia.

Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, France GEFIThe chamber created the GEFI online system so that a certificate could be issued electronically with a level 3 electronic signature, the highest level of security.

Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Turkey Start Exporting ProgrammeThe chamber (with the cooperation of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce and Industry) created the Start Export Programme to assist SMEs in entering into international markets.

Chamber of Commerce of Malaga, Spain Support for the internationalizationWith only 3% of Malaga businesses carrying out export activities on a frequent basis, the Chamber implemented a programme to assist companies entering the export market.

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry, United Kingdom South Yorkshire International Trade Centre – Increasing Internationalization (SYITC)The chamber created the SYITC to provide a one-stop service for businesses in South Yorkshire to engage in international trade.

Oslo Chamber of Commerce, Norway International Network of Norway (INN)® In late February 2005, the Chamber introduced Inn® to assist expatriates in the various aspects of settling into their new lives in norway.

Torino Chamber of Commerce, Italy From concept to carWith a slowdown in production at FIAT, the chamber launched a marketing programme aimed at enhancing the international visibility and business opportunities for the Piedmont automotive cluster.

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, India Grow Your Business – Business Promotion FundIn 2005 the Grow Your Own Business project was designed to revitalize the micro, small and medium sized enterprises along the coastal region of the country following the Tsunami in December 2004.

Greater Baltimore Committee, United States of America Bridging the Gap InitiativeThe Bridging the Gap Initiative was created to increase the opportunities that are available to smaller minority and women-owned businesses in the region.

Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mongolia Partnership ProjectThe chamber created the Partnership Project to establish a model for mobilizing farmers and business people in impoverished rural areas to work actively for change by venturing into concrete projects which will contribute to local economic development.

Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, Germany (with the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Madagascar) Dual Vocational Training for Madagascar (DVT) DVT combines practical on-the-job training (80% of the apprenticeship) with theory classes (20% of the apprenticeship).

Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Serbia Establishing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in South East EuropeIn 2007 the chamber, together with the United nations Industrial Development Organization, organized a conference on CSr for small and medium businesses. They also established the CSr Award 2007 to identify the best projects and initiatives in South East Europe.

Konya Chamber of Industry, Turkey Konya Auto Sub Industry ClusterIn 2006 a study was undertaken with the cooperation of both Selcuk University and the chamber to look into the potential benefits of creating the Konya Auto Sub Industry Cluster.

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, United Arab Emirates Dubai Hamburg Business ForumThe aim of the project was to promote business development in selected industries in the Dubai and hamburg regions by providing a channel to exchange information and research on the opportunities and challenges each market faces.

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, United Kingdom and Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka Post-Tsunami Chamber CooperationThe project has produced an economic development strategy for the hambantota District, the development of tourism in the region and the development of a careers service centre.

For the first time in the history of the Competition, this year’s winners received prizes generously provided by the following chambers, with the support of their member companies: • Avijit Mazumdar, Chairman of the judging panel• Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry • Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry • Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry • Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers • Mexico City Chamber of Commerce

Izmir Chamber of Commerce, Turkey Izmir University of Economics Although establishing a university is not an activity typically associated with a chamber of commerce, in 2001 the chamber established the Izmir University of Economics. Through the university, the chamber has been able to increase its membership and has created a strong link between the business community and academia.

BEST INTERNATIONAL PROJECT

WINNER

BEST UNCONVENTIONAL PROJECT

WINNER

BEST SMALL BUSINESS PROJECT

BEST NETWORKING PROJECT

BEST PROJECT FROM A CHAMBER IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRYWINNER

WINNER

WINNER

�� Exhibition Space Exhibitor List ��

It was no surprise that the World Chambers Congress exhibition area

was sold out well in advance of the Congress. It’s the key networking location for the event, showcasing exhibitors from around the world.

From chambers promoting their organization as well as their region’s trade and investment opportunities; vendors showcasing their online services; or the local manufacturing know-how of Malaysia, a smile and handshake became the first step for many in establishing a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship.

The exhibition area was used for all contact breaks, becoming the ideal rendezvous point for delegates, often interchanging ideas and frequently carrying on conversations and debates begun at the Congress workshops.

ThE EXhIBITIOn SPACE EXhIBITOr LISTAmBank Group American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Asian Finance Bank Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCIWA)Chamber of Commerce of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Cybershield Plastic Sdn Bhd Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry eCertify Pty Ltd Hans Advisory & Trust Co Ltd Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) ICC World Chambers Federation Ikatan Engineering Sdn Bhd Invest Perak Iraqi American Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IACCI) Iskandar Region Development Authority (IRDA) Johor Corporation K.K.I.P. Sdn Bhd Klang Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KLCCI) Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Lam Seng Manufacturing Enterprises Sdn Bhd Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Malaysia-India Chamber of Commerce (MAICOM) Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MICCI) Mexico Chamber of Commerce & Industry Miaow Miaow Products Sdn Bhd Northport (Malaysia) Bhd OpenEntryPort of Tanjung Pelepas Rotterdam Chamber of Commerce SecureCerts Pty Ltd Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd Sunsuria Properties Sdn Bhd Switch-Asia Network Facility Syarikat Pemasaran Karyaneka Sdn Bhd The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) The Delegation of the European Commission The Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur TIME Engineering Bhd UAC Berhad White Horse Ceramic Industries Sdn Bhd World Islamic Economic Forum Foundation (WIEF)

More than 1,000 delegates to the Congress had the opportunity to sample Malaysian culture

and food during a series of elegant evening events. The modernistic Islamic Art Museum, which houses more than 7,000 artefacts and an unparalleled library of Islamic art books, opened its galleries exclusively for the Congress. Whilst there, delegates also tasted a wide array of Malaysian cuisine hosted by the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Ahmad Fuad Ismail. The Congress closed with a royal Gala Dinner in the grand ballroom of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in the presence of Malaysia’s royal couple, hrh raja of Perlis and hrh raja Perempuan of Perlis. The dinner included a show featuring Malaysian dancers and singers.

CULTUrAL ACTIVITIES

�0 Cultural Activities Cultural Activities ��

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) took advantage of the numerous

business delegations attending the World Chambers Congress to organize an extensive business programme on topics ranging from excellence in manufacturing to investment opportunities in the Malaysian service sector. Individual business matching programmes were also offered.

The 4th International Conference on Excellence in Manufacturing covered strategies to implement lean manufacturing initiatives; the latest trends in globalization and manufacturing for operational and supply networks; resolving business disputes; and perspectives from chief executives on global manufacturing.

A second event geared to business people was ‘Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEX)’, organized each year. The annual event, which allows small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to network and exhibit their products, was singled out by Deputy Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in his opening remarks to the Congress.

“In most countries, SMEs represent the largest component of the business community,” Mr Yassin said. “They make up the majority of members in chambers of commerce and industry around the world.”

“I am pleased that the theme for SMIDEX this year is ‘Innovation and Technology: Sustaining Power for SMEs,” the Deputy Prime Minister added. “For SMEs to move to a higher level and become globally competitive they must innovate and use technology optimally.”

Malaysia’s favourable investment environment was the topic of the ‘Malaysia Industrial Development Authority (MIDA)’ Seminar on investment opportunities in the manufacturing and services sector in Malaysia. The topics included the current economic climate, trade and business opportunities in manufacturing and services in Malaysia.

BUSInESS OPPOrTUnITIES FOr BUSInESS PEOPLE

Business Programme Media Spotlight ����

MEDIA SPOTLIGhTThe 6th World Chambers Congress attracted an array of media

attention in the form of TV, radio, newspaper and website coverage. Over 30 regional media organizations attended the Congress. reuters and BusinessWeek were among international media outlets to cover the event.

A series of announcements were published in the Wall Street Journal Europe in the run up to the Congress as a part of a media partnership deal. Other media partnerships were established with Cnn, Commerce International, rTM, SME & Entrepreneurship magazine and World Commerce review.

“ World chambers urge concerted effort to tackle economic crisis, climate change.” Tehran Times

“ Syngenta CEO Underlines the Importance of Agricultural Technology in Supporting Preservation of the Environment.”�Reuters

“ World Chambers Congress addresses food, water and energy crises.” Bernama

“ Auto: ‘From Concept to Car’ miglior progetto camere commercio.”�ANSA

“ Smart ideas to boost local business.”��

BusinessWeek Online

“ Don’t waste a good crisis.” Commerce International

“ Global corporate big wigs to gather in Kuala Lumpur.” Business Times Malaysia

“ Chamber takes on the world.”�Sheffield Telegraph

Phang Ah Tong

Mohamed Zain Mohamed Yusuf, Dzulkfle Bin Mahmud and Phang Ah Tong heldawaty Abu Talab

�� Closing Ceremony Looking Ahead ��

The 6th World Chambers Congress identified the global economic crisis and the impact

of climate change as two major challenges that transcend national borders and require concerted international cooperation.

The three-day Congress highlighted global trends in demographics, migration and industrialization that are putting pressure on vital resources including food, water, and energy. “Companies and chambers of commerce have a critical role to play in meeting these challenges together with governments,” the statement issued by chamber leaders concluded. “however, more effective ways of governing an interdependent world are needed.”

The statement also urged governments to avoid the temptation of seeking isolation from the global crisis through protectionist measures, including restrictions on imports and foreign investments. “Efforts to put globalization in reverse must be resisted,” the statement added.

While recognizing that globalization has raised worrying issues that have yet to be properly addressed, the Congress statement said it had also pulled millions of people out of dire poverty in recent years. “We must recall that economic growth and open trade provide the best conditions for economic, environmental and social progress,” it said.

Characterizing climate change as perhaps the best example of a global problem requiring a global solution, the Congress expressed support for the United nations Framework

Convention on Climate Change to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. “A clear and predictable framework is needed to allow business to stimulate investment and deploy technology on the necessary scale to stabilize emissions,” it said.

In his closing remarks, World Chambers Federation Chair rona Yircali said the Congress would be remembered for its theme, “Leading sustainable growth and change.”

“The plenary sessions made it evident that these global problems require global solutions, and they demonstrated clearly and at times dramatically how these issues are interconnected. We must solve them all if we are to solve any one of them,” he said.

Mr Yircali thanked the hosts of the Congress, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).

FMM President Mustafa Mansur formally turned over the Congress to its Mexican hosts. “I am pleased to hand over the hosting of the 7th World Chambers Congress to the Mexico City Chamber of Commerce.”

Alejandro rojas, Arturo Mendicuti, and Lorenzo Ysasi of the Mexico City Chamber of Commerce stepped to the podium, inviting all delegates to Mexico City and showcasing the sights and sounds of the city with a short film.

“Viva Mexico,” Mr Yircali said in closing the 6th World Chambers Federation Congress.

CLOSInG CErEMOnY “�Malaysia�is�indeed�a�showcase,��proof�that�a�spirit��of�innovation�and�entrepreneurship�can�lead�to�economic�progress�and�peace.” Rona Yircali, Chair, World Chambers Federation

“�Mexico�City�is��the�business�and�political�centre��of�the�Mexican�territory,�it�is�the�port�of�entrance�to�the�common�market�integrated�by�the�North�American�countries,�the�interaction�centre�among�the�countries�of�the�Pacific�Trade�Agreement,�and��the�best�stage�for�the�Central�and�South�American�trade�exchange.” Arturo Mendicuti, President, Mexico City Chamber of Commerce, Mexico

LOOKInG AhEAD

With world class cities from across the globe recognizing the prestige and international attention that comes with hosting a World Chambers Congress, the competition to be selected as the Congress destination has become increasingly fierce in recent years.

“hosting the World Chambers Congress is an unrivalled opportunity for cities, chambers and their local businesses to welcome over 1,500 chamber professionals for three full days,” remarked ICC World Chamber Federation Chair rona Yircali.

The Mexico City national Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism the host of the 2011 Congress, narrowly beat out Los Angeles after an intense contest that included messages to the Steering Committee responsible for the choice from both California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mexican President Felipe Calderon.

“Mexico is committed to the globalization process, and our chamber is committed to the WCF ICC movement,” Mr Calderon said in his message. “We want more of Mexico in the world and more of the world in Mexico.”

Even as preparations move into high gear for the Mexico City gathering, 2010 will be the year where a chamber from the region of Middle East and Africa shall be selected to host the 2013 Congress. A number of chambers have already contacted WCF expressing serious interest.

The 2015 Congress will return to Europe, the continent where WCF held its first Congress, in Marseille, France, in 1999. The Congress has also received expression of interest in 2017 when it returns to the Asia Pacific region.

Past Congress cities have been Seoul in 2001, Quebec in 2003, Durban in 2005, Istanbul in 2007, and Kuala Lumpur in 2009.

It is certain that delegates to the 7th Congress will be impressed by Mexico’s unique mix of pre-Colombian culture, dazzling modernity, unique music and art, and warm hospitality.

Major cities eager to host the World Chambers Congress

rona Yircali, Mustafa Mansur, Ahmad Fuad Ismail, Alejandro rojas Díaz Durán, Arturo Mendicuti and Lorenzo Ysasi Martinez

�� A Final Word From the Delegates Participating Organizations ��

PArTICIPATInG OrGAnIZATIOnSINTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND TRANSNATIONAL CHAMBERS

Association of Latin American Chambers of Commerce

Association of SADC Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Eurochambres

European Commission

Federation of the Gulf Cooperation Council Chambers

Junior Chamber International

United nations Development Programme

United nations

World Customs Organization

World Intellectual Property Organization

World Islamic Economic Forum Foundation

World Trade Organization

AFGHANISTAN

Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries

ALBANIA

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tirana

Embassy of The republic of Albania

ANGUILLA

Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry

ARGENTINA

Consejo Empresario Metalurgico De Buenos Aires

Embassy of Argentina

ARMENIA

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of The republic of Armenia

ARUBA

Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry

AUSTRALIA

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Centre For Skills Development

Chamber of Commerce and Industry northern Territory

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia

eCertify

Geelong Chamber of Commerce

SecureCerts

Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry

AUSTRIA

ICC Austria

Austrian Federal Economic Chamber

BAHRAIN

Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry

ICC Bahrain

BANGLADESH

Armada

Bangladesh high Commission

Bangladesh Malaysia Chamber of Commerce

Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Green Delta Insurance Company

ICC Bangladesh

Square Pharmaceuticals

BELARUS

Belarussian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

BELGIUM

Chamber of Commerce Leuven

Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Belgium

DigiChambers

ICC Belgium

Voka – Chamber of Commerce and Industry Antwerp-Waasland

Voka – Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry

BENIN

Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Societe Mate and Freres

BOLIVIA

Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Services and Tourism of Santa Cruz

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and herzegovina

BOTSWANA

Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM)

BRAZIL

Confederation of Brazilian Commercial And Business Associations (CACB)

Embassy of Brazil

BULGARIA

ICC Bulgaria

Sopharma Plc

BURKINA FASO

Chambre De Commerce Et D’Industrie Du Burkina Faso

CAMBODIA

royal Embassy of Cambodia

CAMEROON

ICC Cameroon

Tetra Strategie

CANADA

International Gay and Lesbian Chamber of CommerceCHILE CHILE

Santiago Chamber of Commerce

CHINA

China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)

China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC)

CCPIT Sichuan Council

CCPIT, Chongqing Sub-Council

CCOIC Shenzhen

CCOIC Shaanxi

China national Convention Center

General Administration of Customs

ICC China

A FInAL WOrD FrOM ThE DELEGATES“�The�World�Chamber�Congress�is�a�fantastic�learning�experience�where�you�get�to�both�widen�your�international�network�as�well�as�learn�about�useful�projects�and�new�business�ideas�from�successful�chambers.��This�is�an�event�that�should�not�be�missed.”�Lars-Kåre Legernes, Managing Director, Oslo Chamber of Commerce, norway

�“�It�is�difficult�to�keep�up�with�developments�and�changes�in�our�world,�which�makes�the�World�Chambers�Congress�an�essential�event�to�attend.�It�is�reassuring�to�know�that�my�colleagues�from�all�over�the�world�are�tackling�the�same�issues.�I�return�home�refreshed�and�equipped�with�new�ideas�after�each�Congress.”�Hussein A. Al-Athel,��Secretary General, riyadh Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Saudi Arabia

“�The�Congress�has�consistently�provided�a�good�venue�for�the�exchange�of�best�practices�and�for�fostering�camaraderie�among�chamber�officers�and�other�stakeholders.�The�theme�and�the�plenary�topics�were�very�relevant�and�certainly�will�help�the�chambers�chart�their�respective�road�maps.”�Cris S. Frianeza, Secretary General, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippines

“�This�was�my�first�participation�in�a�WCF�Congress�and�I�was�impressed�by�the�quality�of�the�organization�and�the�number�of�delegations.�For�a�small�chamber�like�mine,�it�was�really�a�great�opportunity�to�meet�so�many�chamber�leaders�from�different�countries�at�the�same�time�and�the�same�place.”�Mze Said, President, Federation of CCIs Madagascar, Madagascar

�“�The�interaction�with�leaders�from�over�100�countries�was�incredible.��The�content�had�huge�significance�for�our�global�community.�I�already�marked�my�calendar�for�the�7th�World�Chambers�Congress�in�Mexico,�2011.”�Susan Sarfati, CEO, Beyond Excellent!, United States of America

COLOMBIA

Barranquilla Chamber of Commerce

CROATIA

Croatian Chamber of Economy

CUBA

Embassy of Cuba

CZECH REPUBLIC

ICC Czech republic

DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Pyongyang Chamber of Commerce

DENMARK

United nations Office For Project Services

ECUADOR

ICC Ecuador

Apolo and Asociados

EGYPT

Embassy of Egypt

Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce

ICC Egypt

International British Institute

ETHIOPIA

Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations

FINLAND

Algol Group

ICC Finland

neuvos Group Oy

FRANCE

AquaFed

Avantec

CCI De Meurthe - Et - Moselle

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris

ICC France

World LP Gas Association

GEORGIA

Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

GERMANY

Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIhK)

hamburg Chamber of Commerce

ICC Germany

Potsdam Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Sequa

Switch-Asia network Facility

GHANA

Ghana high Commission

GREECE

Chamber of Tradesmen of Athens

Eurochambres Women network

ICC Greece

Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry

HONG KONG

Alibaba.com

Chinese University of hong Kong

hong Kong Trade Development Council

hong Kong University of Science and Technology

ICC hong Kong

Li & Fung Group

HUNGARY

Embasssy of The republic of hungary

hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

INDIA

Bhoruka Power Corporation

Delhi Chamber of Commerce

Desai and Diwanji

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Great Eastern Energy Corporation

ICC India

Indian Chamber of Commerce

Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association

Kanoria Chemicals and Industries

Mahratta Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Agriculture

Sanghi Organization

Small and Medium Business Development Chamber of India

Supreme Court of India

TIL Limited

World Trade Centre, Mumbai

INDONESIA

Department of Finance, Papua Provincial Government

Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Jakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Papua Chamber of Commerce and Industry

IRAN

Bank Karafarin

Bank Keshavarzi

Bank Pasargad

Bimeh Iran Insurance

Export Guarantee Fund of Iran Ministry of Commerce

ICC Iran

Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines

Iran Electrical Industry Syndicate (IEIS)

Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines

Kerman Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines

Parsefid Amol

Saman Bank Corporation

Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines

IRAQ

Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce

Iraqi American Chamber of Commerce and Industry

ISRAEL

ICC Israel

Mir Law

Teva Pizarmaceutical

ITALY

Embassy of Italy

ICC Italia

Lotto Sport Italia

Piemonte Agency For Investments, Export and Tourism

Torino Chamber of Commerce

JAPAN

ICC Japan

Mitsubishi Corporation

nagashima Ohno and Tsunematsu

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ

Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry

JORDAN

Amman Chamber of Industry

ICC Jordan

KAZAKHSTAN

Atameken Union national Chamber of Kazakhstan

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of The republic of Kazakhstan

Embassy of The republic of Kazakhstan

KENYA

Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)

KYRGYZSTAN

Embassy of Kyrgyzstan

LEBANON

ICC Lebanon

Inkript holding

LIBYA

Libyan Peoples Bureau

LUXEMBOURG

Chamber of Commerce of The Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg

MACAU

Macao Chamber of Commerce

World Trade Center Macau

MADAGASCAR

Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry

MALAYSIA

Agromate holdings

AmAssurance

AmBank

AmBank Group

American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMChAM)

AmInvestment Bank

Amlex Technology

Asia Pacific Culture and Fortune news

Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia

Atherstone Consulting

B.T. Engineering

Bandar Utama Development

BASF (Malaysia)

BDP International

Participating Organizations ���� Participating Organizations

Bernama

Besta Corporation

Besteel

British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce

Bry-Air Malaysia

Business and Financial Monthly Magazine

Chee Wah Corporation

Chemical Company of Malaysia

CM Printing

Commerce International Magazine

Concrete Engineering Products

Construction Industry Development Board

Cordage Industrial rope

Dagang net Technologies

Delloyd Industries

Department of Environment

DG Global Technical Services

Embajada De Espana

EU-EAGA BizTech Partnership

EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Expertise resource Association (ErA)

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers

Finest Formula

Formosa Shyen horng Metal

George Kent

Great Wall Plastic Industries

GreatPAC

Green Purchasing network

Guang Ming Press

h.K Consultants

hans Advisory and Trust

hond Tat Industries

hong Leong Bank

ICC Malaysia

Idaman Pharma

Ideal healthcare

Ikatan Engineering

Ikatan Virgo

IME

International Centre For Leadership In Finance (ICLIF)

Invest Melaka

Invest Perak

Ipoh Cargo Terminal

IrCOn International

Iryas Group of Companies

ISI Global Amity

Iskandar region Development Authority

Islamic republic news Agency

Johan Ceramics

Johor Corporation

Johor State Investment Centre

Khazanah nasional

KKIP

KL Comm. Center

Klang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry

KnM Process Systems

Kossan rubber Industries

Kuala Lumpur City hall

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

Labuan IBFC Inc.

Lam Seng Manufacturing Enterprises

LB Aluminium

Lensa Film

Lundang realty

M S Elevators

Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC)

Malaysia-India Chamber of Commerce (MAICOM)

Malaysian Dutch Business Council

Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA)

Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Malaysian Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association

Malaysian rubber Board

Malaysian Sheet Glass

Malaysian Today

Maleki

Management Systems Asia

Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre

McKinsey and Company

Miaow Miaow Products

Ministry of Finance

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ministry of housing and Local Government

Ministry of human resources

Ministry of natural resources and Environment

MIPA

Mithril Saferay

Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)

Mitsubishi Corporation

MML Marketing

Multimedia Development Corporation

Myipo

nanyang Siang Pau

nestle

new Straits Times

nF Team Learning Consultancy

ngan Yin Groundnut Factory

nikkei

northport

nTV7

nusantara Technologies

O’Connors Engineering

Omeco

Optosem Technologies

Oriental Daily

Oriental Daily news

Osram Opto Semiconductors

Pascorp Paper Industries

Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas

Perbadanan Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran

Petronas

Port of Tanjung Pelepas

real Food Company

resort World

reuters news

royal Malaysian Customs

rTM radio news

SEA resources

See hau Global

Senai Airport Terminal Services

Seremban Engineering

Sin Chew Daily

SIrIM QAS International

Skills Funds Development Cooperation

Skrine

Skyline SDM

SME Magazine

Southern Edible Oil Industries

Southern Steel

Star Shine Industries

STATS ChipPAC

Sun Tyre Industries

Sunsuria Properties

Sustainable Technology resource Centre

Syarikat Pemasaran Karyaneka

Tan Lan holdings

The Busy Weekly (Cahaya Sukma Sdn Bhd)

The China Press

The Edge Communications

royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur

The Sun Media Corporation

TiE Malaysia

TIME Engineering

TMM Business Guide

Top Glove Corporation

Tourism Malaysia

Tradenex.Com

Trend Asia

TV One Indonesia

UAC

UEM Group

UEM Land

UPS

Utusan Airtime

Vacuumschmelze

W. S Estate

Wang Yuen Engineering

Warna

Wei Dat Wiremesh netting

Westport Malaysia

White horse Ceramic Industries

Woman’s Institute of Management

Xilouette Manufacturer

Xinhua news Agency

YBL resources

Yee Lee Corporation

YS Photo Studio and Colour Processing

MAURITIUS

Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry

MEXICO

Centro Banamex

ICC Mexico

Jauregui, navarrete Y nader

Mexico City Chamber of Commerce

Ministry of Tourism of Mexico City

MONACO

Chambre de Developement Economique

ICC Monaco

MONGOLIA

Mongolian national Chamber of Commerce and Industry

MONTENEGRO

Montenegro Business Alliance

MOROCCO

Embassy of Morocco

NEPAL

ICC nepal

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

South Trinidad Chamber of Industry and Commerce

TUNISIA

Tunis Chamber of Commerce

TURKEY

Embassy of Turkey

ICC Turkey

Istanbul Chamber of Commerce

Izmir Chamber of Commerce

Konya Chamber of Industry

Manisa Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Turkdex

Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB)

UGANDA

Uganda national Chamber of Commerce and Industry

UKRAINE

ICC Ukraine

Embassy of Ukraine

Odessa regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Biz report TV

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UAE)

Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry

hamriyah Free Zone Authority

Sharjah Ports and Customs

ICC UAE

Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry

UNITED KINGDOM

Arab British Chamber of Commerce

B B Energy holdings

British Chambers of Commerce

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

ICC UK

hSBC UK

Li and Fung Group

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Smith and nephew

Young Chamber UK

UNITED STATES

American Chamber of Commerce Executives

Beyond Excellent!

Center For International Private Enterprise (CIPE)

Chapel hill Chamber of Commerce

Energy Transportation Group

Global Summit of Women

Greater Baltimore Committee

health Tourism International Chamber of Commerce

McKinsey and Company

Open Entry

Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry

The Center For Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Thomson reuters

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

United Way Worldwide

Viable Ventures International

URUGUAY

Embassy of Uruguay

VENEZUELA

ICC Venezuela

ZAMBIA

Zambia Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry

ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe national Chamber of Commerce

���0 Participating OrganizationsParticipating Organizations

NETHERLANDS

Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Unilever nederland holdings

rotterdam Chamber of Commerce

rotterdam Marketing

NEW ZEALAND

Auckland Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Otago Chamber of Commerce

Wellington regional Chamber of Commerce

NIGERIA

Bank Phb

nationwide Tourism and Cultural Dev. Co

nigerian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce

NORWAY

ICC norway

Oslo Chamber of Commerce

OMAN

Embassy of The Sultanate of Oman

PAKISTAN

Business Point

CBC Food Products

high Commission of Pakistan

hMA Pumps

ICC Pakistan

Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Taymur Spinning Mills

Muhammad Akram and Sons

noreen Fatima Fabrique

rana Ijaz and Partners

Surridge and Beecheno

Two Star Kinoo Factory

PANAMA

Mossack, Fonseca and Co.

national Council of Private Enterprise (COnEP)

PHILIPPINES

ICC Philippines

Management Systems Asia

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Philippine Trade and Investment Centre

Sapalo Velez Bundang and Bulilan

PORTUGAL

ICC Portugal

QATAR

Embassy of The State of Qatar

Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Daesung

ICC Korea

Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry

ROMANIA

Embassy of romania

RUSSIA

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of The russian Federation

OPOrA ABIA SAUDI ARABIA

Ahsa Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Al-Kharj Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Al-Qurriat Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Amen Engineering International

Arar Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Council of Saudi Chambers

Eastern region Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Jizan Chamber of Commerce and Industry

riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Taif Chamber of Commerce

SERBIA

Serbian Chamber of Commerce

SINGAPORE

Crimsonlogic

ICC Asia

Junior Chamber International - City Singapore

Lundang realty

SBF PICO Events

Singapore International Chamber of Commerce

Singapore Manufacturer’s Federation

SMa School of Management

Syngenta Asia Pacific

SLOVAKIA

Embassy of The Slovak republic

Evergreen Consulting

Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry

SOMALIA

Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry

SOUTH AFRICA

Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Johannesburg

Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industries

Gumbi Global

ICC South Africa

national African Chamber of Commerce

Sammy Davies Partnership

South African high Commission

Transnet Port Terminals

SPAIN

Barcelona Chamber of Commerce

Badajoz Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Catalonia Council of Chambers of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce of Girona

Chamber of Commerce of Lugo

Chamber of Commerce of Málaga

Chamber of Commerce of Tarragona

Chamber of Commerce of Tortosa

Chamber of Commerce Sant Feliu De Guixols

Embajada De Espana

Embassy of Spain, Economic and Commercial Office

high Council of Chambers of Commerce In Spain

ICC Spain

Lleida Chamber of Commerce

Madrid Chamber of Commerce and Industry

SRI LANKA

Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka

hambantota District Chamber of Commerce

ICC Sri Lanka

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce

The national Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka

SUDAN

Chambers of Industries Association

Sudanese Chambers of Industries Association

SWAZILAND

Embassy of The Kingdom of Swaziland

SWEDEN

ICC Sweden

McKinsey and Company

Wermland Chamber of Commerce

SWITZERLAND

Alliance Des Chambres De Commerce Suisses

Geneva Chamber of Commerce

ICC Switzerland

Office Andreas Schmid

Syngenta International

SYRIA

Embassy of The Syrian Arab republic

Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Syria

homs Chamber of Commerce

ICC Syria

Syrian Legal Bureau

TAIWAN

ICC Taipei

TAJIKISTAN

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of The republic of Tajikistan

TANZANIA

Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority

Zanzibar national Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture

THAILAND

ICC Thailand

Thai Chamber of Commerce

TOGO

Chamber of Commerce Togo-Turkey

Togo Chamber of Commerce and Industry

�� Sponsor List Sponsor List ��

WE ThAnK OUr SPOnSOrSDIAMOND SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

CORPORATE SPONSORS

PARTNERS

MEDIA PARTNERS

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

OFFICIAL AIRLINE

�� We Thank Our Delegates

WE ThAnK OUr DELEGATES

3-5 June 2009Kuala Lumpur, Malaysiawww.KL2009.com

Report

Your Congress organizers

ICC World Chambers Federation

Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2009, the international Chamber of Commerce (iCC) is the world business organization, representing enterprises from all sectors in every part of the world. The fundamental mission of iCC is to promote trade and investment across frontiers and help business corporations meet the challenges and opportunities of globalization.www.iccwbo.org

The World Chambers Federation (WCF) was established by iCC in 1951 to be the advocate of its chamber of commerce members worldwide. WCF is a non-political, non-governmental body representing the interests of all local, national, regional, bilateral and transnational chambers of commerce and industry.

WCF strengthens links between chambers, enabling them to improve performance as well as discover new products and services to offer their members. Chambers represent companies of all sizes, particularly small- to medium-sized enterprises, the backbone of any true world business organization. WCF promotes and protects the chamber of commerce as an essential intermediary between business and government and between business and the general public.www.worldchambersfederation.com

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) was established in 1968, as Malaysia’s premier business organization. With a membership of 2,200 companies and some 4,000 subsidiaries of member companies, FMM covers a wide cross-section of industry sectors which contribute to 32% of Malaysia’s gDP.

FMM has spearheaded the nation’s growth and modernization and is a leader of the manufacturing sector. as iCC’s national committee in Malaysia, FMM also represents business at both the regional and international levels. www.fmm.org.my

iCC World Chambers Federation38 Cours albert 1er

75008 Paris, FranceTel : + 33 1 49 53 29 44Fax : + 33 1 49 53 30 79e-mail : wcf@iccwbo.org

Federation of Malaysian ManufacturersWisma FMM no. 3, Persiaran Dagang PJu 9Bandar sri Damansara52200 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaTel : +603 6276 1211Fax : +603 6274 1266 or 6274 7288e-mail : wcc2009@fmm.org.my