YEGAP Executive Committee Meets on Activities for the Year

Members of the Executive Committee of the Young Entrepreneurs Group of the Asia-Pacific (YEGAP) met online on April 10 to discuss its recent and upcoming activities for 2024. Chaired by YEGAP Chairman Mr. Rommel Gerodias from the Philippines (2^nd from left, top row), the EC members were briefed and exchanged views on the latest YEGAP activities, works in progress, and proposed activities for the year.

They also discussed plans for YEGAP’s participation in the upcoming 38^th CACCI Conference to be held on November 11-12, 2024 to be hosted by the Singapore Manufacturing Federation in Singapore.

CACCI Deputy DG Meets with CIB.O Executive Director

CACCI Deputy Director-General Mr. Amador R. Honrado Jr. (right) meets with Mr. Buddy Villasis, Executive Director of the Cebu IT BPM Organization (CIB.O) (left) on April 6 during the former’s recent visit to Cebu City in the Philippines.

Mr. Honrado and Mr. Villasis had a follow-up discussion on matters that were taken up during the meeting of Mr. Villasis and Dr. Dennis Hu, Chairman of the CACCI ICT Council, when the former visited the CACCI Secretariat in late March 2024 during his Taiwan trip to attend the Taiwan Smart City Forum as part of the official delegation of the Mayor of Cebu City Mr. Mike Rama.

David Hsu Retires as CACCI Director-General

Mr. David Hsu will be retiring as Director- General of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), effective April 1, 2024.

Mr. Hsu leaves the CACCI Secretariat after a service of two years. He assumed the position on April 1, 2022.

In his commendation letter to Mr. Hsu on his retirement, CACCI President Mr. Peter McMullin AM said that Mr. Hsu’s two-year term in this important position certainly contributed to the continued growth and development of CACCI, and has “tremendously helped me in making my job easier as CACCI President. I therefore commend you for your role, as Director-General, in serving the interest of CACCI members and the Asia-Pacific business community as a whole, and for your valuable contribution in promoting economic cooperation in the region.”

Prior to joining the CACCI Secretariat, Mr. Hsu was Director at the Professional Training Center of Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA). Over the years, he has served in various official capacities at the MOEA, and had been posted in various countries both in and outside the Asian region. He was the Economic Director at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Jordan from 1992 to 1995; Commercial Director of TECO in Toronto from 2000 to 2008; Economic Counselor of the Taiwan Embassy in Panama from 2002 to 2006; Economic Director at the TECO in India from 2009 to 2013; and Director of the Economic Division at the TECO in Malaysia from 2018 to 2020.

In Taiwan, some of his most notable positions at the MOEA included serving as Director of the International Cooperation Department from 1997 to 1998; as Director of the Small & Medium Enterprises Administration in 2006 to 2008; as Director of the Bureau of Foreign Trade from 2008 to 2009; and as Deputy Director General of the Bureau of Foreign Trade from 2013 to 2018.

CACCI Presents Plaque of Appreciation to Outgoing Director-General

The CACCI Secretariat, on behalf of the CACCI Officers and Members, presented to Mr. David Hsu a Plaque of Appreciation for his two-year service as Director-General of the CACCI Secretariat from April 2022 (left photo). Mr. Hsu also received a letter of commendation from CACCI President Mr. Peter McMullin AM for his contribution to the efforts of CACCI in promoting cooperation among its members and the region’s business community as a whole. Mr. Hsu received these during the Farewell Lunch hosted for him by the staff of the CACCI Secretariat on March 25, 2024.

Asian ICT Chairman Meets with CIBO Officer

Dr. Dennis Hu, Chairman of the CACCI ICT Council (leftmost), met with Mr. Salvador Villasis, Executive Director of Cebu IT BPM Organization (CIBO) (2nd from right) on March 22 at the CACCI Secretariat office in Taipei. Dr. Hu and Mr. Villasis exchanged views on possible assistance that the ICT Council, through Dr. Hu, can extend to CIBO particularly in meeting the digital skilling requirements of CIBO to beef up the talent pool of the ICT industry of Cebu.

Dr. Hu is President and Founder of the Foundation for Commerce & Culture Exchange which aims to promote internation cooperation and collaboration in Smart++industries development, I.e., Smart City, Smart Healthcare, Smart Agriculture, Smart Transportation, Smart Tourism, etc. Mr. Villasis, who formerly served as Executive Director of Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was in Taipei as part of the delegation from Cebu that attended the 2024 Smart City Summit and Expo (SCSE) that took place both in Taipei and Kaohsiung from March 19th to 23rd, 2024.Joining the meeting between Dr. Hu and Mr. Villasis were CACCI Director-General Mr. David Hsu (2nd from left) and Deputy Director- General Mr. Amador Honrado Jr. (rightmost)

CACCI Signs MOU with ICTTM

The International Centre for Trade Transparency & Monitoring (ICTTM) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI). Signed virtually on March 21, this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signifies a united effort to empower businesses across the Asia-Pacific region with cutting-edge technology and an unparalleled depth of data for enhancing international trade and supply chain transparency.

Under this MOU, CACCI member organizations and their constituents across 27 countries will gain priority access to ICTTM’s innovative platforms, ADAMkyc and ADAMftd, designed to revolutionize trade data analysis, market forecasts, supply chain mapping, and KYC compliance. This collaboration underscores a shared vision for a more transparent, efficient, and compliant global trade ecosystem. By providing complimentary access to ICTTM’s cutting-edge platforms to CACCI’s extensive network, the partnership is set to revolutionize how businesses in the Asia-Pacific region approach international trade, supply chain mapping, and KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance.

The Hon. David Wells, Board Chairman of the ICTTM, emphasized the partnership’s role in advancing trade transparency and facilitation, “Our cooperation with CACCI is a notable step towards our goal of driving innovation in global trade. The provisioning of our ADAMkyc and ADAMftd platforms to CACCI’s broad and diverse network of national chambers and beyond will empower businesses with the insights and tools needed for success in the international market, and marks a new era of trade efficiency and compliance.”

Mr. David Hsu, Director-General of CACCI, added, “The strategic partnership with ICCTM through the signing of the MOU certainly provides CACCI another valuable platform to further strengthen its role in increasing regional business interaction, promoting intra-regional trade and investments, and enhancing regional growth . CACCI believes that trade not only helps business supply the world with the goods and services we all desire, it also builds and maintains cross-border relationships, thereby making chambers of commerce and businesses truly merchants of peace.”

CACCI Profile – March edition available

CACCI is pleased to announce that the March 2024 issue of CACCI Profile is now available. Please click HERE to read or download.

This month’s President’s Update includes the announcement of CACCI Director-General David Hsu’s retirement, as well as a recap of the 43^rd Japan YEG National Convention in Komatsu, which CACCI took part in. Additionally, the newsletter features the latest news from Member Chambers, along with a wide range of articles relevant to business and trade.

It is our ardent hope that this monthly publication is useful to you and your work, and enables you to know more about the CACCI, our members, and their activities.

If you wish other members of your organization to receive a copy of the CACCI Profile, please send us their names, titles/positions, and email addresses through cacci@cacci.biz

We would also appreciate receiving your comments on how we can further improve the CACCI Profile in terms of its format and contents.

If you have any articles you wish to share with our members, you are welcome to send these to us, with accompanying photos if possible, through cacci@cacci.biz.

Thank you for your kind attention, and we look forward to your continued support of the CACCI and its activities.

Best regards,

David Hsu
Director-General
Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry

CACCI joins 20th Joint Meeting of CIECA and MNCCI

On March 20, 2024, the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA) and the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), both active Primary Members of CACCI, held their 20th Joint Meeting at the Taipei International Convention Center (TICC).

The Joint Meeting gathered several dozen businesspeople, company representatives, leaders of both national chambers of commerce, and government representatives interested in fostering business activities between Taiwan and Mongolia.

The one-day meeting started with remarks from Ms. Carol Cheng, COO, Taiwan Research-based Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (TRPMA); Mr. Uuganbayar Bat-Ochir, CEO, Uvurkhangai Province Branch of the Mongolian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI); H.E. Bill Keh-Ming Chen, Ambassador on Home Assignment, Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mr. Tumurbaatar Gankhuyag, Representative, Ulaanbaatar Trade and Economic Representative Office in Taipei.

The Joint Meeting’s morning events continued with four short, specialized business sessions on: (1) Medicine and Medical Devices featuring Uni-Shinmed Co. Ltd., Odi Tan LLC, and Regional Diagnostic at Uvurkhgai Province; (2) Food Processing featuring ANKO Food Machine Co.; (3) Tourism featuring JIN HE International Travel Service Co., Ltd. and Khovd Province MNCCI; and (4) Building Materials featuring Supperline International Enterprise.

After lunch, a series of B2B meetings were held to match businesspeople interested in other industries not covered by the morning session, such as textiles, import/trade, education & training, agriculture & environment, and smart equipment.

Malaysia FMM is newest CACCI member

CACCI is pleased to announce the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) as its newest member. FMM is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and is currently the only CACCI Primary Member from Malaysia.

Established in 1968, FMM is Malaysia’s premier economic organization that has consistently led Malaysian manufacturers in spearheading the nation’s growth and modernisation. It is currently the largest private sector economic organisation in Malaysia, representing over 3,000 manufacturing and industrial service companies of varying sizes.

CACCI warmly welcomes FMM and looks forward to future cooperation with the organization and its members!

CACCI Attends 43rd Japan YEG National Convention in Komatsu

The Young Entrepreneurs Group of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Japan YEG) recently held their 43rd National Convention in Komatsu, Ishikawa from March 13 to 17, 2024. The multi-day event is an annual gathering of young entrepreneurs from across the eight regions of Japan, packed with meetings, networking dinners, ceremonies, product exhibitions, and excursions. This year’s theme highlighted the ‘Power of

Community’ exemplified by the membership, particularly in light of the Noto earthquake that tragically struck Ishikawa on January 1, 2024. The 2024 convention attracted over 10,000 attendees from 417 local chambers, along with foreign delegates from Cambodia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam who were invited to attend festivities on March 15 and 16. In attendance from the CACCI Secretariat were Senior Officers Teresa Liu and Abby Moreno.

On March 15, Japan YEG’s International Business Committee (IBC) signed MOUs with the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association (VYEA), the Young Entrepreneurs Chamber of Commerce Thailand (YEC Thailand), and the Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA) at the Komatsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Attending as observers were representatives of the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Cambodia (YEAC), Taiwan’s Third Wednesday Club Young Entrepreneurs Group (TWC-YEG), and the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI). YEAC and TWC-YEG have previously signed MOUs with Japan YEG, while the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) is a founding member of CACCI.

During the MOU ceremony, Japan YEG Chairperson Ms. Asako Kimura signed three separate MOUs with VYEA President Mr. Dang Hong Anh, YEC Thailand Vice President Mr. Kraisorn Chatlekavanich, and PYEA President Ms. Charmaine Co Leong. According to the memorandum, parties will collaborate to organize projects promoting cooperation, establish networks to facilitate business exchanges, connect businesses through trade promotion activities, support businesses in accessing capital sources, and organize workshops and forums to share experiences, knowledge, and trends, among other goals.

The MOU signing was announced to the Japan YEG membership at the Convention Ceremony held at the Komatsu Dome on March 16, 2024. IBC Chairman Mr. Hiromi Aoki invited representatives of the overseas delegations onstage to deliver their brief greetings and congratulations to the 43rd National Convention. CACCI Senior Officer Ms. Teresa Liu spoke on behalf of CACCI President Mr. Peter McMullin AM.

YEGAP Co-Organizes B2B Meeting with YEGs from Iran

The Young Entrepreneurs Group of Asia Pacific (YEGAP) co-organized with the Youth Business Club Iran and the Iranian Business Council-Dubai a virtual B2B meeting on March 6, 2024.

Moderated by YEGAP Chairman Mr. Rommel Gerodias from the Philippines, the online meeting provided the participants the opportunity to introduce themselves to each other, what their business interests are, and explore possible business cooperation.

The attendees represented various industry sectors and fields of activity, including medical, food, chemical, car parts, clothing and garment, renewable energy, and tourism.

CACCI Delegation visits Ulaanbaatar Trade and Economic Representative Office in Taipei

On March 5, 2024, CACCI Director-General David Hsu (third from right) paid a courtesy visit to the Ulaanbaatar Trade and Economic Representative Office in Taipei, where he was welcomed by Representative Gankhuyag Tumurbaatar (third from left), and Deputy Representative Ulziibat Altandush (rightmost)

Mr. Hsu was joined by CACCI Deputy Director General Mig Moreno (second from right), CTBC Financial Holding Senior VP Stephen Wang (second from left), and CTBC Financial Holding Senior Associate Ting Ting Wang (leftmost).

During the visit, Mr. Hsu briefly talked about the history of CACCI, which was established in 1966 to serve as a platform to connect businesses in the region. He mentioned the activities and events that CACCI has done over the years, and then elaborated on plans for 2024.

Mr. Hsu explained that CACCI works closely with the Mongolian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), an active member chamber, in enhancing business activities and training opportunities for Mongolian businesses. He said he hoped to likewise establish a good relationship with the Mongolian Representative Office in Taipei to further support this cause. Mr. Hsu also informed Representative Tumurbaatar of the CACCI’s annual conference, which this year will be held in Singapore on November 11 and 12, 2024.

For his part, Representative Tumurbaatar expressed his support to CACCI’s efforts promoting Mongolian businesses in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

CACCI Planning Committee Meets to Discuss Preparations for the Singapore Conference

The CACCI Secretariat organized on March 5 the online CACCI Planning Committee to discuss initial preparations for the 38th CACCI Conference to be held in Singapore in November 2024.

The meeting was chaired by SMF President Mr. Lennon Tan on behalf of CACCI President Mr. Peter McMullin AM, who was unable to join as he was not available at the time. A total of 36 delegates from 12 countries attended the Meeting, including representatives from Australia, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, South Korea, the Philippines, Türkiye, and Taiwan.

Among the decisions made during the meeting were the: (a) Conference date; (b) Conference venue; (c) Conference Theme and Topics; (d) Conference Speakers; and (e) Conference program and format.

A s regards the Conference theme and topics, the Committee agreed that, based on the suggestions from members, the Conference should focus on the following timely and relevant topics of current concern to the region’s business sector, namely:

1. Sustainability/ Green Economy
2. Entrepreneurship
3. Trade Facilitation
4. Digital Transformation
5. Artificial Intelligence in business

The CACCI Secretariat was tasked to formulate the theme and topics, taking into account the suggestions and comments made by the Committee, and submit these to SMF for review and further comments. These will then be forwarded to the Committee members for additional input, including their suggestions on speakers for the agreed topics.

The Committee members also noted the submissions made on possible Conference speakers. However, they agreed that the speaker line-up can be considered only after the Conference theme and topics are finalized. The CACCI Secretariat was tasked to coordinate with SMF and the other members of the Planning Committee on their suggestions for speakers.

The CACCI Secretariat was also requested to coordinate with SMF on the finalization of the Conference Program, taking into account the comments and suggestions raised by SMF and members of the Planning Committee, as well as by other CACCI members.

4 Training Seminars on International Trade Terms for Spring 2024

The Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) is proposing to organize Spring 2024 Training Sessions – in cooperation with interested Primary and Affiliate Members – four different one-day training seminars on International Trade Terms 2020 (Incoterms 2020) and related themes.

The four proposed one-day Seminars are:

(1) New Revision of the International Trade Terms
What you need to know to make your international trade deal successful based on Contract of Sale and ICC Rules Incoterms 2020 (one day)

(2) Developments on Demand Guarantees and Standby L/C World (one day)

(3) Payment and Security Instruments in Foreign Trade, and Trade Finance
How to secure your exports overseas? (one day)

(4) INCOTERMS 2020 and linkage to documentary credits
Updated ICC Publication ISBP 821 explained! (one day)

As the Incoterms 2020 continue to be updated since its inception in January 1, 2020, being familiar with all changes and their impact is a must in the international trade and finance world. Moreover, new changes, updates and new developments were implemented during 2023 that might require further study today.

Interested chambers can choose from the suggested topics and preferably organize at least a two one-day courses. The programs can be adjusted according to the Chamber’s needs.

For instance there could be more comprehensive one-day course just on documentary credits and their financing, with news on some practical issues. New topics can be added or deleted. In fact, more time will be allocated to practical case studies and discussions.

By attending the seminars, participants will be able to:

(1) Get a further understanding on the main aspects of contract of sale, related risks, main problematic issues;

(2) Familiarize themselves with trade terms as per Incoterms and above all with new revision Incoterms 2020 – their practical impact on international trade and finance; and

(3) Learn about the relationship of payment terms to trade terms – Incoterms 2020.

The seminars will be conducted by Mr. Pavel Andrle, Secretary to the Banking Commission of ICC Czech Republic as well as Member of UCP 600 Consulting Group.

In this regard, we would like to know whether your Chamber is interested in hosting the proposed seminars under a cost-sharing arrangement as outlined in the Shared Responsibilities Agreement.

Please let us know if your Chamber is interested to host the proposed seminars under the proposed cost-sharing arrangements by filling out the Response Form and returning it to us through our Fax No.: (886 2) 2760-7569 or e-mail cacci@cacci.biz by March 30, 2024.

The four seminars’ syllabus, Mr. Pavel’s resume, Shared Responsibilities Agreement and Response Form can be downloaded HERE.

CACCI Profile – February edition available

CACCI is pleased to announce that the February 2024 issue of CACCI Profile is now available. Please click HERE to read or download.

This month’s President’s Update includes information about the upcoming CACCI Planning Committee Meeting on March 5, as well as a planned virtual B2B meeting between the Young Entrepreneurs of Asia-Pacific (YEGAP) and the Youth Business Club of Iran. Additionally, the newsletter features the latest news from Member Chambers, along with a wide range of articles relevant to business and trade.

It is our ardent hope that this monthly publication is useful to you and your work, and enables you to know more about the CACCI, our members, and their activities.

If you wish other members of your organization to receive a copy of the CACCI Profile, please send us their names, titles/positions, and email addresses through cacci@cacci.biz

We would also appreciate receiving your comments on how we can further improve the CACCI Profile in terms of its format and contents.

If you have any articles you wish to share with our members, you are welcome to send these to us, with accompanying photos if possible, through cacci@cacci.biz.

Thank you for your kind attention, and we look forward to your continued support of the CACCI and its activities.

Best regards,

David Hsu
Director-General
Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry

CACCI Secretariat Executives Meet with JCCI Officers

CACCI Director-General Mr. David Hsu (rightmost) and Deputy Director-General Mr. Amador Honrado (2nd from left) were hosted lunch by Mr. Kazuo Nishitani, Executive Director and General Manager, International Division, Japan Chamber of Commerce (JCCI) (2nd from right) and Mr. Masahiko Oshima, Manager, International, Division, JCCI (rightmost) on February 23 during
the former’s recent official visit to Tokyo.

Mr. Hsu and Mr. Honrado invited the JCCI officers to send a delegation to the upcoming 38th CACCI Conference to be held in November 2024 in Singapore and to attend the virtual February 29 Planning Committee Meeting to discuss preparations for the Conference, and explored with them the possibility of participating in the “Investment Forum” series and make a presentation on the current trends and developments in the Japanese economy and opportunities for trade and investment presented by the country for CACCI members from other countries.

Australia’s Representative in Taipei Receives CACCI Secretariat Executives

Mr. Rober Fergusson, Representative, Australian Office, Taipei (3rd from left), pose for a group photo with CACCI Secretariat executives led by Director-General Mr. David Hsu (3rd from
right) after their meeting at the former’s office on February 2, 2024.

Mr. Hsu and Deputy Director-General Mr. Amador Honrado (2nd from right) briefed Mr. Fergusson on the activities of CACCI and the important role that the Australian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in the Confederation since it joined as a Founding Member in 1966, particularly in the policy advocacy work of CACCI.

Also joining the visit were Mr. Stephen Wang, CACCI Deputy Director-General (leftmost) and Mr. Stephen Wang, Senior Vice President, Public Relations & Public Welfare Division, Corporate Relations Dept., CTBC Bank Co. Ltd (rightmost), and his colleague Ms. Ting Ting Wang (leftmost). Mr. Wang informed Mr. Ferguson and his colleague Mr. Dan Bowman, Executive Director, Economic and Policy Section (2nd from right) of the active presence of his Bank in Sydney.

Mr. Fergusson offered his assistance in getting more business organizations in Australia take interest in joining CACCI, as well as in exploring how Australian banks resume their involvement in
the activities of the Asian Bankers Association, one of Product and Service Councils of CACCI.

ASEAN-BAC Joint Business Councils Meet in Laos

Members of the Joint Business Councils (JBC) under the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) met on January 29 in Luang Prabang, Laos in preparation for the upcoming ASEAN Summit to be held later in the 2024 in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.

As Associate Member of the ASEAN BAC JBC, CACCI was represented in the meeting by Mr. George Abraham, Chairman of the CACCI SME Development Council Mr. Abraham briefed the meeting on the upcoming activities of CACCI in 2024,

CACCI Attends 23rd JBC Meeting in Laos

Mr. George Abraham (2nd from right, standing), Chairman of CACCI’s SME Development Council (SMEDC), joined other members of the Joint Business Councils (JBC) of the ASEAN Business
Advisory (ASEAN-BAC) during the city tour and dinner on a cruise along the Mekong River organized by the ASEAN-BAC Lao PDR on January 28, 2024, one day before the 23rd JBC Meeting held on January 29, 2024 in Luang Prabang, Laos.

CACCI is an Associate member of ASEAN-BAC and is represented by Mr. Abraham as SMEDC Chairman in its meetings and other activities.

Successful 37th CACCI Conference in Kathmandu

The Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) successfully held its 37th CACCI Conference in Kathmandu, Nepal on November 6-7, 2023, with the participation of some 400 delegates over the two-day period composed largely of businessmen and chamber of commerce representatives from 25 Asia-Pacific countries, led by CACCI President Mr. Peter McMullin AM from Australia and Mr. Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Held at the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu Hotel, the Conference was jointly organized by CACCI and the FNCCI.

37th CACCI Conference

Kathmandu, November 6-7, 2023

Opening Ceremony

Focusing on the theme ”Chambers of Commerce: Helping Businesses Get SET for the Future”, this year’s annual CACCI gathering featured invited speakers who shared their views on strategies that businesses may pursue for navigating – and creating new opportunities – in the post-pandemic business and global market environment through the three-pronged SET principle of Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Trade. The Conference was officially opened with the traditional Nepalese lighting ceremony officiated by the special guests.

FNCCI Welcome Remarks

FNCCI President Mr. Chandra Prasad Dhakal in his Welcome Remarks stated that the three important aspects focused on by the Conference theme – namely, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Trade – are the key pillars for economic development in the region, and that with the theme, CACCI aspires to create a more prosperous future for the Asia-Pacific region.

Noting the country’s location to be between two economic powerhouses – India and China – Mr. Dhakal said that Nepal holds a strategic position at the heart of the Asia-Pacific region. He said that Nepal’s people and economy have been showing their strength to bounce back from major natural disasters and global economic shocks.

He highlighted the current strength of the country’s economy to include a robust foreign exchange reserves and positive balance of payments; sufficient liquidity in the banking sector to lend to private businesses; rich and growing energy sector with a huge market in its neighbors India and Bangladesh; strong tourism sector since Nepal has always been a popular destination for international tourists; huge prospects for manufacturing, agro processing, ICT, pharmaceuticals, herbs and herbal sectors; and duty-free market access to India, China, the EU and other developed countries. He added that Nepal aspires to establish wider connectivity, physically and digitally, with South Asia, Asia-Pacific region, and beyond.

CACCI Welcome Remarks

In his Welcome Remarks, CACCI President Mr. Peter McMullin AM expressed his hopes that the Conference would provide CACCI members, invited speakers and guests a platform to share their views on strategies that businesses may pursue for navigating – and creating new opportunities – in the post-pandemic business and global market environment through the three-pronged SET principle of Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Trade.

He explained that Sustainability is critical for SMEs to gain a competitive advantage in today’s market, to be able to manage business risks, grow their brand and enhance their access to capital. Entrepreneurship and particularly inclusive entrepreneurship supports people with new ideas to solve some of their most entrenched challenges. Trade support is a critical service Chambers provide to the business community as it not only helps business supply the world with the goods and services we all desire but it also builds and maintains cross-border relationships.

Mr. McMullin stressed that as members of chambers of commerce and other business organizations – both regional and international – “we have a shared future. We therefore need to help each other to address challenges on the basis of consultation and coordination and pursue common development. We need to share our insights, build consensus and contribute to promoting development and prosperity in Asia and the world.”

Special Remarks

Echoing the message of Mr. McMullin on the Conference theme, CACCI Vice President and Former FNCCI President Mr. Pradeep Kumar Shrestha said that sustainability is not only merely a choice but is an absolute necessity for the well-being of our planet and future generations, that entrepreneurship fuels innovation, job creation, and economic growth, and that trade unites nations in an increasingly globalized world and is indispensable for shared prosperity.

Mr. Shrestha said that the Conference theme underscores CACCI’s unwavering commitment to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world, and its determination to ensure that businesses are sustainable, innovative, and well-connected to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of tomorrow by exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and forging meaningful partnerships.

Keynote Speaker

The Keynote Speaker Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, Former Prime Minister of Nepal, stated that the Asia-Pacific region stands at the forefront of economic growth and change. While its diverse cultures, economies and political systems paint a complex picture, the collective rise of countries in this region has had a profound impact on the global stage, making it crucial to examine their unique trajectories, he added. “The market size available for domestic or reginal consumption and the younger population, which is more productive, is the strength of this region that needs to be harnessed,” he further elaborated.

Dr. Bhattarai underscored that the state-to-state economic cooperation can be complemented by business-to-business collaboration. He called on the Chambers of Commerce at the national level like FNCCI, and at the regional level like CACCI, should be the vanguards in assisting businesses to navigate through the complex global trade landscape, ensuring that they are well-equipped to compete on the global stage. He suggested that Chambers can offer mediation, digitize processes to ease doing businesses, and connect SMEs through networking and business matching opportunities. ”This is the right time to act, and the private sector can lead the path in this direction, “ he added.

Special Guest

The Special Guest Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Honorable Finance Minister of Nepal in his Address urged the Conference participants to utilize and take advantage of the opportunities offered by Nepal. He said that the country is looking for the meaningful support of organizations such as CACCI and their members in improving the living standards of the people to the region by making use of the immense potential in the fields of renewable energy, tourism, infrastructure, and information technology, among others.

Stating that the government is working in developing the needed infrastructure across prospective sectors which is important in taking Nepal’s development goals forward, Minister Mahat called on the international community to invest in the country. “As a result of the climate challenges and dampening global economy, green, resilient and inclusive development (GRID) is the way to go forward, and investing in Nepal is a way to support this GRID approach.  The hydropower sector has already established an ecosystem of Nepal investors across different scales of hydropower projects, and is doing well, the Finance Minister stated. He reported that the World Bank and the Asia Development Bank are pumping investment in Nepal’s renewable energy, adding that this initiative will also build the confidence of Nepal’s private sector to invest. “Nepal’s hydropower sector is an assured return for investors,”  he emphasized.

Chief Guest

Chief Guest Mr. Ramchandra Paudel, Right Honorable President of Nepal, in his Address urged international investors and businessmen to invest in Nepal, noting that investment areas are increasing in Nepal and laws are being made to facilitate investment. Nepal is lying geographically between China and India, making the country a natural gateway for businesses looking to tap into that big consumer market, he noted. He called on foreign investors and international industrialists to invest in sectors with high potential and prospects of significant return in investment, such as agriculture, tourism, and energy.

Noting that small and medium enterprises are the backbone of Nepal’s economy as they create growth, innovation, and jobs, President Paudel remarked that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business but is also the strongest foundation for embracing innovation, intensifying diversity, and solving the biggest challenges of our communities alongside adopting sustainable practices. He therefore said that the CACCI Conference is timely and relevant to address the challenges of this era and utilize the opportunities of investment and business. He pointed out that the role of chambers of commerce and industry in the Asia-Pacific will be decisive to bring about positive and aligned changes in the world trade scenario.

Vote of Thanks

In his Vote of Thanks delivered at the end of the Opening Ceremony, FNCCI Vice President Mr. Anjan Shrestha stated that the Conference will set a common vision for unity, cooperation, and prosperous future. He pointed out that the conclusions of the Conference will be important for the prosperity of the Asia Pacific region, including Nepal.

The Conference included four Plenary Sessions that included eminent speakers who shared their perspectives on the following timely and relevant issues:

Plenary Session 1 “SUSTAINABILITY: Developing Clean and Renewable Energy for a Greener World”

Plenary Session One addressed the issue of how to ensure a sustainable supply of renewable energy, improve access to modern energy services, identify possible areas of regional cooperation to achieve a clean energy integration to build a greener world, and how chambers can play the role as a voice of change at COP28 in Dubai.

Moderated by Mr. Melvin Tan, Managing Director, Cyclect Pte. Ltd. and Vice President of Singapore Manufacturing Federation, the session featured the following speakers:

• Mr. Sushil Chandra Tiwari, Secretary, Water and Energy Commission Secretariat, Government of Nepal.
• Mr. Khurram Sayeed, CEO, Planet Energy Pvt. Ltd / Vice President, CACCI
• Mr. Gyanendra Lal Pradhan, Chairman, Asian Council on Water, Energy, and Environment (ACWEE)
• Dr. Alireza Yavari, Deputy President for International Affairs, ICCIMA / Vice President, CACCI
• Mr. Homer Yu, Vice President, Kowloon Chamber of Commerce (KCC)

Plenary Session 2 “ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Driver for Regional Economic Growth”

Plenary Session Two discussed how to promote the entrepreneurial spirit in the region – particularly young and women entrepreneurs – through, for instance, mentorship and access to capital and markets, in order to make them effective and sustained contributors to the economic growth of their respective communities and the national and regional economy as a whole.

With Mr. Suraj Vaidya, Former President, FNCCI as Moderator, the session featured the following speakers:

• Prof. Pramod B. Shrestha, Ph.D. (Engineering Management, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada) Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University
• Mr. Allen John Ku, Vice-President, EVERIII & Partners / Director, Startup Island Taiwan (The Intersection of Innovation & Technology)
• Mr. Sanjeeb Panthee, Good Return
• Ms. Sudha Shivkumar President, FICCI Ladies Organization
• Ms. Narin Shahrokhi Kabir, ICCIMA

Plenary Session 3 “TRADE: Helping Businesses Become Global Trade Players”

Plenary Session Three featured speakers who elaborated on their thoughts and ideas on how to assist businesses, particularly the SMEs which comprised majority of chambers’ constituencies, adequately equipped to participate in the international market through, for instance, digital transformation, mediation and dispute resolution capability, and labor mobility and skills development to meet new business and market demands.

Moderated by Mr. Kush Kumar Joshi, Former President, FNCCI/Managing Director, Nepal Ekarat Engineering Co. Pvt. Ltd., the session included the following speakers:

• Ms. Deborah Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Disputes Cetner (Mediation/Dispute Resolution)
• Mr. James Shi Chu, Secretary General, Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce (CNAIC), Taiwan
• Dr Gunveena Chadha, Assistant Secretary General and Coordinator International Division, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
• Dr. Posh Raj Pandey, Executive Chairman, South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment
• Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, Former Finance Minister of Nepal

Plenary Session 4  CEO FORUM “Development Challenges and Opportunities in the Asia-Pacific Region”

Plenary Session 4 featured company CEOs and business leaders who shared their insights on what they think are the development challenges and opportunities faced by the region, including – but not limited to – food safety and security, tourism, supply chain resilience, climate change, cooperation in healthcare, the impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and China’s economic growth.

Moderated by Mr. Peter McMullin AM, President, CACCI, the session featured the following speakers:

• Mr. Jemal Inaishvili, President Emeritus, CACCI / Former CEO, Poti Sea Port
• Mr. Samir Modi, Immediate Past President, CACCI / Executive Director, Modi Enterprises
• Mr. Lennon Tan, President, Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF)
• Mr. Padma Jyoti, Chairman, Jyoti Group / Past President, FNCCI

Sectoral Breakout Sessions

In addition, parallel sectoral breakout sessions were organized by the following CACCI Product and Service Councils that gathered government and private sector experts for dialogue and panel discussion on important sectoral issues:

Asian ICT Council

Focusing on the theme: “Envisioning the Future of Artificial Intelligence (AI)”, the session featured speakers who shared their perspectives on the session theme: what are the challenges, opportunities, and benefits for industries and businesses.

The speakers included: Mr. Parag Shrestha, Managing Director, Fuse machines Inc.; Mr. Sam Shen, Global Business Director, Taiwan Smart Solutions Alliance (TSSA); Mr. Umesh Raghubanshi, Vice President, Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation); Prof. Andrew Koh, President, Singapore Chapter, Government Block chain Association; and Mr. Homer Yu, Vice President, Kowloon Chamber of Commerce (KCC). Moderating the session was Mr. Mangesh Lal Shrestha, Immediate Past Chairman, CACCI YEGAP / Global Vice President (Growth & AI) at Frost & Sullivan.

Asian Council on Food and Agriculture

With “Food Security and Access: Ensuring Equitable and Sustainable Food Systems” as theme, the session included speakers who elaborated on their views on how to ensure equitable and sustainable food systems through food security and food access.

The featured speakers were: Mr. Rommel Gerodias, President, A101 Innovation Inc.“Food Safety”; Mr. Sumit Kedia, Executive Director, Kedia Organization / Commodity Council Advisor , FNCCI; Mr. Igor Piasetskii, Representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russian Federation in India; and Mr. Hem Raj Dhakal, Vice President (Commodity), FNCCI. The session Moderator was Mr. Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, CACCI Vice President and Former FNCCI President.

Young Entrepreneurs Group Asia-Pacific

The session addressed the theme: “Digital Transformation and Adoption of AI: Driver for Innovation in Entrepreneurship, Trade and Sustainability” Invited speakers examined how digital transformation and the adoption of AI will serve to drive and enable innovation in entrepreneurship, trade and sustainability.

The speakers included: Mr. Michael Lim, Founder, Beyond Value; Mr. Aabhushan Jyoti Kansakar, Board Member, Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs Forum (NYEF); and Mr. Saurabh Jyoti, Chairman, Syakar Trading Co. P. Ltd. The Session Chairman was Mr. Rommel Gerodias, President, A101 Innovation Inc.

Asian Council on Tourism

Carrying the Theme: “Green Tourism for Sustainable Future”, the session invited speakers who shared their experiences and best practices in promoting green tourism in their respective countries for a sustainable future. The speakers included Mr. Yogendra Shakya, Chairman, Club Himalayan Resort, Nagarkot (Hotel Ambassador); Dr. Dhananjaya Regmi, CEO, Nepal Tourism Board; and Mr. Binayak Shah, President, Hotel Association Nepal. Mr. Anura Lokuhetty, Chairman, Red Apple Travels & Holidays Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. served as Session Moderator

SME Development Council

The session tackled the theme: “Private Sector and Government Cooperation for SMEs in Change Management”. Invited speakers elaborated on their countries’ experience in promoting the growth and development of SMEs and the government policies in place to achieve this objective amidst a changing market environment.

With Mr. George Abraham, Chairman, The GA Group Pte. Ltd. as Moderator, the session included the following speakers: Mr. Stuart Thomson, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Good Business Foundation / Chief of Staff, Office of the President, CACCI; Ms. Jyotsna Shrestha, Vice President (Associate), FNCCI; Ms. Juna Mathema, Chairperson, Startup and Innovation Forum/EC member FNCCI; and Mr. Manoj Paudel, Chairperson, Investment & International Affairs forum/EC member FNCCI.

Asian Council on Water, Energy and Environment

Focusing on the theme  “Clean & Green Energy: CO2 Zero Emission”, the session Invited speakers who shared their views and perspectives on the importance of promoting clean and green energy and what their respective countries are doing in this regard.

Moderated by Mr. Gyanendra Lal Pradhan, Chairman, Asian Council on Water, Energy and Environment, CACCI, the session featured the following speakers: Mr. Melvin Tan, Managing Director, Cyclect Pte. Ltd. / Vice President, SMF; Mr. Sher Singh Bhat, Former Deputy Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority “Energy Transition for Net CO­2 Zero Emission; Mr. Shailendra Guragain, Executive Committee Member, FNCCI; and Mr. Igor Piasetskii, Representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russian Federation in India.

Discover Business Opportunities Through CACCI

The two-day program also included a special session on “Discover Business Opportunities Through CACCI”, which featured country presentations by selected organizations on current economic conditions in their respective countries and opportunities for trade and investments, or on special programs, projects, products or services that have benefited their members of the community they serve and may be adapted by chambers from other countries.

Moderated by Mr. Jemal Inaishvili, President Emeritus of CACCI, the session included country presentations conducted by the following:

• Mr. Lennon Tan, President, Singapore Manufacturing federation
• Mr. Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, Former President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and Vice President of CACCI
• Dr. Alireza Yavari, President for International Affairs, ICCIMA and Vice President, CACCI
• The session opened with Special Remarks by Mr. John Denton AO, Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce World Chambers Federation.

97th CACCI Council Meeting

Members of the CACCI Council, which is the governing body of the Confederation, convened for the 97th CACCI Council Meeting on November 6, 2023. Among the items discussed and agreed upon during the Council Meeting included the following:

Review of CACCI Activities since the 96th Council Meeting – The CACCI Council reviewed the activities undertaken by the Confederation since its last meeting held in November 2022 in Melbourne, Australia, including the various Presidential visits, the training programs, participation in regional and international meetings and forums, and issuance of regular publications containing useful and timely information for members.

Among other issues presented for discussion, the Proposed Budget for 2024 was reviewed and approved by the Council Members.

Endorsement of CACCI Policy Paper Study – The CACCI Council endorsed the policy paper study that was reviewed during the meeting held earlier by the CACCI Policy Advocacy Working Group. Prepared by TEPAV, the think-tank arm of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), the policy paper study called for a sector specific, green transformation model for value chain formation among CACCI member countries.

Associate Membership of CACCI in Steering Committee of the Regional Committee for Asia Pacific (RCAP) of CoNGO – The CACCI Council noted the  formal acceptance of CACCI as an  Associate Member  of the Steering Committee of the Regional Committee for Asia Pacific (RCAP) of the Conference of NGOs with Consultative Status in the United Nations (CoNGO)

Next CACCI Conferences – The CACCI Council noted that the host chamber for the 38th CACCI Conference in 2024 was still to be confirmed and is expected to be formally announced before the end of 2023 or in early 2024.

New CACCI Members

Admission of New Members – The CACCI Council formally approved the admission of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation  as the newest Primary Member, and the following new five Lifetime Special Members from Pakistan and  one the Philippines:

Pakistan

• Mr. Zahid Hameed, M/s Apparel Zone
• Mr. Atif Iqbal, M/s High Q Pharmaceutical
• Mr. Rameez Sattar, M/s Sonraj (Pvt) Ltd
• Mr. Arbaaz Sattar, M/s Sonraj (Pvt) Ltd
• Mr. Adnan Asad, M/s Venus Group

Philippines

• Koten Enterprises Co., Inc.

Formal Turnover fo YEGAP Chairmanship

During the Gala Dinner, a formal turnover of the Chairmanship of the Young Entrepreneurs Group of Asia-Pacific (YEGAP) was conducted. Erstwhile YEGAP Chairman Mr. Mangesh Lal Shrestha from Nepal, who is the Global V ice President (Growth and AI) for Frost & Sullivan, formally handed over the leadership of YEGAP to Mr. Rommel Gerodias from the Philippines.

Mr. Gerodias, who was previously Vice Chairman of YEGAP, will serve in the Chairmanship position until the latter part of 2024, when an election of a new Chairman will take place. With more than 18 years of experience in various industries, Mr. Gerodias is an expert and highly accomplished professional in the field of Management, Business Development, Training, Marketing, Sales, Entrepreneurship and Leadership. His expertise is in the field of Entrepreneurial Chemistry, Food & Beverage, Food Safety & Management Consulting; Proficient in communication with proven success in business development from the ground up in various businesses. He is a highly motivated and success-driven individual with a positive attitude and passion for excellence. Locally and internationally known leader in entrepreneurship advocacy and leadership.

XIII edition of SME newsletter available

CACCI is pleased to share herewith the Thirteenth Volume of the SME Development Council’s newsletter. Please click HERE to read or download.

We hope that this publication will provide you with adequate information about the latest developments in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in the Asia Pacific region. Members are encouraged to contribute articles for our future issues. Kindly forward your materials (preferably with accompanying photos) to mig.moreno@cacci.biz. Enjoy the reading!

CACCI Profile – January edition available

CACCI is pleased to announce that the January 2024 issue of CACCI Profile is now available. Please click HERE to read or download.

This month’s President’s Update includes the announcement of the date and venue for the 38^th CACCI Conference: November 11 to 12, 2024 in sunny Singapore. It also includes a feature on CACCI’s membership in the newly-established APAC Green Alliance. Additionally, the newsletter features the latest news from Member Chambers, along with a wide range of articles relevant to business and trade.

It is our ardent hope that this monthly publication is useful to you and your work, and enables you to know more about the CACCI, our members, and their activities. If you wish other members of your organization to receive a copy of the CACCI Profile, please send us their names, titles/positions, and email addresses through cacci@cacci.biz

We would also appreciate receiving your comments on how we can further improve the CACCI Profile in terms of its format and contents. If you have any articles you wish to share with our members, you are welcome to send these to us, with accompanying photos if possible, through cacci@cacci.biz.

Thank you for your kind attention, and we look forward to your continued support of the CACCI and its activities.

Best regards,

David Hsu
Director-General
Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry

CACCI Secretariat Officers Call on India’s Representative in Taipei

CACCI Director-General Mr. David Hsu (2nd from left) presents a token of appreciation to Mr. Manharsinh Laxmanbhai Yadav, Director-General of Indian Taipei Association (2nd from right) following their meeting on January 24 at the latter’s office in Taipei. Accompanying Mr. Hsu was Mr. Amador Honrado, CACCI Deputy Director-General (leftmost) and Mr. Stephen Wang, Senior Vice President, Public Relations & Public Welfare Division, Corporate Relations Dept., CTBC Bank Co. Ltd. (rightmost).

During the meeting, Mr. Hsu introduced CACCI and the Asian Bankers Association (ABA) and their activities to Mr. Yadav, highlighting the important roles played by the Federation of Indian
Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the State Bank of India (SBI) in the activities of the two organizations.

Acknowledging the importance of CACCI and ABA in promoting regional economic cooperation among Asian countries Mr. Yadav explored the possibility of the ABA organizing a webinar – in
partnership with SBI – that will introduce to ABA members the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT), a central business district under construction in the Gandhinagar district in Gujarat, India.

It is India’s first operational greenfield smart city and international financial services centre, which the Government of Gujarat promoted as a greenfield project. According to Mr. Yadav, GIFT City is an emerging global financial and IT services hub designed to be at or above par with globally benchmarked business districts. It is supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure encompassing all basic urban infrastructure elements along with an excellent external connectivity. Companies from Financial Services, Technology and all other services sector will be targeted as potential occupants within the city.

Mr. Yadav also encouraged CACCI to organize its annual Conference in India in the near future – and offered the assistance of his office of make this possible – after learning that the last annual gathering of CACCI in the country was held in 2005 – nearly 20 years ago.

CACCI Profile – December edition available

CACCI is pleased to announce that the December 2023 issue of CACCI Profile is now available. Please click HERE to read or download.

This month’s President’s Update includes a recap of the year’s activities. The issue also features the recent appointment of SMF President Lennon Tan as CACCI’s newest Vice President. Additionally, the newsletter features the latest news from Member Chambers, along with a wide range of articles relevant to business and trade.

It is our ardent hope that this monthly publication is useful to you and your work, and enables you to know more about the CACCI, our members, and their activities.

If you wish other members of your organization to receive a copy of the CACCI Profile, please send us their names, titles/positions, and email addresses through cacci@cacci.biz. We would also appreciate receiving your comments on how we can further improve the CACCI Profile in terms of its format and contents.

If you have any articles you wish to share with our members, you are welcome to send these to us, with accompanying photos if possible, through cacci@cacci.biz.

Thank you for your kind attention, and we look forward to your continued support of the CACCI and its activities.

Best regards,

David Hsu
Director-General
Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry

14th World Chambers Congress to be held in Melbourne on 2-4 September 2025

The World Chambers Congress is the largest and only international forum that enables chamber leaders and professionals to share best practices, exchange insights, develop networks, address the latest business issues affecting their communities, and learn about new areas of innovation from chambers around the world. This year, the 14th World Chambers Congress will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in the city of Melbourne, Australia on 2-4 September 2025.

The theme of its 14th edition, “Business, chambers, government: Partners for prosperity”, will explore how fostering collaboration among businesses, chambers of commerce, and governments can drive economic growth and prosperity.

Uniting more than 1,000+ business, chamber and political leaders from 100+ countries, the Congress is an ideal platform to connect public and private sector voices. Participants will also discuss the potential that mega trends in our economic landscape present and how we can leverage them for societal gain.

More information: https://wcc.iccwbo.org/

Contact: info@14wcc.au

Invitation to join CACCI Planning Committee meeting on March 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM, Taipei Time

Due to unforeseen circumstances, CACCI will need to postpone the Planning Committee Meeting, originally scheduled for 2:00 PM Taipei/Singapore time on February 29, 2024, to March 5, 2024 at the same time, 2PM Taipei time.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but hope you will still be able to join us at the meeting, as we value your attention and input to this year’s CACCI Conference.

The meeting will primarily discuss preparations for the 38h CACCI Conference to be co-organized by the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) on November 11-12, 2024 in Singapore. Among the items to be discussed will be the Conference theme, topics, speakers, program, and format, among others.

Attached herewith is the Tentative Agenda for the meeting.

Further information (e.g., meeting link, annotated agenda, discussion papers, etc.) will be sent to members upon confirmation of attendance by filling out this online Confirmation Form on or before January 31, 2024.

Furthermore, in preparation for the Planning Committee Meeting, we would like to seek your suggestions on economic, business or policy issues which you think are currently of great concern to members and the business sector of the region as a whole and should be discussed by members during next year’s Conference. Please let us know your thoughts on this year’s Conference theme and topics by accomplishing the Suggestion Form.

We would appreciate hearing from you before January 31, 2024 to give us enough time to circulate all suggestions to the Planning Committee for consideration prior to its meeting.

For your reference, we have also attached the list of the themes and topics of past years’ Conferences HERE.

Singapore skyline at night

38th CACCI Conference to be held in Singapore November 11-12, 2024

CACCI is pleased to inform all members and friends that this year’s  38^th CACCI Conference will be held in Singapore on November 11-12, 2024,  with the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) as the co-organizer. This will be the first time that CACCI will be holding its annual gathering in Singapore. The proposed venue is One Farrer Hotel (https://www.onefarrer.com)

CACCI will inform its members and friends relevant information (e.g., Tentative Program, hotel accommodation, registration procedure, etc.) as soon as these are available. In the meantime, we suggest you already mark your 2024 calendar of events for our annual gathering next year.

Asian Textiles & Garments Council’s newsletter available

CACCI is pleased to make available the Volume Eight of the Asian Textiles & Garments Council’s newsletter. (Click HERE to download.)

This issue is a compendium of relevant news, reports, and analyses on recent developments in the textile and garments industry in Asia Pacific countries.

This newsletter includes a report indicating that Azerbaijan and Pakistan are trying to secure raw material’s supply. Simultaneously, India’s apparel market continues growing and its designers joined Moscow fashion show.

On the other side, Iran is exporting more and also cooperating with China in the textile area. China is also securing textile links with Iran’s neighbor, Pakistan. Further south, other news reports show that Sri Lanka is making inroads in organic manufacturing while Vietnam tries to expand its FTA to further market its textiles and apparel products overseas, and much more.

We hope that this latest issue of the Asian Textiles & Garments Newsletter will enable you to gain a better understanding of the trends and conditions of the textile market throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Members are encouraged to contribute articles for future issues. Kindly forward your materials (preferably with accompanying photos) to mig.moreno@cacci.biz.

Sincerely yours,

David Hsu
Director-General
CACCI

2023 CACCI Year End Review available

CACCI is pleased share with its members and friends a copy the CACCI 2023 Year-End Review which summarizes our Confederation’s activities over the past year. To download or read click HERE.

On behalf of CACCI, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the cooperation and assistance you have extended in undertaking CACCI’s activities in 2023. Without your help, we would not have accomplished as much as we did amidst a still challenging and difficult year for many of us.

We look forward to your continued support of the CACCI and its activities, and we certainly hope to see you and your colleagues under more improved circumstances next year.

Sincerely yours,

David Hsu
Director-General
Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry

Asian Council on Contracting & Construction newsletter available

CACCI is pleased to share Volume X of the Asian Council on Contracting & Construction Newsletter, for your download HERE.

This Newsletter shows reports about the expansion of Azerbaijan railways and irrigation system, and Cambodia’s mixed construction landscape as Iran and Azerbaijan reported on the construction of a larger border bridge. Further south, India’s Modi continued constructing projects in India.

North of India, the Nepalese are implementing hydropower projects to export electricity to Bangladeshi and Indian markets while President Marcos returned home with Japanese pledges to invest in infrastructure. Vietnam also received similar investment pledges.

I hope that these news and reports can provide you with a wider view of the construction and contracting market in Asia Pacific and its role in the national economy. Enjoy your reading!

David Hsu
Director General
Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Trade Facilitation newsletter available

CACCI is pleased to share the Eleventh Volume of the Asian Council on Trade Facilitation newsletter under the Chairmanship of Mr. R. B. Rauniar.

This issue (click HERE to download) starts with bad news about the EU-Australia FTA that fortunately Australia compensates with strengthened trade ties with the US. More good news came from Australia’s northern neighbor, Indonesia, as it integrates more deeply in its neighborhood.

Furthermore, there is a report that another ASEAN player, Philippines, is building formal economic ties with the UAE, a major trading center in the Middle East.

One report indicates that CPTPP positively impacted Malaysia’s FDI inflows while Iran expands its trade in the EAEU. Moreover, India and Russia are establishing more trading mechanisms to enhance their trade volume as China and Russia de-dollarize their bilateral trade. And to conclude, there is another report about new trade facilitation’s procedures among ASEAN members.

We hope you will find this issue useful and informative.

Members are encouraged to contribute articles for our future issues. Kindly forward your materials (preferably with accompanying photos) to mig.moreno@cacci.biz.

Sincerely yours,

David Hsu
Director General
Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry

CACCI Director-General Attends 85th Anniversary Celebration of Kowloon Chamber of Commerce

Mr. David Hsu, Director-General of CACCI (5th from right), joins officers of the Kowloon Chamber of Commerce (KCC) (5th from right) led by KCC Chairman and CACCI Vice President Mr.
Ernest Yuen (5th from left) at the KCC headquarters in Kowloon.

Mr. Hsu was in Hong Kong to attend the 85th Anniversary and the 42nd Inauguration Ceremony Celebration of the KCC held on December 18, 2023.at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Since its establishment in 1938, the KCC has served to facilitate exchanges between business organizations in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and overseas in various fields such as
economy, trade, culture, and education.

It has now expanded to cover over 40 industries and have established a bridge for communication among more than 60 organizational members and over 2,000 business entities and individual members, working together for the development of Hong Kong’s economy and social prosperity.

Supply Chain disruption is an opportunity for CACCI, TOBB TEPAV Ph.D Guven Sak

In the afternoon of November 6, 2023, CACCI President Mr. Peter McMullin AM from Australia chaired an interactive live virtual presentation of a Policy Paper on “Sector Specific, Green Transformation Model for Value Chain Formation Among CACCI Member Countries.”

The Policy Paper prepared by Economics Professor Guven Sak, Ph.D. from TEPAV, the think-tank arm of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), calls for a sector specific, green transformation model for value chain formation among CACCI member countries.

During the presentation, Prof. Sak discussed the present Age of Global Disruption created by transnational threats, great power competition and a race of new technologies.

Prof. Sak further explained that the disruption is creating opportunities and impacting regions, especially CACCI areas where many countries are in position to increase production and reduce dependance on China.

The impact on CACCI areas will realign the global value chains and could transform the region’s agendas. The disruption is driven by a process of de-coupling of certain economies and supply processes vis-a-vis a de-risking imperative.

These emerging conditions are in fact creating opportunities for CACCI countries that need to be considered.

Prof. Sak’s presentation was complemented with the participation of Lennon Tan, President of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) and newly appointed CACCI Vice President, and James S. Chu, Secretary General of the Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce (CNAIC) who raised relevant questions about Asian manufacturing strategy during the present supply chain disruption that Prof. Sak proceeded to answer in a comprehensive fashion.

The video presentation of Prof. Guven Sak during the CACCI Policy Advocacy Meeting in Kathmandu can be viewed at the CACCI YouTube channel below.

CACCI Officers Join Luncheon Hosted by the Philippine Representative Office in Taipei

CACCI Director General David Hsu and Deputy Director-General Mr. Amador Honrado, attended the luncheon hosted on December 7, 2023 in Taipei by Mr. Anthony Rivera, Trade Representative & Director for Commercial Affairs.

The Philippine Trade & Investment Center (PITC) in Taipei, on behalf of The Chairman and Resident Representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Atty. Silvestre H. Bello III. The event served as an occasion for PITC to express their appreciation to Taiwanese business companies and organizations that have provided strong support to PITC in the latter’s efforts to promote trade and investment cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines.

These included the Subic Bay Taiwan Chambers of Commerce, Inc., Taiwan Cold Chain Association, Browave Corporation, BDO Unibank, Sunonwealth Electric Machine Industry Co., Ltd. They were formally awarded with Certificates of Appreciation during the Luncheon.

Representatives from the Philippines – including Ms. Alice Q. Visperas, Deputy Resident Representative of MECO – also shared information on industries and sectors where investment is
being encouraged by the government. They also made a presentation on the new training center established in the Subic Bay Area that aims to provide technical skills upgrading to those who are
currently employed as well as to future employees.

Successful webinar on Advancing ESG Agenda

CACCI members had the opportunity to join the successful webinar on Advancing ESG Agenda: Net Zero Emission Supply Chain Through Carbon Footprint (CFP) held on 19 October 2023 by the Asian Bankers Association (ABA), a CACCI’s subsidiary, and the Association of Credit Rating Agencies in Asia (ACRAA).

Moderated by Mr. Atsushi Masuda, Chairman of ACRAA, Counselor for International Affairs, Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR), the webinar featured as speakers a Japanese government official, a petrochemical company staff, a commercial banker and a rating agency representative. Over 440 bankers from 35 countries registered for this special webinar.

We present the Summary of the speakers’ presentations below.

SUMMARY

(1) The first presentation on Carbon footprint and net zero emission target for the entire supply chain by Mr. Tomoki Sano, Deputy Director, Environmental Policy Division, Industrial Technology and Environment Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) discussed the purpose of achieving green transformation in Japan.

According to some estimates, economies headed to achieving carbon neutrality have reached 94% of the world’s GDP as of 2023, thus the importance of promoting investments towards this global trend.

Since Japan is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, the risks associated with this structure have especially become apparent after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

He argued that to achieve long-term sustainable growth, it is important for Japan to transform its economic and industrial structure based on clean energy (=Green Transformation.)

Furthermore, since the importance of transition finance is starting to be understood globally; in the G7 Hiroshima Summit held in 2023, the G7 highlighted the importance of transition finance for the first time.

Concerning the role of Carbon Footprint (CFP) towards Decarbonization, he explained that Carbon FootPrint is a calculation of a product’s total emission of greenhouse gases through its lifecycle. He proposed that the calculation of CFP will enable businesses to prioritize decarbonization efforts through its supply chain.

The final objective is that customers and consumers will choose goods produced with less emission.

For this reason, the purpose of CFP for businesses is that various stakeholders surrounding businesses should request the calculation and disclosure of CFP amidst increasing interests for climate change.

Mr. Sano highlighted that CFP is increasingly becoming a factor for business competitiveness and that the future policy directions based on the “CFP Guideline” will accelerate businesses’ efforts to calculate and understand their CFP, and lead to procurement of low-emission products, thereby leading to fewer emissions across the product supply chain.

Mr. Sano concluded with the forecast that to promote such change, Japan will undertake the more serious policies.

(2) The second presentation on Outline of carbon footprint and sustainability link loan framework by NAGASE & CO., Ltd. featured Mr. Yasuyuki Aizawa, Corporate Sustainability Office Manager of NAGASE & CO., LTD.

He started his presentation on the 190 years history of this traditional trading firm. It was then followed by an explanation on what is CFP.

According to him, CFP is a method of evaluating the environmental impact of CO2 based on the framework of life cycle assessment.

He mentioned that actually, CFP is calculated at the Product-level vs. Corporate-level. The methodology is built on ISO 14067 and some influential international CFP guidelines launched recently.

Mr. Aizawa presented a successful case to the audience where NAGASE and its partners successfully created the world first data linkage of carbon emission in the laptop PC suppler chain (Tier 0 to 3.)

It is said that 70% of the chemical suppliers are working on CFP.

Furthermore, he argued that CFP is an effective way to assess the environmental impact of chemicals. Collecting primary data is critical to moving toward carbon neutral.

In the chemical industry, the development in the three dimensions, methodology, tools and engagement have spurred suppliers to work on carbon footprints.

He forecasted a further drive carbon transparency in the chemical supply chain, which is essential to creating incentives especially for SMEs.

Nagase’s new SLL framework is extensive and its expertise covers not only Tier1 suppliers but also suppliers behind them (Tier2, Tier3…).

(3) The third presentation on Business management support for zero emission by financial institutions featured Mr. Naoya Orita. Vice President/Head of Sustainable Finance Japan, Sustainable Business Division, MUFG Bank, Ltd.

Mr. Morita initiated his presentation expressing MUFG’s Commitment to Carbon Neutrality and MUFG Declaration of Carbon Neutrality.

In fact. MUFG has been supporting its clients’ decarbonization and launched a collaboration with Zeroboard Inc., offering services for more than 1,800 companies.

This project led to the development of new business fields through visualization of customer’s GHG emissions and the entire supply chain, development of finance schemes, partnerships with solution providers, etc.

Mr. Morita also explained that Sustainability Linked-Loan (SLL) is a financing method with flexible use of funds that links the borrower’s Sustainability KPI performance with loan terms.

Loan terms such as interest rates are linked to the achievement of the SPT (Sustainability Performance Targets.)

These loans allow flexible use of funds while publicizing sustainability commitments externally. Furthermore, borrowers are incentivized by changes in loan conditions, such as preferential interest rates, depending on the level of achievement of the SPT, so the borrower can strengthen its commitment to achieve sustainability goals.

(4) The fourth and final presentation on How to evaluate the alignment of Supply Chain Finance Framework with Sustainability Linked Loan Principles featured Ms. Atsuko Kajiwara, Managing Executive Officer, Head of Sustainable Finance Evaluation Group.

She explained how to evaluate the alignment of Supply Chain Finance Framework with Sustainability Linked Loan Principles.

Ms. Kajiware spoke about the abundant experience in valuation (900 evaluations provided) and the participation of her organization in standards development as a member of the government council and study committee.

In the following image, she explained how sustainability linked loans (SLL) work:

She explained that the process of evaluation rests in the effort to capture the impact through the value chain, thus companies, suppliers and consumers share common challenges in reducing CO2 emission.

She proposed creating a system to reduce CO2 emissions throughout the supply chain as an integrated system.

The recording of the webinar can be viewed at the CACCI YouTube channel here.

Formal Turnover of YEGAP Chairmanship

During the Gala Dinner of the 37th CACCI Conference in Kathmandu on the night of November 7, 2023, a formal turnover of the Chairmanship of the Young Entrepreneurs Group of Asia-Pacific (YEGAP) was conducted. Erstwhile YEGAP Chairman Mr. Mangesh Lal Shrestha from Nepal, who is the Global V ice President (Growth and AI) for Frost & Sullivan, formally handed over the leadership of YEGAP to Mr. Rommel Gerodias from the Philippines.

Mr. Gerodias, who was previously Vice Chairman of YEGAP, will serve in the Chairmanship position until the latter part of 2024, when an election of a new Chairman will take place. With more than 18 years of experience in various industries, Mr. Gerodias is an expert and highly accomplished professional in the field of Management, Business Development, Training, Marketing, Sales, Entrepreneurship and Leadership. His expertise is in the field of Entrepreneurial Chemistry, Food & Beverage, Food Safety & Management Consulting; Proficient in communication with proven success in business development from the ground up in various businesses. He is a highly motivated and success-driven individual with a positive attitude and passion for excellence. Locally and internationally known leader in entrepreneurship advocacy and leadership.

CoNGO President Meets with CACCI Secretariat Officers

Mr. Liberato Bautista, President of the New-York based Conference of Non-Government Organizations with Consultative Status in the United Nations (CoNGO) (leftmost) met on November 16 with executives of the CACCI Secretariat led by Director-General Mr. David Hsu (2nd from the left) during the former’s recent visit to Taipei.

CACCI is a member of CoNGO as it has consultative status, Roster category, with the UN Eco. Mr. Bautista briefed Mr. Hsu and representatives of STUF United Fund, also a CoNGO member, led by its President Mr. John Lin (3rd from right), on the upcoming activities of CoNGO. Mr. Bautista was in Taipei as Keynote Speaker in the NGO Leadership Forum that STUF United Fund helped organize on November 17.

As a holder of a Consultative Status at the United Nations, CACCI is among 6,000 organisations worldwide with a similar status to connect with likeminded organisations and advocate at the United Nations on behalf of CACCI members for sustainable and equitable growth.

CACCI Council Endorses Paper Outlining a Regional Cooperation Agenda for Member Countries

The CACCI Council during its meeting held on November 6, 2023 in Kathmandu, Nepal in conjunction with the 37th CACCI Conference endorsed the policy paper study that was reviewed during the meeting held earlier by the CACCI Policy Advocacy Working Group and chaired by CACCI President Mr. Peter McMullin AM.

Prepared by TEPAV, the think-tank arm of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), the policy paper called for a sector specific, green transformation model for value chain formation among CACCI member countries.

The paper noted that CACCI member countries are currently confronted with evolving dynamics including a shift away from Chinese value chains and the growing significance of environmental and digital imperatives. Notably, CACCI member countries, particularly those in East Aia, over recent decades have strengthened their industrial capacity and enhanced the sophistication of their exports. However, the full potential of the expansive EU market remains untapped.

The paper pointed out that, as CACCI looks ahead, it becomes of paramount importance to formulate strategies to facilitate collaboration and diversification of high-potential value chains across CACCI member countries. Additionally, it is imperative to accelerate environmentally sustainable practices to secure the access of these countries to the EU market.

The paper stressed the need to introduce a model to enhance value chain formation among CACCI member countries, aiming to extend their export presence to major markets, in particular the EU.

Among the findings of the study are as follows:

(1) While the West was the center of global trade in1965, the center has been shifting to the East.

(2) The EU is still the biggest market in the world, but it is still highly dependent on China for most products with high imports.

(3) While Intra-regional trade in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) region has been increasing since the BRI started, there is still a need for CACCI member countries to increase their intra-regional trade.

(4) It is time to integrate Central Asia into the world economy through BRI

(5) While the Global Value Chain (GVC) participation of major CACCI member economies is high, these economies need forward connectivity to new markets.

(6) Each region of XCACCI has at least one major economy with high potential to participate in GVCs in upstream and green products.

(7) While the CACCI region lost serious market share after 2016 due to a decrease in competitiveness, China increased its market share by adapting to demand changes.

(8) CACCI region’s loss of competitiveness is particularly driven by large economies.

(9) The Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, and Belgium are the prominent markets to increase forward participation in replacing China.

(10) Potential for CACCI member countries shines through in EU electronics, electrical equipment and machinery value chains.

As follow-up activities, the study proposes the following:

(1) Based on the above findings, further work can be carried our to identify opportunities for sectoral clustering within specific region.

(2) Networking meetings can be held across CACCI member countries to collection feedback on the findings of the study and finalize the strategic value chains.

(3) Once the final strategic value chains are identified, regional sub-working groups can be formed.

2023 37th CACCI Conference – The Program

The 37th CACCI Conference hosted by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) is taking place on November 6-7, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. CACCI members and colleagues are invited to REGISTER ONLINE for the conference. 

With the theme Chambers of Commerce – Helping Businesses Get SET for the Future, the conference will have plenary sessions focusing on Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Trade, as three important tenets to better business. CEOS and business leaders are featured in the CEO Forum, during which they can share insights on development challenges and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific Region. As well, there will be several breakout sessions focusing on specific industries and sectors, including ICT, Tourism, Food and Agriculture, SMEs, Young Entrepreneurs, and Water, Energy, and Environment. The Conference’s final roster of Nepalese dignataries and foreign speakers can be viewed below.

Registration is US$400 per person, inclusive of:

• Attendance to ALL sessions during the 2-day conference
• Welcome Reception Dinner/ Cocktails on 6 November 2023.
• Gala Dinner on 7 November 2023.
• Coffee breaks & 2 lunches over the 2 days
• Roundtrip airport transfers

Groups of 10 or more may contact FNCCI directly to request a group rate. Hotel booking, visa, and other relevant details may also be found on the conference website.

REGISTER HERE

Sunday 5 November 2023 

02:00pm onwards Registration open at Conference Venue in the Hyatt Regenccy Hotel  

Monday 6 November 2023

“Chambers of Commerce – Helping Businesses Get  SET for the Future”

(S)  Sustainability is critical for SMEs to gain a competitive advantage in today’s market, to be able to manage business risks, grow their brand and enhance their access to capital. According to the OECD, SMEs collectively contribute to over 50% of global Greenhouse Gas emissions from business globally. The majority of SME owners are concerned about the impacts of climate change but they need help to make this transition. Chambers can offer this support to current and potential new members looking to decarbonise their businesses and contribute to a sustainable economy. 

(E) Entrepreneurship and particularly inclusive entrepreneurship supports people with new ideas to solve some of our most entrenched challenges. By supporting entrepreneurs embrace new technologies, include and support diverse groups of entrepreneurs and allow for innovation to flourish we will see new business models emerge to move us toward a truly just economy. 

(T)  Trade support is a critical service Chambers provide to the business community. Trade not only helps business supply the world with the goods and services we all desire, it also builds and maintains cross border relationships. Chambers offer a range of services including mediation, ease of doing business by digitising processes as well as connecting SMEs through networking and business matching opportunities. Through this work Chambers are truly strengthening global multilateralism and in-turn global peace. 

09:00am-10:30am Opening Ceremony (Main Hall)

• National Anthem of Nepal
• Nepali Cultural Performance
• Welcome Remarks: Mr. Chandra Prasad Dhakal, FNCCI President (Nepal) & Mr. Peter McMullin AM, President, CACCI (Australia)
• Remarks by: Mr. Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, Vice President, CACCI / Former President, FNCCI ( Nepal)
• Remarks by: Special Guest Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Honorable Finance Minister of Nepal
• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, Former Prime Minister of Nepal
• Address by Chief Guest: Mr. Ramchandra Paudel, Right Honorable President of  Nepal
• Vote of Thanks: Mr. Anjan Shrestha, Senior Vice President, FNCCI( Nepal)
• Group Photograph & Tokens of Appreciation

10:30am-10:45am Coffee Break

10:45am-12:00pm Plenary Session 1

SUSTAINABILITY: Developing Clean and Renewable Energy for a Greener World
(Main Hall)

This session will feature speakers who will share their views on how to ensure a sustainable supply of renewable energy, improve access to modern energy services, identify possible areas of regional cooperation to achieve a clean energy integration to build a greener world, and how chambers can play the role as a voice of change at COP28 in Dubai.

Speakers – 10 minutes each

• Mr. Sushil Chandra Tiwari, Secretary, Water and Energy Commission Secretariat, Government of Nepal. (Nepal)
• Mr. Khurram Sayeed, CEO, Planet Energy Pvt. Ltd / Vice President, CACCI (Pakistan)
• Mr. Gyanendra Lal Pradhan, Chairman, Asian Council on Water, Energy, and Environment (ACWEE) (Nepal)
• Dr. Alireza Yavari, Deputy President for International Affairs, ICCIMA / Vice President, CACCI (IRAN)
• Mr. Homer Yu, Vice President, Kowloon Chamber of Commerce (KCC) (Hong Kong)
• Moderator: Mr. RV Shahi, Ex-Secretary, Ministry of Power India (India)

Tokens of Appreciation

12:00pm-01:15pm Plenary Session 2

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Driver for Regional Economic Growth
(Main Hall)

Discussion will focus on how to promote the entrepreneurial spirit in the region – particularly young and women entrepreneurs – through, for instance, mentorship and access to capital and markets, in order to make them effective and sustained contributors to the economic growth of their respective communities and the national and regional economy as a whole.

Speakers – 8 to 10 minutes each

• Mr. Michael Lee, Chair, Membership and Partnership Alliance Committee, YEGAP / CEO, CreBiz Factory (South Korea)
• Mr. Allen John Ku, Vice-President, EVERIII & Partners / Director, Startup Island Taiwan (The Intersection of Innovation & Technology) (Taiwan)
• Mr. Sanjeeb Panthee, Good Return  (Nepal)
• Ms. Sudha Shivkumar President, FICCI Ladies Organization (Women Entrepreneurs) (India)
• Prof. Pramod B. Shrestha Ph.D. Entrepreneurship and the Metanarrative of Economic Growth: An Overview, Ph.D. (Engineering Management, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada) Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University (Nepal)
• Ms. Narin Shahrokhi Kabir, ICCIMA (Iran)
• Moderator: Mr. Suraj Vaidya, Past President, FNCCI / President, Vaidya’s Organization of Industries & Trading Houses (Nepal)

Tokens of Appreciation

01:15pm – 02:30pm Lunch

02:30pm – 03:30pm

 Policy Advocacy Working Group Meeting
(Main Hall)

• Session Chair: Mr. Peter McMullin AM, President, CACCI (Australia)
• Presenter (virtual): TEPAV (Turkey) on “Sector Specific, Green Transformation Model for Value Chain Formation Among CACCI Member Countries”

03:30pm – 05:00pm

Discover Business Opportunities Through CACCI
(Main Hall)

• Session Chair: Mr. Jemal Inaishvili,  President Emeritus, CACCI (Georgia)
• Special Remarks: Mr. John Denton AO, Secretary General, ICC (Video) (Australia)
• Country Presenters: (1) Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), Mr. Lennon Tan (Singapore)
• (2) FNCCI, Mr. Kush Kumar Joshi, Past President, FNCCI /Managing Director, Nepal Ekarat Engineering Co. Pvt. Ltd. (Nepal)
• (3) Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines & Agriculture (ICCIMA) – VIRTUAL (Iran).

05:00pm – 6:30pm Business Matching Sessions

07:00pm – 08:30pm Welcome Reception/Dinner 

CACCI internal meetings: 

03:30pm – 04:30pm Budget Commission Meeting (Bhaktapur Hall) (Not open to the public) 
05:00pm – 06:30pm 97th CACCI Council Meeting (Bhaktapur Hall) (Not open to the public) 

Tokens of Appreciation

07:00pm-08:30pm Welcome Reception (Cocktails followed by casual dinner)

Tuesday 7 November 2023

08:30am-09:00am Registration

09:00am-10:15am Parallel Breakout Session – Group 1

Asian ICT Council on “Envision the Future of AI”
(Main Hall 1)

Invited speakers will be requested to share their perspectives on the session theme “Envision the Future of Artificial Intelligence”: what are the challenges, opportunities, and benefits for industries and businesses

Speakers – 8-10 minutes each

• Mr. Sam Shen, Global Business Director, Taiwan Smart Solutions Alliance (TSSA) (Taiwan)
• Mr. Parag Shrestha, Managing Director, Fuse machines Inc.  (Nepal)
• Mr. Homer Yu, Vice President, Kowloon Chamber of Commerce (KCC) (Hong Kong)
• Mr. Umesh Raghubanshi, Vice President, Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation)   (Nepal)
• Prof. Andrew Koh, President, Singapore Chapter, Government Blockchain Association (Singapore)
• Session Chairman: Mr. Mangesh Lal Shrestha, Immediate Past Chairman, CACCI YEGAP / Global Vice President (Growth & AI) at Frost & Sullivan (Nepal)

Tokens of Appreciation

Asian Council on Food and Agriculture on “Food Security and Access: Ensuring Equitable and Sustainable Food Systems”
(Main Hall 2)

Invited speakers will be requested to elaborate on their views on how to ensure equitable and sustainable food systems through food security and food access.

Speakers -8-10 minutes each

• Mr. Rommel Gerodias, President, A101 Innovation Inc.“Food Safety”(Philippines)
• Mr. Sumit Kedia, Executive Director, Kedia Organization / Commodity Council Advisor , FNCCI (Nepal)
• Mr. Igor Piasetskii, Representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russian Federation in India. (Russia)
• Mr. Hem Raj Dhakal,Vice President (Commodity), FNCCI (Nepal)
• Session Chairman: Mr. Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, Vice President, CACCI / Former President, FNCCI (Nepal)

Tokens of Appreciation

10:15am-11:30am Parallel Breakout Session – Group 2

Young Entrepreneurs Group Asia-Pacific on “Digital Transformation and Adoption of AI: Driver for Innovation in Entrepreneurship, Trade and Sustainability”
(Main Hall 1)

This session will feature speakers who will examine how digital transformation and the adoption of AI will serve to drive and enable innovation in entrepreneurship, trade and sustainability.

Speakers – 8-10 minutes each

• Mr. Michael Lim, Founder, Beyond Value (Australia)
• Mr. Aabhushan Jyoti Kansakar, Board Member, Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs Forum (NYEF) (Nepal)
• Mr. Saurabh Jyoti, Chairman, Syakar Trading Co. P. Ltd. (Nepal)
• Session Chairman: Mr. Rommel Gerodias, President, A101 Innovation Inc. (Philippines)

Tokens of Appreciation

Asian Council on Tourism on “Green Tourism for Sustainable Future”
(Main Hall 2)

Invited speakers will share their experiences and best practices in promoting green tourism in their respective countries for a sustainable future.

Speakers – 8-10 minutes each

• Mr. Yogendra Shakya, Chairman, Club Himalayan Resort, Nagarkot (Hotel Ambassador) (Nepal)
• Dr. Dhananjaya Regmi, CEO, Nepal Tourism Board (Nepal)
• Mr. Binayak Shah, President, Hotel Association Nepal (Nepal)
• Session Chairman: Mr. Anura Lokuhetty, Chairman, Red Apple Travels & Holidays Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. (Sri Lanka)

Tokens of Appreciation

11:30am-12:45pm Parallel Breakout Session – Group 3

SME Development Council on “Private sector and government cooperation for SMEs change management”
(Main Hall 1)

This session will feature speakers who will elaborate on their countries’ experience in promoting the growth and development of SMEs and the government policies in place to achieve this objective amidst a changing market environment.

Speakers – 8-10 minutes each

• Mr. Stuart Thomson, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Good Business Foundation / Chief of Staff, Office of the President, CACCI(Australia)
• Ms. Jyotsna Shrestha, Vice President (Associate), FNCCI(Nepal)
• Ms. Juna Mathema, Chairperson, Startup and Innovation Forum, FNCCI (Nepal)
• Session Chairman: Mr. George Abraham, Chairman, The GA Group Pte. Ltd.(Singapore)

Tokens of Appreciation

Asian Council on Water, Energy and Environment on “Clean & Green Energy: CO2 Zero Emission”
(Main Hall 2)

Invited speakers will share their views and perspectives on the importance of promoting clean and green energy and what their respective countries are doing in this regard.

Speakers – 8-10 minutes each

• Mr. Melvin Tan, Managing Director, Cyclect Pte. Ltd. / Vice President, SMF(Singapore)
• Mr. Ganesh Karki, President, Independent Power Producers Association, Nepal (IPPAN) (Nepal)
• Mr. Sher Singh Bhat, Former Deputy MD of Nepal Electricity Authority (Nepal)
• Session Chairman: Mr. Gyanendra Lal Pradhan, Chairman, Asian Council on Water, Energy and Environment, CACCI (Nepal)

Tokens of Appreciation

12:45pm-02:30pm Lunch

02:30pm- 03:45pm Plenary Session 3

TRADE: Helping Businesses Become Global Trade Players
(Main Hall)

Invited speakers will elaborate on their thoughts and ideas on how to assist businesses, particularly the SMEs which comprised majority of chambers’ constituencies, adequately equipped to participate in the international market through, for instance, digital transformation, mediation and dispute resolution capability, and labor mobility and skills development to meet new business and market demands.

Speakers – 8 to 10 minutes each

• Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, Former Finance Minister of Nepal (Nepal)
• Ms. Deborah Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Disputes Cetner (Mediation/Dispute Resolution) (Australia)
• Mr. James Shi Chu, Secretary General, Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce (CNAIC), Taiwan (Taiwan)
• Dr. Posh Raj Pandey, Executive Chairman, South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (Nepal)
• Dr. Gunveena Chadha, Assistant Secretary General and Coordinator International Division, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) (India)
• Moderator: Mr. Sheikh Fazle Fahim, Vice President, CACCI / Former President, FBCCI (Bangladesh)

Tokens of Appreciation

03:45pm – 04:00pm Coffee Break 

04:00pm – 05:30pm Plenary Session 4

CEO FORUM: Development Challenges and Opportunities in the Asia-Pacific Region
(Main Hall)

Company CEOs and business leaders will be invited to share their insights on what they think are the development challenges and opportunities faced by the region, including – but not limited to – food safety and security, tourism, supply chain resilience, climate change, cooperation in healthcare, the impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and China’s economic growth.

Speakers – 8-10 minutes each

• Mr. Jemal Inaishvili, President Emeritus, CACCI / Former CEO, Poti Sea Port (Georgia)
• Mr. Samir Modi, Immediate Past President, CACCI / Executive Director, Modi Enterprises (India)
• Mr. Lennon Tan, President, Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) (Singapore)
• Mr. Padma Jyoti, Chairman, Jyoti Group / Past President, FNCCI  (Nepal)
• Moderator: Mr. Peter McMullin AM, President, CACCI (Australia)

Tokens of Appreciation

06.30pm Gala Dinner

Wednesday 8 November 2023

Optional Post-Conference City-Tour
Departure of delegates

REGISTER HERE

Webinar on Advancing ESG Agenda: Net Zero Emission Supply Chain Through Carbon Footprint (CFP) – Register now!

The Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry cordially invites members to join the webinar on Advancing ESG Agenda: Net Zero Emission Supply Chain Through Carbon Footprint (CFP) to be held on 19 October 2023 from 15:00-16:50 Tokyo time.

Jointly organized by the Asian Bankers Association (CACCI’s subsidiary organization) and the Association of Credit Rating Agencies in Asia (ACRAA), the 110-minute webinar will feature as Speakers a Japanese government official, a petrochemical company staff, a commercial banker and a rating agency representative.

THE SUBJECT: What is the Carbon Foot Print (CFP)?

A carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gases (primarily carbon dioxide) released into the atmosphere by an individual, organization, product, service, or event. The carbon footprint consists of two components: direct emissions and indirect emissions.

Direct emissions are the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions produced by energy use and transportation. Indirect emissions are those associated with the production, supply, and consumption of products and services.

They take into account the entire life cycle of a product and assess the greenhouse gas emissions at each stage of production, processing, transportation, use, and disposal of raw materials.

Measuring and reducing the carbon footprint is an important part of sustainable development and climate change action. Based on the measured data, effective greenhouse gas reduction strategies can be developed.

WEBINAR’S OBJECTIVE

This webinar will focus on and share different expert perspectives on how financing schemes can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the supply chain.

Participants will:

(a) gain an in-depth understanding of financing schemes to promote zero-emissions throughout the supply chain; and
(b) find concrete steps to adopt sustainable business strategies to run the business and protect the global environment

THE PROGRAM

15:00 Introductory Remarks
Speaker: Mr. Atsushi Masuda, Chairman of ACRAA, Counselor for International Affairs, Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR).

15:05 Carbon footprint and net zero emission target for the entire supply chain
Speaker: Tomoki Sano, Deputy Director, Environmental Policy Division, Industrial Technology and Environment Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

15:25 Outline of carbon footprint and sustainability link loan framework by NAGASE & CO., LTD.
Speaker: Mr. Yasuyuki Aizawa, Corporate Sustainability Office Manager, NAGASE & CO., LTD.

15:45 Business management support for zero emission by financial institutions Speaker: Mr. Naoya Orita. Vice President/Head of Sustainable Finance Japan, Sustainable Business Division, MUFG Bank, Ltd.

16:05 How to evaluate the alignment of Supply Chain Finance Framework with Sustainability Linked Loan Principles
Speaker: Ms. Atsuko Kajiwara, Managing Executive Officer, Head of Sustainable Finance Evaluation Group.

16:25 Panel discussion and Q&A Session.

16:50 Closing Remarks.

Please register HERE and share this invitation with colleagues.

About ACRAA:

ACRAA was formally organized on 14 September 2001 at the Asian Development Bank headquarters by 15 Asian credit rating agencies from 10 countries. As of September 2022, membership has increased to 28 members from 15 countries. An initiative of the ABA, ACRAA unites domestic credit rating agencies in a regional cooperative effort to develop and promote interaction and exchange of ideas, information, and skills among credit rating agencies in Asia to enhance their capabilities and their role of providing reliable market information. ACRAA also aims at promoting the adoption of best practices and common standards that ensure high quality and comparability of credit ratings throughout the region, following the highest norms of ethics and professional conduct.

28th CACCI Tourism Newsletter available

CACCI is pleased to share with you the 28th Volume of CACCI Tourism Newsletter, it is available to view or download here.

We hope that this publication will serve as an effective platform for an exchange of information among the tourism sector in the CACCI region.  Members are, therefore, encouraged to contribute articles for our future issues.  Kindly forward your materials, preferably with accompanying photos to teresaliu@cacci.biz.

Thank you, and with best regards.

David Hsu
Director-General
Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI)

CACCI Newsletter on Food and Agriculture available

Taipei – We are pleased to share with you the 20th Volume of CACCI Food & Agriculture Newsletter. It is available to view or download HERE.

We hope that this publication will serve as an effective platform for an exchange of information among the tourism sector in the CACCI region.  Members are, therefore, encouraged to contribute articles for our future issues.  Kindly forward your materials, preferably with accompanying photos to teresaliu@cacci.biz.

Thank you, and with best regards.

Sincerely yours,

David Hsu
Director-General
CACCI

CACCI Director-General Calls on Russia’s Representative in Taipei

CACCI Director-General Mr. David Hsu on September 15 called on Mr. Yury Metelev, Representative the Representative office in Taipei for the Moscow-Taipei Coordination Commission on Economic and Cultural Cooperations.

Mr. Hsu was accompanied by CACCI Deputy Director-General Mr. Amador Honrado Jr. Also attending the meeting was Mr. Kirill Beliaev, Assistant to Representative/Cultural Section Chief and Mr. Aleksei Tamara, Economic Section Chief of the Representative Of­fice.

Mr. Hsu and Mr. Honrado briefed Mr. Me­telev introduce the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) and the Asian Bankers Association (ABA).

They also learned from Mr. Metelev and his colleagues about the activities of their organization, as well as about the Far Eastern Economic Forum, an international forum held each year in Vladivostok, Russia, for the purpose of encouraging foreign investment in the Russian Far East.

Mr. Metelev kindly offered to encourage the Russian business community – through the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation (CCIRF) – to participate in the 37th CACCI Conference to be held on November 6-7, 2023 in Kathmandu. He agreed that participation by Russian businessmen in CACCI Conference will provide them to network with CACCI members from other countries and explore possible areas of business cooperation and joint ventures.

Water, Energy & Environment Newsletter available

CACCI is pleased to announce that the 11^th edition of the Asian Council on Water, Energy and Environment (ACWEE) newsletter is now available to read or download here.

The latest issue includes features on the world’s water crisis and renewable energy, as well as projects to help fight plastic pollution, mobilize financing for energy transition in Asia, and sponge cities for water efficiency.

We hope that this edition– and future ones– may serve as an effective platform for an exchange of information among members of the water, energy, and environment sectors in the region.

If you wish to contribute articles or other materials that can be published in the next newsletter, you may send them to the CACCI Secretariat’s at cacci@cacci.biz

Thank you and best regards.

David Hsu
Director-General
Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry

Proposed CACCI Joint Seminars on “International Trade Terms” for new changes in 2023

The Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) plans to organize for the second half of 2023, in cooperation with interested Primary and Affiliate Members, four different one-day seminars on International Trade Terms 2020 (Incoterms 2020) and related themes.

The four proposed programs are:

(1) New Revision of the International Trade Terms (one day)

(2) Developments in Demand Guarantees and Standby L/C World (one day)

(3) Advanced Seminar in Incoterms 2020 and their Linkage to Documentary Credits  (one day)

(4) Advanced Seminar on Payment and Security Instruments in Foreign Trade, Trade Finance (one day)

As the Incoterms 2020 have been applicable since January 1, 2020, being familiar with all changes and their impact is a must in the international trade and finance world.  Moreover, new changes were implemented during 2023 that might require further study.

Interested chambers can choose from the suggested topics and preferably organize a two one-day courses. The programs can be adjusted according to the Chamber’s needs. For instance there could be more comprehensive one-day course just on documentary credits and their financing, with news such as ISBP 821 and new ICC Opinions on some practical issues. New topics can be added or deleted. In fact, more time will be allocated to practical case studies and discussions.

By attending the seminars, participants will be able to:

(1) get a further understanding on the main aspects of contract of sale, related risks, main problematic issues;
(2) familiarize themselves with trade terms as per Incoterms and above all with new revision Incoterms 2020 – their practical impact on international trade and finance; and
(3) learn about the relationship of payment terms to trade terms – Incoterms 2020.

The seminars will be conducted by Mr. Pavel Andrle, Secretary to the Banking Commission of ICC Czech Republic as well as Member of UCP 600 Consulting Group.

In this regard, we would like to know whether your Chamber is interested in hosting the proposed seminars under a cost-sharing arrangement as outlined in the Annex 1.

Please let us know if your Chamber is interested to host the proposed seminars under the proposed cost-sharing arrangements by filling out the attached Response Form and returning it to us through our Fax No.: (886 2) 2760-7569 or e-mail: cacci@cacci.biz by September 15, 2023.

CACCI Joint Seminars on “International Trade Terms” in April 17-18, 2023 in Hanoi

Excellent webinar on Hong Kong After Covid-19 held on 14 July 2023

The Kowloon Chamber of Commerce (KCC) hosted a well-attended webinar on “Hong Kong After CoVid-29’ on July 14, 2023, 2:00 PM Hong Kong Time.

Co-organized with the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), the one-hour webinar featured as Speaker Professor Terence Chong, Associate professor of Economics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Serving as Moderator was Mr. Ernest Yuen, KCC Chairman and Vice President of CACCI

Professor Chong made a presentation on the current economic and financial sector situation in Hong Kong, the policy measures the territory has adopted to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and to achieve sustainable economic recovery and sustainable growth, and the trade, investment, and business opportunities it currently offers, particularly to investors from other counties in the region.

In his presentation, Professor covered the following topics:

(1) An overview of the current state of Hong Kong economy

(2) The growth in the number of tourists after the opening up of Hong Kong in 2023

(3) The current state and future prospects of Hong Kong’s Banking and Financial sector

(4) Hong Kong’s housing market prospect

(5) The engine of growth for Hong Kong economy in the second half of 2023

Professor Chong highlighted the following points in his report:

• The Hong Kong economy posted a growth of 2.3annual growth during the first quarter of 2023, after recording negative quarterly growths in 2022 from -1.2% to -4.6%.
• The Hong Kong unemployment rate has started to decline in 2023 to reach the low levels of about 3% prior to the pandemic period, with the number of employed persons going up since the start of the current year.
• Inflation rate has also been controlled to the 2.0% level in May 2023
• China and Hong Kong exports have also been slowly improving from their 2019-2020 levels;
• Fiscal expenditures on average stay higher than prior to the pandemic period due to the government’s pandemic-related spending
• The number of arriving tourists has started to go up in 2023 from almost zero in the previous three years, as Hong Kong begins to open up.
• Passenger traffic at the airport continues to show a net outflow of Hong Kong residents in 2023 although the situation has slightly improved compared with the previous three years.
• The traffic of visitors from Mainland China has remained more or less steady, while passenger traffic from other countries has shown improvement during the early part of 2023
• The banking sector remained healthy, with their balance sheets showing a gradual growth during the past two years
• Bank loans to the private sector have also remained high indicating a steady demand from businesses.
• The Hong Kong 3-month Interbank rate has followed the same trend shown by the US Fed Funds Rate
• The Hong Kong housing price index as well as the Hong Kong Property Market price index have slightly dipped but stayed at a level higher than prior to 2020, indicating a continuing demand
• For the second half of 2023, business confidence is rising, as reflected in the positive annual growth in retail sales during the first half of the year.
• The Hong Kong government is currently working on the integration of the Hong Kong economy through the development of the Greater Bay Area, which covers regions that have their respective strengths in finance, technology, and manufacturing.

Only registered participants received a copy of the presentation.

The video recording of the webinar is available here.

CACCI Profile – November edition available

We are pleased to announce that the November 2023 issue of CACCI Profile is now available. Please click here to read or download.

This month’s issue features the highlights of the recently concluded 37^th CACCI Conference in Kathmandu, Nepal. It also includes news on the WCF General Council Meeting in Geneva in late November, and on the recent meeting of CoNGO President Liberato Bautista with CACCI Secretariat officers.  Additionally, the newsletter features the latest news from Member Chambers, along with a wide range of articles relevant to business and trade.

It is our ardent hope that this monthly publication is useful to you and your work, and enables you to know more about the CACCI, our members, and their activities.

If you wish other members of your organization to receive a copy of the CACCI Profile, please send us their names, titles/positions, and email addresses through cacci@cacci.biz

We would also appreciate receiving your comments on how we can further improve the CACCI Profile in terms of its format and contents.

If you have any articles you wish to share with our members, you are welcome to send these to us, with accompanying photos if possible, through cacci@cacci.biz

First Semester 2023 Issue of the CACCI Journal of Commerce and Industry

We are pleased to announce the First Semester 2023 issue of the CACCI Journal of Commerce and Industry is now available online.

It is our ardent hope that this publication will continue to serve as an effective platform for the exchange and sharing of information and ideas among CACCI members on issues impacting on the region’s commerce and industry.

We would also like to take this opportunity to invite all members to contribute articles for the next issues of the Journal. Kindly send your materials to the CACCI Secretariat through our e-mail address at cacci@cacci.biz

CACCI Director-General Calls on Turkey’s Representatives in Taipei

Turkey’s Representative in Taipei Mr. Muhammed Berdibek (center) received CACCI Director General Mr. David Hsu (left)  and Deputy Director-General Mr. Amador Honrado Jr. (right) on July 21, 2023 at the Turkish Trade Office in Taipei.

During the visit, Mr. Hsu introduced CACCI and the Asian Bankers Association (ABA), one of the Product and Service Councils established under the CACCI umbrella, to Mr. Berbidek. Hel also outlined programs of CACCI and highlighted the active involvement of the Union Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) since it joined CACCI as a Primary Member in 2009. Among others, Mr. Hsu informed  Mr. Berbidek that TOBB has hosted two annual gathering of CACCI and three CACCI Presidential visits, and that incumbent TOBB President Mr. Rifat Hisarciklioglu has served as CACCI Vice President since 2014.

Mr. Berbidek expressed his appreciation for the visit of Mr. Hsu and Mr. Honrado and offered his office’s assistance in helping CACCI members from other countries – especially those from Taiwan – who may be interested in exploring business opportunities in Turkey, and in establishing contacts with relevant government agencies in the country.

Asian ICT Council’s newsletter available

CACCI is pleased to announce that the July 2023 issue of the Asian ICT Council Newsletter is now available to read or download here.

The latest issue includes a report on the successfully concluded webinar on Cross-Border Digital Skilling, and features several articles covering AI, smart industries, and digital transformation. We hope that this edition– and the future ones– may serve as an effective platform for an exchange of information among members of the ICT sectors in the region.

If you wish to contribute articles or other materials that can be published in the next newsletter, you may send them through the CACCI Secretariat’s e-mail address at cacci@cacci.biz

Webinar on Hong Kong Economy After Covid-19 – Register now!

CACCI cordially invite its members and friends to the upcoming Investment Forum “Hong Kong Economy After Covid-19” scheduled to take place on July 14,  2023 at 14:00 SGT.

Jointly organized by Kowloon Chamber of Commerce (KCC) and CACCI (ABA’s parent organization), the 90-minute Forum will feature as Speaker Professor Terence Chong, Ph.D., Associate Head of New Asia College, Executive Director of Lau Chor Tak Institute of Global Economics, Finance Co-Director of Global Economics and Finance Program & Associate Professor of Economics at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Professor Chong’s presentation will elaborate on the following topics:

(1) Current economic and financial sector situation in Hong Kong.

(2) Policy measures the territory has adopted to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and to achieve sustainable economic recovery and sustainable growth.

(3) Trade, investment, and business opportunities it currently offers, particularly to investors from other counties in the region.

THE AGENDA

14:00 Opening Remarks by Moderator, Mr. Ernest Yuen, Chairman of the Kowloon Chamber of Commerce and CACCI Vice President.

14:05 Feature Presentation by Professor Terence Chong, Ph.D.

15:00 Q&A Session

15:25 Closing Remarks by Moderator, Mr. Ernest Yuen

15:30 End of the Forum

Please register HERE.

XIX CACCI Health & Education newsletter available

CACCI is pleased to share with you the 19th Volume of CACCI Health & Education Newsletter, it is available to view or download here.

We hope that this publication will serve as an effective platform for an exchange of information among the tourism sector in the CACCI region.  Members are, therefore, encouraged to contribute articles for our future issues.  Kindly forward your materials, preferably with accompanying photos to teresaliu@cacci.biz.

CACCI Profile – June edition available

We are pleased to announce that the June 2023 issue of CACCI Profile is now available. Please click here to read or download.

This month’s issue features updates from President Peter McMullin on his recent trip to Geneva to participate in the 13^th World Chambers Congress, as well as a brief summary on the Presidential Visits he led to Taipei and Hanoi last May. Additionally, the newsletter features the latest news from Member Chambers, along with a wide range of articles relevant to business and trade.

It is our ardent hope that this monthly publication is useful to you and your work, and enables you to know more about the CACCI, our members, and their activities.

If you wish other members of your organization to receive a copy of the CACCI Profile, please send us their names, titles/positions, and email addresses through cacci@cacci.biz

We would also appreciate receiving your comments on how we can further improve the CACCI Profile in terms of its format and contents.

If you have any articles you wish to share with our members, you are welcome to send these to us, with accompanying photos if possible, through cacci@cacci.biz.

Japan YEG Officers Visit CACCI Secretariat

Officers and members of The Young Entrepreneurs Group of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Japan YEG) visited the CACCI Secretariat headquarters in Taipei on June 28, 2023. Led by Mr. Hiromi Aoki, member of the Executive Committee of Young Entrepreneurs Group of Asia-Pacific (YEGAP) established under the CACCI umbrella, the visiting group was briefed by CACCI Secretariat officers headed by Director-General David Hsu on CACCI and its activities, as well as on the history and background of YEGAP, its current membership, its organizational structure, and its recent and upcoming activities and programs.

They were also each given a YEGAP pin. Following the meeting, the visiting group was hosted lunch by the CACCI Secretariat. Members of Japan YEG was in Taipei to attend the formal inauguration on January 27 of Mr. Richard Lin, also a member of the Executive Committee of YEGAP, as the new Chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Group of the Third Wednesday Club of Taiwan, a well-established and foremost business organization in the island that aims to expand economic interaction between Taiwan and other countries, particularly Japan and mainland China.

Experts discussed CPTPP Agreement during CACCI webinar

The Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) organized a webinar on Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on 28 June 2023.

The 90-minute webinar discussion was moderated by Mr. Lennon Tan, President of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, with Dr. Roy Chun Lee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) setting the introductory stage of the experts’ presentation of this difficult international trade agreement. The webinar featured three trade experts: (1) Mr. Noriyuki Mita, Director of Strategy & Planning Division at Basic Materials Business Group, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, (2) Dr. Huai-Shing Yen, Associate Research Fellow and Senior Deputy, Executive Director at the Taiwan WTO and RTA Center, Chung Hwa Institution for Economic Research (CIER), and (3) Hon. Professor Andrew Stoeckel, Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis at the Australian National University.

Following their extensive presentation, the presenters engaged in a panel discussion to further elaborate on the issues affecting CPTPP, and concluded with a Q&A session. The summary of the webinar is presented as follows.

SUMMARY

(1) Mr. Lennon Tan, President of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (Opening Remarks)

Mr. Lennon Tan commenced the webinar by welcoming all participants and setting the stage for the discussions. He emphasized the significance of collaboration among Asian economies to foster sustainable growth and innovation. Mr. Tan highlighted the pivotal role of manufacturing in driving economic development and the need for industries to adapt to evolving global trends.

(2) Dr. Roy Chun Lee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) (Special Remarks)

Dr. Roy Chun Lee addressed the audience with insights into Taiwan’s foreign policy and economic strategies. He underscored Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening ties with neighboring countries and participating actively in regional trade agreements. Dr. Lee also discussed Taiwan’s initiatives in technology and innovation, aiming to position the nation as a leader in the global digital economy.

(3) Mr. Noriyuki Mita, Director of Strategy & Planning Division at Basic Materials Business Group, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (1st Presenter)

Mr. Noriyuki Mita presented on the advancements in sustainable materials and their applications in various industries. Key points from his presentation include:

• Sustainable Innovations: Introduction of eco-friendly materials developed by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation to reduce environmental impact.
• Industry Applications: Examples of how these sustainable materials are being integrated into automotive and packaging sectors to promote circular economies.
• Future Outlook: Emphasis on continuous research and development to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions globally.

(4) Dr. Huai-Shing Yen, Associate Research Fellow and Senior Deputy, Executive Director at the Taiwan WTO and RTA Center, Chung Hwa Institution for Economic Research (CIER) (2nd Presenter)

Dr. Huai-Shing Yen provided an analysis of regional trade agreements (RTAs) and their implications for Asian economies. Highlights from her presentation include:

• RTA Trends: Overview of the increasing number of RTAs in Asia and their role in facilitating trade and investment.
• Economic Impacts: Assessment of how RTAs contribute to economic growth, with a focus on tariff reductions and market access.
• Policy Recommendations: Suggestions for policymakers to maximize the benefits of RTAs, including aligning domestic regulations with international standards.

(5) Hon. Professor Andrew Stoeckel, Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis at the Australian National University (3rd Presenter)

Professor Andrew Stoeckel discussed the macroeconomic challenges and opportunities facing the Asia-Pacific region. Key insights from his presentation include:

• Economic Outlook: Analysis of current economic indicators and growth projections for Asia-Pacific countries.
• Policy Challenges: Identification of issues such as income inequality and environmental sustainability that require coordinated policy responses.
• Strategic Opportunities: Exploration of areas where the region can capitalize on global trends, such as digitalization and green energy.

(6) Panel Discussion Summary

The webinar concluded with a panel discussion featuring all six participants. The key themes addressed during the discussion were:

• Regional Cooperation: The necessity for enhanced collaboration among Asian countries to tackle common challenges and leverage collective strengths.
• Innovation and Sustainability: The role of technological innovation in driving sustainable economic growth and addressing environmental concerns.
• Trade and Investment: Strategies to boost intra-regional trade and attract investment, including the harmonization of regulations and improvement of infrastructure.

Webinar on CPTPP June 28 – Register now

The Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) invites you to the upcoming webinar on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), scheduled to take place on June 28 at 2:00 PM, Taipei Time.

CPTPP is a trade agreement among Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. It evolved from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which was never ratified due to the withdrawal of the United States.

The eleven signatories have combined economies representing 13.4 percent of global gross domestic product, at approximately US$13.5 trillion, making CPTPP one of the world’s largest free-trade areas by GDP, along with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, The European single market, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Jointly organized by CACCI and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), the webinar will feature expert speakers from Japan, Taiwan, and Australia who will share their perspectives on the following topics:

(1) Current status of the CPTPP (the signatories, newest members, current applicants, potential applicants, etc.)

(2) Rationale of the Agreement

(3) Benefits expected from the Agreement

(4) What are the challenges, issues, and/or criticisms for the implementation of the Agreement going forward? How may these challenges be overcome?

AGENDA

14:00
Opening Remarks by the Moderator, Mr. Lennon Tan, President of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation

14:05
Special Remarks by Dr. Roy Chun Lee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)

14:10
1^st Presentation by Mr. Noriyuki Mita, Director of Strategy & Planning Division at Basic Materials Business Group, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

14:30
2^nd Presentation by Dr. Huai-Shing Yen, Associate Research Fellow and Senior Deputy, Executive Director at the Taiwan WTO and RTA Center, Chung Hwa Institution for Economic Research (CIER)

14:50
3^rd Presentation by Hon. Professor Andrew Stoeckel, Centre for Applied Macroeconomic Analysis at the Australian National University

15:10
Q&A Session

15:25
Closing Remarks by the Moderator

Registration is FREE. Click HERE.

Webinar on Philippines Foreign Investments a success

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) jointly organized an Investment Forum on the Philippines on June 20, 2023.

The 90-minute online Forum focused on the theme “Philippines: An Enviable Destination for Foreign Investments”. It featured speakers from both the Philippine government and business sectors who made presentations on the current economic situation in the Philippines and the trade, investment, and business opportunities to foreign investors and companies.

The speakers and their respective topics included the following:

• Dr. Ceferino Rodolfo, Vice Chairman and Managing Head, Board of Investments, Department of Trade and Industry (Doing Business in the Philippines)
• Mr. Perry E. Ferrer, Vice President for Industrial Affairs / Director, Digital Science and Technology, Philippine Chamber of Commerce, and Industry (Information Technology / Innovation)
• Arch, Felino A. Palafox, Jr., Vice President for Trade Affairs and Director for Environment and Natural Resources and Climate Change, PCCI (Infrastructure / Smart City
• Mr. Salvador Salacup, Co-Chair, Agriculture Committee, PCCI (Agriculture
• Ms. Lisa S. Go, Chief, Investment Promotion Office, Department of Energy (Renewable Energy)
• Mr. Tereso O. Panga, Director General, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Investment Opportunities in Ecozones)

The Forum opened with a Welcome Remarks by Mr. George T. Barcelon, President of PCCI, followed with the Opening Remarks by Mr. Peter McMullin AM, President, CACCI

The Closing Remarks were given by Mr. Jude G. Aguilar, Chairman, International Affairs Department and Co-Chairman, 49th PBC&E Organizing Committee, PCCI.

Only registered participants received the presentations (in PDF format).

The video presentation of the webniar can be viewed below or at the CACCI YouTube Channel.

CACCI Director-General Meets with the Japanese Representatives in Taiwan

Ms. Mayumi Eda, Director for Economic Affairs, and Ms. Yuko Arita, Chief, Trade Inquiry Unit and Director for Economic Affairs at the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office, received CACCI Director General Mr. David Hsu on June 9, 2023 at their headquarters.

Mr. Hsu, who was accompanied by Ms. Yumiko Ebata, Vice President, Corporate Relations Department, CTBC Bank Co., Ltd, briefed Ms. Eda and Ms. Arita on the programs of CACCI and highlighted the active involvement of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) since the Confederation was established in 1966 with JCCI as one of its Founding members. Among others, Mr. Hsu informed  that JCCI has hosted 10 annual gathering of CACCI and two CACCI Presidential visit, and that four of the past CACCI Presidents were from Japan.

Ms. Eda and Ms. Arita expressed his appreciation for the work of CACCI and its efforts in helping the Japanese business community – through JCCI – reach out into the Asian market.

New Zealand Representative in Taiwan Calls on CACCI Secretariat

Mr. Mark Pearson, Director, New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office in Taipei (center), visited the CACCI Secretariat headquarters on June 6 and met with CACCI Director-General Mr. David Hsu (2nd from left) and other Secretariat officers Deputy Director-General Mr. Amador Honrado (3rd from right), Deputy Director-General Mr. Mig Moreno (leftmost), Senior Officer Ms. Abby Moreno (rightmost), and Senior Officer Ms. Teresa Liu (2nd from right).

The meeting provided the Secretariat the opportunity to give Mr. Pearson a brief introduction on CACCI and the participation of the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NZCCI) and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce (WCC) in CACCI activities over the years, as well as the upcoming activities that CACCI is co-organizing with the two chambers for the rest of the year. Mr. Pearson expressed his strong support for CACCI and offered his assistance in promoting the Confederation’s programs to enhance regional economic cooperation.

CACCI Profile – May edition available

We are pleased to announce that the May 2023 issue of CACCI Profile is now available. Please click here to read or download.

This month’s issue features updates from President Peter McMullin on his recent Presidential Visits to Taiwan and Vietnam, and participation in CoNGO’s RCAP meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. Additionally, the newsletter features the latest news from Member Chambers, along with a wide range of articles relevant to business and trade.

It is our ardent hope that this monthly publication is useful to you and your work, and enables you to know more about the CACCI, our members, and their activities.

If you wish other members of your organization to receive a copy of the CACCI Profile, please send us their names, titles/positions, and email addresses through cacci@cacci.biz

We would also appreciate receiving your comments on how we can further improve the CACCI Profile in terms of its format and contents.

If you have any articles you wish to share with our members, you are welcome to send these to us, with accompanying photos if possible, through cacci@cacci.biz.

Philippines looks on resumption of FTA talks with EU

The Philippines is pursuing the resumption of free trade negotiations with the European Union (EU), Philippine Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual has announced.

During a meeting, Pascual told members of the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) about his country’s intention to return to the negotiating table over the Philippines-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Pascual said an FTA with the EU will help the Philippines secure additional duty-free market access and provide a conducive framework for attracting more significant investments from the EU.

He also highlighted the government’s efforts to facilitate international partnerships and collaboration through the recently-ratified Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement that will encourage foreign direct investment inflows.

“I’d like to reemphasize our growth strategy centered around enhancing trade and investment.

Our objective is to foster job creation and poverty reduction by uplifting the global position of our export sectors and driving investments into strategic areas,” Pascual said.

The EU-ABC, a major voice of European businesses in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, comprises nine European Chambers of Commerce in South-East Asia and major European multinational corporations across multiple sectors such as manufacturing, services, healthcare and logistics.

Xinhua

CACCI VP Khurram Tariq Sayeed calls on TAITRA President

CACCI VP Khurram Tariq Sayeed, along with Pakistan Delegates & CACCI DG CACCI David Hsu with TAITRA CEO & President Simon Wang in Taipei

Khurram Tariq Sayeed, Vice President Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry (CACCI) and Former Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Indutry (FPCCI) along with Pakistan Delegates & DG CACCI David Hsu called on Simon Wang, CEO & President of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), at his office in Taipei on May 19.

The two discussed in detail various initiatives TAITRA has taken over the years to increase bilateral trade between Taiwan and Pakistan. TAITRA and FPCCI have also signed a MOU for cooperation in the past. Mr. Wang said that TAITRA will be sending a delegation of Taiwanese businesspersons to Pakistan shortly and Mr. Sayeed assured him that FPCCI will facilitate and extend all possible cooperation to the delegates. The two sides also discussed the possibility of participation of Pakistani businesspersons in the trade shows being held in Taiwan under TAITRA.

CACCI Elected Member of the Steering Committee of CoNGO’s Regional Committee for Asia-Pacific

The Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) has recently joined as member of the Steering Committee of the Regional Committee for Asia Pacific (RCAP) of the Conference on Non-Government organizations (CoNGO), an international organization of NGOs from around the world with Consultative Status under the United Nations, of which CACCI is a member.

RCAP elected CACCI to the Steering Committee during RCAP’s meeting on May 19, 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. RCAP recognized CACCI’s very important work in the Asia-Pacific Region and its acknowledged status in civil society and business circles,  and of course its positive responses to RCAP initiatives.

Currently composed on nine members (with CACCI as the latest one to join), the RCAP aims to facilitate Asia-Pacific NGOs’ participation in all UN and CoNGO activities globally and regionally. It will cooperate with UN.ESCAP and other UN bodies and agencies in Asia and the Pacific. It will promote better cooperation among CoNGO members as well as other civil society organizations in Asia-Pacific.

FPCCI Members Visit CACCI Secretariat

Members of the delegation from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) who joined the CACCI Presidential visit to Taiwan held on May 17-18 called on the CACCI Secretariat on May 19. Headed by CACCI Vice President Mr. Khurram Sayeed, the Pakistani businessmen met with the Secretariat officers and staff led by Director-General David Hsu and were given a briefing on CACCI and its activities and explored possible areas where they can cooperate with and get support from the Secretariat in seeking business opportunities with other CACCI members.

CACCI VP Khurram Tariq Sayeed meets with Former President of Pakistan

Khurram Tariq Sayeed, receives Mr. Asif Ali Zardari on his arrival at FPCCI Lahore office

Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, Former President of Pakistan and Co-Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party recently paid a visit to the Lahore office of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). Khurram Tariq Sayeed, CACCI Vice President and former FPCCI Vice President, briefed the former president on CACCI and its activities. They also discussed in detail the issues being faced by foreign investors in general and in particular in the Sindh Province, especially in the Renewable Energy Sector among others. Former President assured to resolve all issues impending investments in the Sindh province.

STUF United Fund and CACCI Secretariat discuss joint projects

Representatives of STUF United Fund led by CEO Mr. John Lin (4^th from left) visited the CACCI Secretariat on March 28 2023 to discuss with CACCI Director-General Mr. David Hsu (3^rd from left) and other CACCI executives the possible support of CACCI for the NGO Leadership Forum that they propose to organize in Taiwan in September 2023.

Mr. Lin informed Mr. Hsu that they plan to invite as Keynote Speaker for the Forum Mr. Liberato Bautista, President of the Conferences of NGOs with Consultative Status in UN ECOSOC (CoNGO). Just like CACCI, STUF United Fund has Consultative Status in the UN ECOSOC and is a member of CoNGO.  It was established in 2009 as a US-registered nonprofit organization that supports international charity work.

The organization focuses on the areas of Disaster Relief, Culture and Education, Public Health, and Environmental Protection. STUF aims to create sustainable changes through connecting and working with NGO/NPO (non-government organization, nonprofit organization), government departments, UN agencies, and the corporate sector. STUF’s charity work has been in 5 continents, 32 countries.

Young Entrepreneurs YEGAP newsletter available

CACCI is pleased to announce the release of the 23^rd edition of Asia-Pacific Entrepreneur, the newsletter of the Young Entrepreneurs Group of of Asia-Pacific (YEGAP) under the chairmanship of Mr. Mangesh Lal Shrestha from Nepal.

We hope that this edition– and the future ones– will continue to serve as an effective platform for an exchange of information among young entrepreneurs in the region.

If you wish to contribute articles or other materials that can be published in the next newsletter, you may send them through the CACCI Secretariat’s e-mail address at cacci@cacci.biz

Empowering Women, Empowering Economies: The Vital Role of Social Entrepreneurship

By Anna Marie Periquet

My entrepreneurial journey has been full of opportunities to learn from others and share my experiences as an entrepreneur. It was therefore truly a privilege to be invited to speak on corporate social responsibility to a group of women social entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their communities through their innovative entrepreneurial endeavors.

Women social entrepreneurs play a crucial role in promoting social wellness and creating positive change in society. As they focus on improving the lives of marginalized communities, their work can have a significant impact on the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. I was inspired to hear success stories of women social entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges and achieved success in their ventures. Their stories highlight the positive impact that social entrepreneurs can have on wellness and its many dimensions.

Empowering social enterprises is vital for achieving sustainable economic growth and development. In recent years, social entrepreneurship has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting women’s empowerment and economic participation.

However, there are various obstacles that hinder women’s economic participation and entrepreneurship, including cultural and financial barriers. This highlights the need for policies and initiatives that address these barriers and create a conducive environment for women’s economic empowerment.

Every day, somewhere in the world, women social entrepreneurs are breaking the glass ceiling and defying the odds. While some of these women make headlines for their extraordinary achievements, many others work tirelessly behind the scenes, driving change and inspiring others without any recognition.

Regardless of the level of attention they receive, these women are trailblazers who challenge the status quo and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society. Their determination and resilience have a profound impact on other women, empowering them to pursue their dreams and defy the limitations imposed by society.

Through their actions, they are changing the narrative and proving that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment. I would therefore like to extend my utmost respect to successful women social entrepreneurs who have not only created jobs, driven innovation but also made valuable contributions to their local economies.

As we recognize the vital role of women’s social entrepreneurship, it is crucial to acknowledge and celebrate their remarkable achievements. The impact of women’s social entrepreneurship on our economies has never been more crucial, and we owe it to these inspiring women for paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Thank you to the Miriam College – Henry Sy, Sr. Innovation Center (MC-HSSIC) for inviting me to impart insights on my journey as an entrepreneur and advocate for social responsibility.

Always. Believe and Live.

Anna Marie Periquet is an independent advisor and value creator for corporate brand reputation, communications, corporate social responsibility, and corporate wellness in the Philippines and Asia Pacific region. She is the Founder of Believe&Live, an advocacy for health and wellness in the workplace. She is also the founder and former chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Group of Asia Pacific (YEGAP) of the CACCI.

CACCI Profile – April edition available

CACCI is pleased to announce that the April 2023 issue of CACCI Profile is now available. Please click HERE to read or download.

This month’s issue features CACCI’s newest member: the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF). It also features President Peter McMullin’s latest meeting with the Chairman of KADIN in Jakarta, and the recently concluded CACCI webinar on Cross-Border Digital Skilling. Additionally, the newsletter features the latest news from Member Chambers, along with a wide range of articles relevant to business and trade.

It is our ardent hope that this monthly publication is useful to you and your work, and enables you to know more about the CACCI, our members, and their activities.

If you wish other members of your organization to receive a copy of the CACCI Profile, please send us their names, titles/positions, and email addresses through cacci@cacci.biz

We would also appreciate receiving your comments on how we can further improve the CACCI Profile in terms of its format and contents.

If you have any articles you wish to share with our members, you are welcome to send these to us, with accompanying photos if possible, through cacci@cacci.biz.

Women Entrepreneur Council Newsletter available

CACCI is pleased to share the 26th Volume of CACCI Women Entrepreneur Council Newsletter, it is available to view or download here.

We hope that this publication will serve as an effective platform for an exchange of information among the tourism sector in the CACCI region. Members are, therefore, encouraged to contribute articles for our future issues. Kindly forward your materials, preferably with accompanying photos to teresaliu@cacci.biz.

CACCI webinar on Cross-Border Cooperation in Digital Skilling and Innovation held 18 April 2023

The Foundation for Commerce and Culture Interchange (FCCI), the Computer Skills Foundation (CSF) Taiwan, and the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) India and CACCI held the webinar “Cross-Border Cooperation in Digital Skilling and Innovation” on April 18, 2023.

Cooperation across countries in training for digital skilling and innovation has become a global trend and is fast becoming a necessity. In the Asia-Pacific region, the standards for ICT skills are set per country, with certifications provided by national organizations. There are no regional or international standards currently in place.

The recently concluded webinar discussed what the current standards are for digital skills across different countries, and what can be done to facilitate cross-border skilling by addressing the following questions:

• Who is offering the services and programs in this area?
• What are the current issues being encountered?
• What can enterprises do to improve the recruitment of a digitally skilled workforce?
• How can we bridge the digital divide in education and improve digital literacy?
• How can we enable digital skilling and innovation on a regional or international level?

Moderated by Dr. Dennis Hu, Chair of CACCI’s Asian ICT Council and President of FCCI, the webinar featured as speakers Dr. J.B. Xiao, Secretary-General of CSF; Ms. Alison Wall, Chief of Staff of Australia’s Digital Skills Organization (DSO);  Dato Palani, Chair of the ASEAN Future Workforce Council based in Malaysia; and Sh. Subhanshu Tiwari, Executive Director of NIELIT replacing NIELIT Director General Dr. Madan Mohan Tripathi, whio cold not join at the last minute due to another urgent matter)

The speakers each gave a 10- to 12-minute presentation introducing their respective organizations and detailing their capacities and services. This was followed by a panel discussion that featured panelists from the business or enterprise side, including Mr. George Abraham, Chair of CACCI’s SME Development Council; Mr. Charly Gordon, Global Policy Lead for the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and Ms. Charmaine Leong, President of the Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA). The panel discussed the needs of digital skills for development in the Asia-Pacific region, programs for strengthening digital skills and innovation, and mutual recognition of digital skills for talents and HR in Asia, among other issues.

The presentation files were available only to registered participants.

The video recording of the webinar can also be viewed at the CACCI Youtube Channel.

Governor of Pakistan’s KPK Province calls on CACCI VP Khurram Tariq Sayeed

The Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Province of Pakistan, Hon. Haji Ghulam Ali visited the residence of the late business leader & former Vice President of CACCI, Mr. Tariq Sayeed, during his Adnan Jalil. Mr. Khurram Tariq Sayeed, CACCI Vice President and former Vice President of FPCCI, welcomed the Governor along with prominent business leaders and FPCCI office bearers.

Mr. Sayeed congratulated Hon. Haji Ghulam Ali for assuming the charge as Governor of KPK and hoped that the province will progress under his able leadership. The Governor, in turn, paid great tribute to late Tariq Sayeed and attributed much of his success to his leadership. He also congratulated Khurram Tariq Sayeed on assuming his charge as Vice President CACCI.

Later, the Governor also visited the office of Mr. Khurram Tariq Sayeed at FPCCI. Mr. Sayeed briefed the Governor about CACCI and its objectives and emphasized that Pakistan must create a conducive environment for regional trade. He asked the Governor to play a role in the resumption of trade with India, starting with essential items.

In the end, Mr. Sayeed thanked the Hon. Governor for his visit and presented him with a CACCI memento.

Singapore’s Largest Grouping of Manufacturing Industries Joins CACCI

The Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), the largest national organisation representing the interests of manufacturing and manufacturing-related industries in Singapore since 1932, has joined as the latest Primary Member of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI).

CACCI President Mr. Peter McMullin AM personally handed the Certificate of Membership – along with a CACCI banner flag – to SMF President Mr. Lennon Tan, during the former’s recent visit to the SMF headquarters in Singapore on April 14, 2023. Mr. Tan also received tokens of appreciation from Mr. McMullin for joining CACCI and representing Singapore in the Confederation. Joining Mr. McMullin during the SMF visit was Mr. George Abraham Chairman of the CACCI SME Development Council, and Mr. Stuart Thomson, Chief of Staff of the Office of the CACCI President.

The SMF is known as a forefront trade federation serving the manufacturing community by driving digitalisation, innovation-led productivity, business transformation and internationalisation towards enhancing the competitiveness of its member companies. All of these features are consistent with the Presidents overarching message of helping business to get SET for the future – Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Trade.

Currently, the SMF has about 5,000 corporate members, comprising SMEs, MNCs and Affiliate Members. It collaborates with local and overseas government agencies, industry partners and enterprises to provide key services such as representation of members’ views at formal dialogues with the authorities; increasing business opportunities through local and international trade fairs and missions; building capabilities through conferences, seminars, workshops and other industry-specific programmes; and transforming businesses with business model innovation.

CACCI is a regional organization composed mostly of apex chambers of commerce and industry and business associations representing the interest of business enterprises in Asia. Established in 1966, it aims to provide a forum for examining, crystallizing and consolidating economic thinking of Asian and Western Pacific enterprises and for promoting intra-regional trade and investments. With a current membership from 26 countries or independent economies, it cuts across national boundaries to link businesses and promote economic growth throughout the Asia-Pacific region. CACCI is a non-governmental organization granted consultative status under the United Nations.

CACCI and The Good Business Foundation sponsor the Asia-Pacific Mediation Competition

The Good Business Foundation (GBF) and Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) have recently announced that they are Principal Partners of the 7th annual Asia-Pacific Commercial Mediation Competition (APCMC). The APCMC is co-hosted by the Australian Disputes Centre and the International Chamber of Commerce. This year, the competition will be held online from 26 – 28 August 2023.

An initiative of Peter McMullin AM in 2018, the APCMC reflects the objectives and the values of GBF and CACCI and creates a unique opportunity for university students to practice their negotiation skills in a commercial mediation setting; an essential area of dispute resolution in international commercial law.

The APCMC seeks to empower tomorrow’s business leaders and legal minds, equipping them with skills to better meet the dispute resolution needs of international commerce in an expanding and increasingly complex marketplace. Through this competition, students learn to effectively combine the use of negotiation strategies, mediation and collaborative problem-solving skills to successfully represent their client’s interests and seek settlement.

The Competition acts as a regional preliminary round to the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition, held annually at the ICC Global Headquarters in Paris, France. There is a cash prize and reserved place in the prestigious Paris Competition 2023 for the winning team from the ADC-ICC regional event. In addition, all finalists and prize winners are eligible for an internship opportunity with the Australian Disputes Centre to further their learning.

The aims of the Competition are to:

1. Create an exceptional opportunity for students to showcase their negotiation skills in a commercial mediation environment.
2. Develop students’ skills in collaborative commercial problem solving, analytical judgement and persuasion.
3. Connect aspiring students to strong professional networks.

Teams are drawn from leading Universities in Australia, Asia, the South Pacific, Africa, Middle East and the Americas, with support provided by international mediators and lawyers who volunteer to support the students’ learning.

We warmly welcome University teams and professional volunteers from across the CACCI region to participate in this international competition.

For student participants, the competition is open to all undergraduate Business, Law and Social Science students and are under 30 years of age. More information can be found HERE.

APCMC participants can expect:

• A chance to win a reserved place to compete in the 19th Annual ICC Mediation Competition in 2024, the world’s largest moot exclusively devoted to international commercial mediation
• A cash prize for the winning team
• Internship opportunities for all APCMC award winners
• Access to a series of live webinars presented by leading practitioners on negotiation, mediation and the importance of wellness to prepare our APCMC participants for the competition ahead
• Invitation to numerous exciting networking events to meet other students and ADR professionals
• The opportunity to make connections both locally and internationally
• Direction and feedback from distinguished judges and mentors to improve students’ negotiation skills in the context of a mediation that is mediated by a professional mediator
• The opportunity to participate in multiple networking and fun activities such as the Impromptu Speech Competition!

Intrigued to see the competition in action? You can watch the APCMC 2022 Grand Final at the APCMC website HERE.

Teams comprise of 2 – 4 university students, and your university may enter more than one team, competition rules are available through this link.

If you are interested in being a part of this fantastic educational opportunity, please Register HERE.

CACCI Newsletter on Food and Agriculture available

Taipei – We are pleased to share with you the 19th Volume of CACCI Food & Agriculture Newsletter. It is available to view or download HERE.

We hope that this publication will serve as an effective platform for an exchange of information among the tourism sector in the CACCI region.  Members are, therefore, encouraged to contribute articles for our future issues.  Kindly forward your materials, preferably with accompanying photos to teresaliu@cacci.biz.

Thank you, and with best regards.

Sincerely yours,

David Hsu
Director-General
CACCI

CACCI Tourism newsletter available

We hope that this publication will serve as an effective platform for an exchange of information among the tourism sector in the CACCI region.  Members are, therefore, encouraged to contribute articles for our future issues.  Kindly forward your materials (preferably with accompanying photos) to teresaliu@cacci.biz.

Thank you, and with best regards.

Sincerely yours,

David Hsu
Director-General
CACCI

37th CACCI Conference in Phnom Penh on October 30-31, 2023

This year’s 37th CACCI Conference will be held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on October 30-31, with the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce as the host organization.

The Cambodian Chamber is currently deciding on the venue for the conference. The Conference theme and topics, program, and speakers are also still being discussed and will be finalized at a later date. CACCI President Mr. Peter McMullin AM has said that suggestions from the host chamber, member chambers, and the Office of the CACCI President cover a wide range of relevant topics, and will be taken into consideration during planning discussions.

During the CACCI Planning Committee Meeting held on March 16, H.E. Oknha Nguon Mengtech, Director-General of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, said that it was an honor for the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce to once again host a CACCI Conference, after several years since the last time it organized an annual gathering of CACCI in 2004. He pointed out that the Chamber is happy to host the 2023 event following its successful hosting of the ASEAN meetings in 2022. He added that he and the Chamber looked forward to once again meeting and welcoming the officers and members of CACCI for the 37th CACCI Conference.

37th CACCI Conference 

            30 – 31 October 2023, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
(As of Luly 25, 2023) 

30 October 2023 

09:00am-17:00pm Registration  

09:00am – 10:15am Parallel Breakout Sessions 

Group One 

I. Asian ICT Council on “Envision the Future of AI” 

Suggested Speakers: 

(1) Desmond Tay, Managing Director of GUUD Pte. Ltd., and Council Member of Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF)  

(2) Charles Huang, Vice President, Taipei Computer Association (tbc) 

(3) Graeme Muller, CEO, NZTech (tbc) 

(4) Oliver Tien, Chief Adviser, Asia Pacific Assistive Robotics Association, Singapore (tbc) 

Session Chairman: Dr. Dennis Hu, President, Foundation for Commerce and Culture Interchange 

II. Asian Council on Food and Agriculture on “Food Security and Access: Ensuring Equitable  and Sustainable Food Systems” 

Suggested Speakers: 

(1) Abdus Salam, Managing Director, Organic Bangladesh Ltd.  

Session Chairman:  Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, Vice President, CACCI and Former President, FNCCI 

10:15am – 11:30am Parallel Breakout Sessions 

Group Two 

I. Young Entrepreneurs Group Asia-Pacific  

Suggested Speakers: 

(1) Narin Shahrokhi Kabir, Member, Iran CCIMA 

Session Chairman: Rommel Gerodias, President, A101 Innovations Inc. (Philippines) 

II. Asian Council on Tourism on “Green Tourism for Sustainable Future” 

Session Chairman: Anura Lokuhetty., Chairman, Red Apple Travels & Holidays Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. 

11:30am-12:45pm Parallel Breakout Sessions  

Group Three 

I. SME Development Council 

Session Chairman: George Abraham, Chairman, The GA Group Pte. Ltd. 

II. Asian Council on Water, Energy and Environment on “Clean & Green Energy: CO2 Zero Emission”

Suggested Speakers: 

(1) Melvin Tan, Managing Director of Cyclect Pte.Ltd. and Vice President of SMF 

Session Chairman: Gyanendra Lal Pradhan, Executive Chairman, Hydro Solutions Pvt. Ltd. 

12:45pm-02:00pm Lunch 

02:00pm-02:45pm Policy Advocacy Working Group Meeting

02:45pm-04:45pm Discover Business Opportunities Through CACCI 

Invited presenters: JCCI, SMF, PNGCCI, Cambodia CC 

04:45pm-6:00pm Business Matching Sessions

07:00pm-09:30pm Welcome Reception/Dinner 

CACCI internal meetings (not open to the public): 

02:45pm-03:45pm Advisory Board Meeting 

03:45pm-04:45pm Budget Commission Meeting

05:00pm-06:30pm 97th CACCI Council Meeting 

31 October 2023 

“Chambers of Commerce – Helping Businesses Get  SET for the Future”

(S)  Sustainability is critical for SMEs to gain a competitive advantage in today’s market, to be able to manage business risks, grow their brand and enhance their access to capital. According to the OECD, SMEs collectively contribute to over 50% of global Greenhouse Gas emissions from business globally. The majority of SME owners are concerned about the impacts of climate change but they need help to make this transition. Chambers can offer this support to current and potential new members looking to decarbonise their businesses and contribute to a sustainable economy. 

(E) Entrepreneurship and particularly inclusive entrepreneurship supports people with new ideas to solve some of our most entrenched challenges. By supporting entrepreneurs embrace new technologies, include and support diverse groups of entrepreneurs and allow for innovation to flourish we will see new business models emerge to move us toward a truly just economy. 

(T)  Trade support is a critical service Chambers provide to the business community. Trade not only helps business supply the world with the goods and services we all desire, it also builds and maintains cross border relationships. Chambers offer a range of services including mediation, ease of doing business by digitising processes as well as connecting SMEs through networking and business matching opportunities. Through this work Chambers are truly strengthening global multilateralism and in-turn global peace. 

09:00-10:00 Opening Ceremony  

• Welcome Remarks by:  Neak Okhna Kith Meng 

President, Cambodia Chamber of  

Commerce 

• Welcome Statement by: Peter McMullin AM 

President, CACCI 

Suggested Keynote Speakers: 

• Minister of Commerce of Cambodia  

10:00am – 10:15am Coffee Break 

10:00am – 10:30am Press Conference 

10:30am – 11:30am Plenary Session 1    

SUSTAINABILITY: Developing Clean and Renewable Energy  

for a Greener World 

This session will feature speakers who will share their views on how to ensure a sustainable supply of renewable energy, improve access to modern energy services, identify possible areas of regional cooperation to achieve a clean energy integration to build a greener world, and how chambers can play the role as a voice of change at COP28 in Dubai. 

Suggested Speakers 

• Dr. Alireza Yavari, Deputy President for International Affairs, ICCIMA 

• Rishabh Shroff, Chairman, YEGAP Committee on Policy Advocacy (Topic: ESG standards) 

• Mr. Khurram Sayeed, CEO, Planet Energy Pvt Ltd., Vice President, CACCI 

• Narin Shahrokhi Kabir  

• Dr. Muhammad Khazaei, Secretary-General, ICC-Iran 

Moderator:  

• Gyanendra Lal Pradhan, Chairman, Asian Council on Water, Energy, and Environment (ACWEE) 

11:30am – 12:30pm Plenary Session 2   

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Driver for Regional Economic  

Growth 

Discussion will focus on how to promote the entrepreneurial spirit in the region – particularly young and women entrepreneurs – through, for instance, mentorship and access to capital and markets, in order to make them effective and sustained contributors to the economic growth of their respective communities and the national and regional economy as a whole. 

Suggested Speakers:  

• Diana Tjoeng, Asia Regional Manager for Good Return (Impact Fund, Cambodia) (Topic: Access to Capital) 

• Michael Lee Chair, Membership and Partnership Alliance Committee, YEGAP, and CEO, CreBiz Factory 
•   
• Sudha Shivkumar President, FICCI Ladies Organisation (Topic: Women Entrepreneurs) 
•  

• Nunki Juniarti, ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship Jakarta 

• Mrs. Mukta Nandini Jain, Chairman, CACCI Women Entrepreneurs Council 
•  
• SHE Investments (Cambodia Women Groups) (Topic: Inclusive entrepreneurship) 

Suggested Moderator: 

• Mangesh Lal Shrestha, Immediate Past Chairman, CACCI Young Entrepreneurs Group of Asia Pacific (YEGAP); Global Vice President (Growth & Artificial Intelligence) at Frost & Sullivan, 

12:45pm – 02:15pm Lunch  

02:30pm – 03:45pm Plenary Session 3   

TRADE: Helping Businesses Become Global Trade Players 

Invited speakers will elaborate on their thoughts and ideas on how to assist businesses, particularly the SMEs which comprised majority of chambers’ constituencies, adequately equipped to participate in the international market through, for instance, digital transformation, mediation and dispute resolution capability, and labor mobility and skills development to meet new business and market demands. 

Suggested Speakers 

• Deborah Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Disputes Centre (Topic: Mediation/Dispute Resolution) 

• Mr. James Shi Chu, Secretary General, Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce (CNAIC), Taiwan 

• Mr. Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)   

• Ullas Marar, Global Programme Manager at the ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoEs). (Suggested topic: ICC’s Digital Export Enablement Program (DEEP) running across ASEAN countries and supported by Google) 

• Dato Palani, Chair, ASEAN Future of Work Council (“Labour mobility and skills development to meet new business demands” 

• Dennis Hu, President, Foundation for Commerce and Culture Interchange; Chairman, CACCI ICT Council 

• Representative from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of  

Australia (Topic: Digitization of SMEs: Experience from Fiji) 

Suggested Moderator:  

• Sheikh Fazle Fahim, CACCI Vice President and Former President, FBCCI 

03:45pm – 04:00pm  Coffee Break 

04:00pm – 05:15pm Plenary Session 4 

CEO FORUM:     Development Challenges and Opportunities  

in the Asia-Pacific Region 

Company CEOs and business leaders will be invited to share their insights on what they think are the development challenges and opportunities faced by the region, including – but not limited to – food safety and security, tourism, supply chain resilience, climate change, cooperation in healthcare, the impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and China’s economic growth, 

Suggested Speakers: 

• Jemal Inaishvili, President Emeritus, CACCI and Former CEO, Poti Sea Port  

• Samir Modi, Immediate Past President of CACCI’ Executive Director, Modi Enterprises 

• Lennon Tan, President, Singapore Manufacturing Federation 

• John Denton AO, Secretary General, ICC WCF 

• Su-Wei Chang, President, TMY Technology 

• Nola Watson, President, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry 

Suggested Moderator:  

• Peter McMullin AM, President, CACCI 

06.00pm Gala Dinner  

1 November 2023  

• Optional Post-Conference City-Tour 
• Departure of delegates 

CACCI Profile – March edition available

CACCI is pleased to announce that the March 2023 issue of CACCI Profile is now available. Please click HERE to read or download.

This month’s issue includes updates from CACCI President Mr. Peter McMullin AM on his recent activities. It also features the recently concluded CACCI Planning Committee meeting, during which some details of this year’s 37^th CACCI Conference were discussed and decided.

Additionally, the newsletter features the latest news from Member Chambers, along with a wide range of articles relevant to business and trade.

It is our ardent hope that this monthly publication is useful to you and your work, and enables you to know more about the CACCI, our members, and their activities.

If you wish other members of your organization to receive a copy of the CACCI Profile, please send us their names, titles/positions, and email addresses through cacci@cacci.biz

We would also appreciate receiving your comments on how we can further improve the CACCI Profile in terms of its format and contents.

If you have any articles you wish to share with our members, you are welcome to send these to us, with accompanying photos if possible, through cacci@cacci.biz.

Successful Nepal Business Outlook webinar held on 24 March 2023

The Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) held the webinar on Nepal Business Outlook on March 24 , 2023 in association with the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Organized as part of the webinar series on “Discover Business Opportunities with CACCI”, the FNCCI session featured Mr. Manoj Paudel, a young entrepreneur and economist currently serving as the Co-Chair of the International Investment Promotion Committee at FNCCI.

SUMMARY

The one-hour webinar was moderated by Mr. Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, Managing Director of the Panchakanya Group, and currently CACCI Vice President. CACCI President Mr. Peter mcMullin AM delivered the Welcome Remarks.

Starting with a description of the FNCCI, its services, and its role in the Nepalese economy, Mr. Paudel then proceeded to introduce Nepal’s key economic statistics so that the audience could understand the current macroeconomic conditions of Nepal.

According to Mr. Paudel, Nepalese economic growth is emerging from the sudden economic slowdown of 2020 due to the pandemic, a drastic experience that negatively impacted most countries of the region as well.

He pointed out that nowadays, Nepal projects a high rate of growth for the next couple of years led by hydropower, tourism, industrial manufacturing, agriculture, mining, services, and information technology and communication.

Mr. Paudel also explained how the country’s FDI legal framework has evolved since its inception in 1950 to today’s, when the government has created active contact windows, even in collaboration with FNCCI to facilitate foreign investment in Nepal.

He noted that Nepal’s major imports currently are refined oil, semi-finished iron, and mineral fuels among many other products. On the other side, Nepal’s major exports are animals and vegetable fats, oils and waxes, textiles, coffee, tea and spices, etc..

Mr. Paudel indicated that the business outlook for Nepal is good based on the increasing flow of FDI during the decade prior to the pandemic.  While the pandemic adversely impacted FDI flows, the figures are expected to return to high levels.

Furthermore, Mr. Paudel argued that the key selling points making Nepal a profitable investment are Nepal’s strategic location, 100% ownership in almost all sectors, including companies’ ownership of land, and 100% repatriation of investment which also allows for the repatriation of 75% of the employee’s salary.

In conclusion, Mr. Paudel recommended that foreign investors take advantage of FDI Help Desk which has been set up to facilitate investments in Nepal.

Mr. Paudel’s comprehensive and highly informative presentation was followed by a lively Q&A discussion with the audience.

The presentation (in PDF format) was distributed to registered participants only.

The video recording of the webinar can also be viewed at the CACCI Youtube Channel

CACCI holds Virtual Planning Committee Meeting

Members of the 2023 CACCI Planning Committee led by CACCI President Mr. Peter McMullin AM met virtually on March 16, 2023 at 4:30 PM, Taipei Time to discuss preparations for the 37th CACCI Conference to be hosted by Cambodia Chamber of Commerce in the latter part of 2023.

A total of 29 delegates from seven countries attended the Meeting, including representatives from Australia, Cambodia, India, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Turkey, and Taiwan.

In his Opening Remarks, H.E. Oknha Nguon Mengtech, Director-General of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, said that it was an honor for the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce to once again host a CACCI Conference, after several years since the last time it organized an annual gathering of CACCI in 2004. He pointed out that the Chamber is happy to host the 2023 event following its successful hosting of the ASEAN meetings in 2022. He said he and the Chamber looked forward to once again meeting and welcoming the officers and members of CACCI for the 37th CACCI Conference.

CACCI President Mr. Peter McMullin AM joined Director-General Mengtech in thanking the meeting participants for joining the discussions, pointing out that their presence demonstrated their continued commitment to the Confederation.

Following discussions during the meeting, the planning committee decided to hold the 37th CACCI Conference on October 30-31 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Cambodian Chamber initially proposed two venues for the conference: Sofitel and Sokha Hotel. The Committee requested Cambodia Chamber to decide which of the two hotels should be the venue, and to advise the Committee of its decision later.

A discussion was also carried out on the theme and topics for this year’s conference. Taking into consideration the suggestions from the host chamber as well as member chambers FICCI, FPCCI, FNCCI, and the Office of the CACCI President, Mr. McMullin noted the wide range of relevant topics and said these will be discussed later offline, and members will be advised as soon as the final theme and topics are agreed upon. Similarly, speakers and the conference program will be finalized at a later date.

Following the conference planning, CACCI Director-General Mr. David Hsu reported to the Committee the recent and upcoming activities and programs of CACCI for 2023, which include CACCI Presidential Visits, Investment Forums, and webinars on CPTPP and digital skilling, among others.