TOBB President Celebrates Cabotage Day

Ankara – TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarciklioglu has issued a celebratory message for the July 1st Maritime and Cabotage Day. Hisarciklioglu emphasized that the right to cabotage is one of the most important parts of Turkey’s independence. “Our country, surrounded by seas, has big goals in the maritime area. We need to take the steps in the maritime sector to grow our economy.”

TOBB President Hisarciklioglu said in his message:

“Maritime and Cabotage Day, celebrated every year on July 1st, is one of the most important days of our Republic’s history.

“It is important to remember that on the anniversary of the Maritime and Cabotage Day, which includes our right to carry passengers and freight between our own ports, we need to keep in mind that maritime developments are of great importance for our economy to grow and reach its 2023 targets.

“According to this legislation, the operation of moving maritime vehicles by machinery, sailing and oars in rivers, lakes, sea of Marmara and straits, gulfs, harbors, coves and similar places in all the land waters, the right to transport goods and passengers was granted to the citizens of the Republic of Turkey.

“Subsequently, many successes were achieved in this field. We are aware that the Turkish maritime sector has a lot to do, even though it has come a long way in both transportation and shipbuilding. We have to work tirelessly towards these goals.

“With these thoughts and feelings, on behalf of the Turkish private sector, I celebrate the 1st of July Maritime and Cabotage Day of our maritime communities and our nation. I extend my deepest respect and affections.”

Saudi Fund for Development looking to provide credit facilities for Lankan importers

Mr. Ziad Alsabbaly,,Marketing Specialist of Saudi Fund for Development and Ms. Lilakshini De Mel, Chamber officer during the briefing event.

Colombo – The Saudi Fund for Development is looking to provide credit facilities for Sri Lankan firms to import raw materials from Saudi Arabia.

Accordingly, Lankan Importers importing fertilizer, plastic raw materials, cables and electrical wires from Saudi Arabia will be eligible to obtain credit, which would be given under the ‘Foreign Buyer Credit Assistance’ by the Saudi Fund for Development.

Recently, a meeting was conducted by the Saudi Fund for Development at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to brief about the credit program.  According to Mr. Ziad Alsabbaly, Marketing Specialist of Saudi Fund for Development, the credit facilities will be given with repayment period running up to a minimum of 2 years, while the maximum repayment period will be 10 years. The repayment period would be decided upon the nature of the imports or the project. The minimum grace period for the credit offers would be six months.

Several local firms, including the Chamber members were present during the meeting. Ms. Lilakshini De Mel, Senior Assistant Secretary General of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce were also present at the occasion.

Some of the participants during the briefing event.

CACCI Former President Yujuico meets KADIN Chairman Rosan Roeslani

Manila – Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico, Immediate Past President of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), met with the business delegation of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN Indonesia) led by Chairman Mr. Rosan Roeslani and Mr. Anindya N. Bakrie, CEO, PT Bakrie Global. They met during the Conference of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council held in Manila in April 2017.

The Conference also served as an occasion for KADIN Indonesia and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – of which Amb. Yujuico is Chairman – to sign a memorandum of understanding to promote cooperation and partnership for a dynamic development of trade and investments between the Philippines and Indonesia.

Amb. Yujuico invited Mr. Roeslani and Mr. Bakrie to organize a delegation to Sydney to attend the 31st CACCI Conference on September 18-21, 2017 to be held in conjunction with the 10th World Chambers Congress jointly organized by the ICC World Chambers Federation and the Sydney Business Chamber, with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Partner Organization.

PCCI & Indonesian chamber to facilitate more investments & trade

CACCI Conference and World Chambers Congress in Sydney Offer Networking and Learning Opportunities

Taipei – The upcoming 31st CACCI Conference and the 10th World Chambers Congress to held on September 18 -21, 2017 in Sydney will provide delegates many valuable learning and networking opportunities.

The 31st CACCI Conference will feature sectoral roundtable discussions and concurrent sessions that will gather government and private sector leaders for dialogue and panel discussion on important sectoral issues pertaining to SME development, the digital economy, food safety and security, health and education, trade facilitation, and energy and environment, among others.

More than 1,200 delegates from over 110 nations are expected to join the 10th World Chambers Congress. With important delegations from around the world planning their presence – including the 2019 Congress co-organizer, the Brazilian Confederation of Trade and Business Associations – you should not miss your chance to network with your peers.

Former Prime Minister of Finland, Esko Aho, will join the Congress as a Speaker for the Leadership plenary on September 21. From his experience leading Nokia Corporation as the Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations and Responsibility to his celebrated success as the man who led Finland into the European Union, delegates will receive an insight into what it truly means to be a leader.

The closing plenary of the Congress on 21 September will dive in and discuss the future of business within the context of increased digitization, smart manufacturing, the Internet of Things and Information and Communications Technology. Join the exciting discussion as Mr. Robert Wickham, Vice President of Innovation and Digital Transformation at Salesforce, explores the possibilities this change will bring for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

During the special Congress session on “Discover Business Opportunities Through CACCI” on September 19, chamber leaders from CACCI member economies will share information about the economic and business conditions in their respective countries as well as the trade and investment opportunities they offer.

September in Australia kicks off the start of the festival season, with the debut of many exciting events. From food and wine festivals showcasing the very best of their local produce, to floral festivals and half marathons, all held amidst spectacular settings and enjoyable weather, Australia has something for everyone.

Register today, through archive.cacci.biz/conference, or through the Congress website at www.worldchamberscongress.org, and don’t miss the opportunity of joining a unique international gathering.

Wellington Chamber’s John Milford visits CACCI Secretariat

Taipei – Mr. John Milford, Chief Executive of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce (WCC), called on key officers of the CACCI Secretariat led by Director-General Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng during his recent trip to Taipei on the week of June 14.

During their meeting at the CACCI Secretariat office, Amb. Tseng thanked Mr. Milford for the continued strong support of WCC for CACCI and its activities over the years, citing its role in hosting two CACCI gatherings in the past -the 11th CACCI Conference held in November 1986 in Rotorua, and the 53rd CACCI Council Meeting held in April 1996 in Wellington. The WCC also received a CACCI delegation led by then President Mr. K. K. Modi in July 2005.

Mr. Milford and Amb. Tseng discussed other possible areas in which the WCC can contribute to CACCI programs, including membership recruitment, policy advocacy work, information sharing through their respective newsletters, and participation in CACCI annual gatherings – such as the upcoming 31st CACCI Conference in september 2017 in Sydney – by either sending delegates or nominating speakers.

Mr. Milford was on his first trip to Taipei, where he was scheduled to meet – along with other businessmen from New Zealand – with other Taiwanese business groups, including the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA), a CACCI Primary Member. Mr. Milford has had extensive experience in the business and retail sector, having been Managing Director of the department store Kirkcaldie & Stains since 2006 before joining WCC.

Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2017 to discuss ways of building its manufacturing competitiveness

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Colombo – The upcoming “Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2017” organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will conduct a dedicated thematic session to discuss, how important it is for the Lankan manufacturing sector to become competitive to attract global markets.

The session titled, ‘Realizing New Competitiveness in Sri Lankan Manufacturing’, will line up some of the finest industry practitioners to share insights on how local manufacturers can transform to become globally competitive.

Invited speakers will discuss the latest global trends in best manufacturing practices, critical bottlenecks faced by local manufacturers that needs immediate tackling and where the process should begin and also local success stories in niches like carbon black and high value apparels.

The all-important session takes place at a time when the Lankan manufacturers are facing severe pressure from rising costs in input materials, labor and energy costs. Moreover the import protection that has crept in over the years, while helping some industries to survive and grow, whilst hurting others due to higher intermediate input costs.

The two day annual summit will take place on the 25th and 26th July 2017 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo under the theme ‘Execute – Transform – Realize’.

B20 Germany Issues Statement on the US Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement

The Chairs of the Climate and Energy Taskforces of the G20 Engagement Groups Business 20, Civil 20, and Think 20 as well as the Engagement Groups Labor 20, Women 20, and Youth 20 – together with the Foundations 20 – said that they deeply regret the decision of the U.S. President to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. That is why they have jointly released a Statement on the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement.

In the Statement, they said that they consider the decision of the U.S. Government to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement as very short- sighted and irresponsible, as climate change represents one of the largest risks to sustainable development, gender equality, inclusiveness, equitable economic growth, and financial stability.

They asked for a clear signal by the remaining G20 members and urge them to take a lead in the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement. They also stated that they strongly support climate action and cooperation on the state and municipal levels, both in the United States and by other G20 members.

Stressing that the challenge of climate change is global in nature and requires coordinated solutions and international cooperation, they strongly encouraged the United States to remain in the Paris Climate Agreement.

They said that they are hopeful the G20 Summit in Hamburg will send a strong signal against climate change and that they will continue to support the Paris Climate Agreement and climate action by the G20.

B20 Health Initiative published its final policy paper

Berlin – The B20 Health Initiative has published its final policy paper. The paper is the outcome of five months of intense discussions and hard work among almost 100 taskforce members from 24 countries and diverse economic sectors.

Under the leadership of Chair Kemal Malik, Member of the Board of Management at Bayer AG, and Chair Stefan Oschmann, Chairman of the Executive Board & CEO of Merck, the Health Initiative developed five highly relevant recommendations to the G20:

1. Driving Innovation in Healthcare: The G20 members should adopt policies that ensure that the benefits delivered by research and development for more effective diagnostics and therapies are adequately recognized. They should also adopt policies that improve access to healthcare by establishing a pro-innovation ecosystem that prioritizes self-care and empowerment of individuals.

2. Combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): The G20 members should combat antimicrobial resistance, including multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), by incentivizing R&D of new medicines, advancing preventive measures, and promoting responsible use of antibiotics, as well as supporting capacity building in low- and middle-income countries.

3. Fighting Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): The G20 members should fight NTDs by increasing funding for public health interventions, strengthening cooperation with governments of endemic countries and capacity building, as well as agreeing on more financial support for R&D.

4. Improving Pandemic Preparedness and Response: The G20 members should support ongoing efforts to improve pandemic preparedness and response, including efforts to foster public-private partnerships in a variety of sectors.

5. Advancing Digital Health: The G20 members should endorse the use of Big Data in health by promoting translational data flows as well as protecting individual data. They should also accelerate the provision of a high performance digital health infrastructure by setting clear targets and deploying broadband and mobile connectivity.

The B20 Health Initiative presented its recommendations to the German Health Minister Hermann Gröhe at the B20 Health Conference May 18, in Berlin.

B20 Chair Jürgen Heraeus Outlines the Role the B20 Can Play in Health

Berlin – At the B20 Health Conference held at the Gasometer in Berlin in Mid-May, B20 Chair Jürgen Heraeus welcomed the efforts of the B20 regarding the G20 health track. More than 200 guests from various G20 members and health sectors came together for the first ever B20 health conference to present their recommendations to the G20.

Heraeus stressed the responsibility of businesses to support the G20 with their advice, expertise, and practical experience to improve health around the world. In his introductory remarks, Heraeus emphasized that the world would not be able to reach the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals without substantial investments in health. Even though medical innovations had improved human health tremendously, current health challenges, such as pandemics, spelled enormous costs for the global economy and societies.

The B20 Chair emphasized that the majority of the current health challenges did not know national borders. It follows that cross-country and sectoral cooperation was of the essence if these health challenges were to be tackled effectively. Given the magnitude of the challenges, Heraeus lauded the G20 for placing health on the agenda of this year’s summit with a clear focus on antimicrobial resistance, pandemics, and neglected tropical diseases.

At the same time, Heraeus urged the G20 to establish an environment for innovation and to prioritize the potentials of digital health. He highlighted the need for several policy measures the G20 should consider, including predictable regulatory environments to protect intellectual property, guidelines for the responsible use of antimicrobials, increased funding for research and development to tackle pandemics, and strong digital infrastructures, as well as privacy laws.

Citi and Ceylon CCI empower more rural entrepreneurs

Colombo – The ‘Rural Economic Empowerment Programme initiated by the Citibank in collaboration with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Hatton National Bank in June 2015 assisted over 400 rural entrepreneurs in four rural villages namely; Beralapanathara in Matara District, Dadayamkanda in Ratnapura District, Weheragala in Anuradhapura District and Udappuwa in Puttalam District. The project provided business management training as well as technical training and facilitated financial assistance to the needy entrepreneurs through HNB. The assistance provided through the project helped the rural entrepreneurs, who had not had any formal training on business management before to plan and conduct their businesses in a more organized manner and expand their businesses using the financial assistance extended by HNB.

Satisfied with the success of the first phase of the project, Citi Bank decided to continue its partnership with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Hatton National Bank to uplift the livelihoods of people in rural areas by implementing a second phase of the project targeting a few more remote villages of the country.

The second phase of the Rural Economic Empowerment Project will focus on the same objectives as the first phase with a different geographical coverage. The main objective of the project is to economically empower rural entrepreneurs by supporting them to start and manage sustainable income generation activities/micro enterprises. The specific objectives include;

providing entrepreneurship development and business management training, providing technical know-how on income generation/micro enterprises as well as for improvement of  quality of products and productivity of business operations, improving financial literacy and financial management skills , improving access to finance through facilitating linkages with banks and formal financial institutes and offering business development services (BDS) to manage the business operations profitably and sustainably

As done in the first phase of the project, Citibank will provide overall direction and financial resources, guidance and professional expertise for training and capacity building of prospective entrepreneurs for successful implementation of the second phase. Citibank’s active support for this initiative epitomizes its commitment towards promoting the livelihood development at grassroots level globally through sustainable financial inclusion. Citi Sri Lanka together with Citi Foundation has engaged in many CSR projects since its inception, demonstrating its dedication towards enhancing the economic opportunities for individuals and families of Sri Lanka and this project is a continuation of their CSR efforts to improve the businesses and living conditions of rural entrepreneurs.

The second phase of the project has planned to assist rural entrepreneurs in a few remote villages in Galle and Anuradhapura Districts. The Ceylon Chamber in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Southern Provincial Council and the Galle District Chamber of Commerce identified Maththaka, Niyagama, Poddiwela, Porowagama and Thalgaswala villages with a large number of rural entrepreneurs waiting for both management and financial assistance to improve and expand their businesses. The Chamber and HNB first conducted an awareness session for 81 beneficiaries from above villages and collected baseline data on their current business activities, issues faced by them and assistance required. The project conducted 3 training programs for 61 selected entrepreneurs on introduction to entrepreneurship, generating concrete business ideas and preparation of business plans as per the foundation module of “Way to Improve Your Business” developed by the ILO accredited “Start and Improve Your Business” (SIYB) Program. Mr. Kithsiri Dharmapriya an experienced business management expert accredited as Master Trainer of SIYB as well as IFC “Business Edge” Training Program conducted the training program using a participatory approach. HNB has already disbursed loans to a few beneficiaries, who required urgent assistance and is in the process of evaluating business plans of other trained beneficiaries with the objective of extending loan facilities within the shortest possible time. The project will identify the needs for technical training as well as impediments faced by the project beneficiaries and will facilitate technical training and Business Development Services (BDS) to resolve such issues/impediments.

The second phase activities in Anuradhapura District was commenced in collaboration with the North Central Provincial Council and the Anuradhapura District Chamber of Commerce. The project conducted the awareness session and baseline data collection of prospective rural entrepreneurs in Nochchiyagama and Nachchaduwa Divisional Secretariat areas with the participation of 55 and 56 beneficiaries respectively. HNB officers, who were present at the awareness sessions found that there were many promising entrepreneurs among the participants and had expressed keen interest to extend financial assistance to all entrepreneurs with viable business ideas. The Chamber has now analyzed the baseline data of above beneficiaries and planned to commence business management training based on “Way to Improve Your Business” module by mid June.

The project will work closely with project partners i.e. the Southern and North Central Provincial Council and the District Chambers of Commerce in Galle and Anuradhapura to identify more needy beneficiaries from the selected villages and surrounding areas to expand the beneficiary base to reach the targeted no of beneficiaries well ahead of the targeted dates.

CACCI Secretariat Meets with SME Development Council Chairman

Singapore – Mr. George Abraham, Chairman of the SME Development Council of CACCI, recently met with CACCI Director-General Mr. Amador Honrado Jr. in Singapore. They discussed preparations for the Roundtable Session to be organized by the SMEDC during the 31st CACCI Conference scheduled to take place on September 18, 2017 in Sydney, as well as Mr. Abraham’s participation in the 10th World Chambers Congress to be hosted by the ICC World Chambers Federation and the Sydney Business Chamber, with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry as Partner Organization.

Mr. Abraham and Mr. Honrado also exchanged views on other activities that the SMEDC Chairman proposes to undertake during the year, including the holding of workshops and training programs for the benefit of CACCI members, particularly SMEs, in cooperatioon with CACCI Primary Members.

FICCI publishes Digital Banking report on India

Taipei – CACCI is pleased to share with all CACCI members the April 2017 issue of “Financial Foresights” – a publication of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) – which focuses on the topic “Digital Banking: New Horizons in a Cash-Light India”.

This FICCI reports presents insightful write-ups contributed by industry leaders from the digital banking space and highlights the prospects of Digital banking in India.

FICCI is a member of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), the parent organization of the ABA.

CACCI Invites Nominees for IWEC Awards 2017

Taipei – The International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge Awards (IWEC Awards) 2017, an international award for extraordinary women entrepreneurs, will be presented on the campus headquarters of Microsoft in Redmond, Washington in the United States on November 12-14, 2017. CACCI is inviting its Primary and Affiliate members to submit nominations for this year’s IWEC Awards.

Established in Barcelona in 2007, the IWEC Awards, with the goal of connecting small and mid-size women business owners globally – those who are already in the global marketplace and want to expand, or are ripe to get into the market and learn from other women leaders. Also an important aspect of IWEC awardees is their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility programs in mentoring, board participation, community outreach, sustainability, etc.

The awardees and chamber executives will be invited to participate in the annual conference to receive their award and to network and share best practices.

For more information on the IWEC Awards, interested parties may wish to visit the official website: https://iwecawards.com/ .

Sri Lanka launches Private-Public Partnership Unit for investment

Colombo – Sri Lanka will launch its ‘Private – Public Partnership ( PPP) Unit’, set up through a Cabinet decision at the upcoming ‘Sri Lanka Investment and Business Conclave 2017’, which will take place on the 30th May to 01st June 2017, in Colombo.

The unit is mandated to source investment from both national and international private sector to drive the national economic agenda. This is the best opportunity to launch the unit as the participants at the conclave are the target audience to source investments to Sri Lanka. The new unit is coming under the Ministry of Finance and is supported and guided by the World Bank.

The launch of the PPP unit at the upcoming ‘Sri Lanka Investment and Business Conclave’ will be witnessed by over 200 Investors and Business partners. Among them would be over 100 investors and business partners from more than 20 countries. Organized by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the “Sri Lanka Investment & Business Conclave 2017”, the event aims to attract much needed Foreign Direct Investors to Sri Lanka, Business partners for Exports and also to promote Tourism, in a bid to help propel the nation’s economic growth to greater heights.

The Conclave 2017, focuses on bringing in investments into the areas of Agriculture, Apparel, Education, Export Manufacturing, Export Services, Infrastructure, Knowledge Services, Tourism and Leisure, Power & Energy, Telecommunications and Related Services, Ports Development, Distribution of Petroleum related products such as LPG & LNG and Recycling of Waste.

You can register to take part in the event via www.invest-srilanka.lk and schedule B2B meetings via online or contact the event secretariat via +94115588818, or email to investsrilanka@chamber.lk or info@chamber.lk

ASEAN-BAC Calls for Nominations for the ASEAN Business Awards 2017

 

CACCI Director-General Attends Berlin Meeting of the Global Chamber Platform

Berlin – CACCI Director-General Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng represented CACCI in the meeting of the Global Chamber Platform (GCP) held on the morning of May 2, 2017 in Berlin. This year’s GCP discussed the many challenges the global economic environment is currently facing as well as the position of the GCP regarding the outcome of the B-20 Summit.

The GCP was launched in 2002 by the Eurochambres (Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry) to develop a coherent framework for Eurochambres and its relations with partner organizations around the world. CACCI joined the GCP in October 2003 during the 11th Annual Congress of Eurochambres, where Mr. K. K. Modi, then CACCI President, was invited as one of the panelists.

The GCP usually holds its annual meeting in conjunction with the Annual Congress of Eurochambres. As GCP member, CACCI has always been invited to attend these annual meetings. For the first time, the GCP was represented at the B-20 Summit from May 2-3 in Berlin as an official networking partner.

CACCI Director General Attends B20 Summit in Berlin

Berlin – CACCI Director-General Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng represented CACCI at the B20 Summit held on May 2-3, 2017 in Berlin, and had the opportunity to meet with the current B20 Chairman Dr. Jurgen Heraeus.

During the two-day high-level event – which served as the highlight of the B20 process – panelists and some 800 B20 affiliated CEOs and representatives from international organizations and politics met in Berlin to discuss the crucial findings and policy recommendations derived from the B20 process.

The B20 Summit allowed for discussions, high- level networking, and high-level business advocacy. German Chancellor and G20 Chair Angela Merkel received the B20 Summary “Shaping an Interconnected World” containing the B20 policy recommendations on May 3 in an official handover ceremony.

Ratepayers winners from fresh bus tender, says Wellington Chamber

Wellington 05/05/2017 – Wellington Chamber of Commerce congratulates Tranzit Group and Uzabus for being the successful bidders for a large part of the bus services across the region. “Ratepayers, as well as taxpayers, are set to benefit from this tender, which will save millions of dollars and deliver a fleet of new and more environmentally friendly buses,” says Chamber Chief Executive John Milford.

“We’re told the new buses will improve air quality by reducing emissions of harmful pollutants, including by at least 38 per cent in Wellington and 84 per cent in the Hutt Valley, and that’s great news. “I’m also delighted that Masterton-based Tranzit has committed to employing as many of the 380 further drivers it needs as it can from the region’s existing workforce, including from the Metlink system, and that it will build 228 new buses, as many as possible of them at Kiwi Bus Builders at Seaview.

“That’s really keeping it local, and we applaud that attitude. “We will now wait to see how the indicated savings will benefit ratepayers, be it in lower rates or fare discounts.”

“Sri Lanka Investment & Business Conclave 2017” Aims to attract Foreign Direct Investors

Colombo – The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will organize the “Sri Lanka Investment & Business Conclave 2017” from 30th May to 1st June 2017 in Colombo to attract much-needed foreign direct investors, trading partners, and tourists to Sri Lanka in a bid to help propel the nation’s economic growth to greater heights.

PCCI to Hold Pakistan International Trade Fair

Karachi – The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) is organizing the Pakistan International Trade Fair (PITF) from 26 to 29 October 2017. To be held at the Expo Centre in Karachi, it will be the first ever trade exhibition of its kind in Pakistan.

The PITF will provide great opportunities to the world’s potential companies to showcase their products and conduct B2B and B2C. It is a general trade fair where regional pavilions will also be established besides the international pavilion.

CACCI members are invited to participate in the exhibition. The FPCCI being the active member chamber of CACCI will se tup separate CACCI pavilion in which brands of CACCI member countries will be accommodated.

Please visit www.pitfexpo.com for more details.

Nepalese FNCCI Elects New Executive Committee Members

Kathmandu – The recently held election of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has named new members of the Executive Committee under the leadership of Mrs. Bhawani Rana for the next three years (2017-2020).

The new team includes Mr. Shekhar Golchha as the Senior Vice President, Mr. Pramod Shrestha, Mr. Umesh Lal Shrestha and Mr. Chandra Prasad Dhakal as the Vice Presidents and Mr. Gyanendra Lal Pradhan as the Treasurer.

CACCI Director-General to Attend B20 Summit in Berlin on May 2-3, 2017

CACCI Director General Victor Tseng

Taipei – Amb. Victor Tseng, CACCI Director General will attend the two-day high-level event which will serve as the highlight of the B20 process. The B20 Summit in Berlin will convene world known panelists and some 800 B20 affiliated CEOs and representatives from international organizations and politics to discuss the crucial findings and policy recommendations derived from the B20 process.

The B20 Summit will allow for discussions, high-level networking, and high-level business advocacy. German Chancellor and G20 Chair Angela Merkel is expected to receive the B20 policy recommendations on May 3 in an official handover ceremony.

Amb. Alfonso T. Yuchengco – Former CACCI President, a business tycoon, a remarkable man

Manila – Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco, a remarkable diplomat and businessman in the Philippines, Emeritus Chairman of the RCBC Banking Group, former Chairman of the Asian Bankers Association (ABA) and former President of the Confederation of the Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) passed away last Saturday night, April 15, 2017 in Manila at the age of 94.

Amb. Yuchengco served as CACCI President from 1994-1995. During his tenure, Amb. Yuchengco encouraged members to discuss GATT Uruguay Round opportunities and policies and evaluate its impact on the trade and business environment. He also led a business delegation to Papua New Guinea and conferred with Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Paias Wingti to further evaluate the market opportunities in the country. Under his leadership, the 49th CACCI Council Meeting of 1994 convened 70 delegates from all over Asia Pacific in Port Moresby.

During his presidency, CACCI also strengthened its relationship and recognition with two United Nations’ bodies: ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) and ESCAP (Economic and Social Council or Asia Pacific). Equally important, during his tenure CACCI and the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) jointly conducted several international seminars, and planned with UNCTAD/GATT (ITC) intra-regional trade and investments studies, among others.

Moreover, Amb. Yuchengco remained a selected member of CACCI Advisory Board, an exclusive group of former CACCI Presidents in charge of planning and charting the strategic future of the CACCI organization.

Ambassador Yuchengco was one of the most successful and respected businessmen in the Philippines. Aside from banking (RCBC), the range of his family-owned businesses includes insurance, oil exploration, construction, logging, agriculture, communications and manufacturing.

Yuchengco’s group of companies includes RCBC, Rizal Leasing and Finance Corp., Malayan Insurance, Bankers Assurance Corp., Sun Life Grepa Financial Inc., Mapua Institute of Technology, Malayan Colleges Laguna Inc., Malayan High School of Science and Pan Pacific Computer Center Inc..

Other related corporations comprise EEI Corp., Honda Cars in Quezon City and Caloocan, Isuzu Manila, Philippine Integrated Advertising Agency Inc., Pan Malayan Express Inc., Grepalife Medical and Diagnostic Center and Manila Memorial Park Cemetery Inc..

His business acumen and international ties made him a prime candidate for the diplomatic corps. During President Corazon Aquino’s administration, he was appointed Philippine Ambassador to China (1986 to 1988.) He also served as Philippine ambassador to Japan (1995 to 1998) during President Fidel Ramos’ tenure. During President Estrada’s term, he was appointed presidential assistant on APEC matters (1998 to 2000.)

When President Macapagal-Arroyo took over in 2001, he was named roving ambassador in charge of Korea, China and Japan, and was later appointed Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, a position he held until December 2002. He was likewise appointed as presidential adviser on foreign affairs by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2004.

Aside from his business endeavours, Amb. Yuchengco remained very much active in various civic, professional and philanthropic organizations. He was the recipient of many distinguished awards, including The Outstanding Filipino Awardee for 2000.

Amb. Yuchengco’s demise is therefore a great loss to CACCI, leaving a void that is difficult to fill.

We would like to invite all CACCI members to join Amb. Yuchengco’s family in prayer for the eternal repose of his soul.

Inaugural Export Awards for Wellington exporters

Wellington – The success of Wellington exporters will be celebrated at the region’s inaugural ExportNZ ASB Wellington Export Awards in June. Entrants must have a minimum of $100,000 in export revenue and be based in the Wellington region, which includes Horowhenua, Manawatu,Tararua, and Wairarapa down to Wellington. Details were announced by Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Milford.

Companies can enter any of four categories – Marsh Innovation in Export Award, MFAT Most Sustainable in Export Award, Wellington Airport Emerging Exporter Award, CentrePort Excellence in Services Export Award. Entrants will be required to describe their company and its achievements in export.

John Milford says the purpose of the awards is to celebrate businesses making it in the export market. “Exporters are the lifeblood of our country and we need to acknowledge their contribution” he said. Entry forms, criteria details, and registration forms are available on the ExportNZ Wellington website. ExportNZ Wellington is overseen by Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

B20 Task Force on Trade and Investment Issues Final Policy Paper & CACCI Secretary General to join discussions

Berlin – The B20 Task Force on Trade and Investment has issued its Final Policy Paper entitled “Creating Benefits for All: Driving Inclusive Growth Through Trade and Investment.” In the paper, the Task Force – of which CACCI President Mr. Jemal Inaishvili is a member – stresses the need to ensure that the benefits of trade and investment are even more inclusive than they are already.

The B20 Task Force is proposing recommendations that include three elements: First, domestic and international policies need to enable everyone to take part in the benefits of globalization. Second, issues that would be especially beneficial for inclusiveness should be prioritized in trade and investment negotiations and policies. The third basis for inclusiveness is that trade and investment are determined by rules that ensure fair competition. Addressing these factors would not only help to raise acceptance of globalization but also boost wealth, employment, innovation, and welfare, the Task Force says.

Currently chaired by Germany, the B20 provides a significant platform for the international business community to participate in global economic governance, international economic and trade regulation. The B20 Summit is scheduled to take place on May 2-3, 2017 in Berlin. CACCI Director General Amb. Victor Tseng will represent CACCI in the Summit and, if necessary, present the concerns and interests of CACCI members.

ADFIAP organizes National SME Development Tour in the Philippines and Malaysia

Manila – The Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) isorganizing the “ADFIAP Familiarization Tour on National SME Development” scheduled on June 19-23, 2017 in Manila, Philippines, and on July 10-14, 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The objective of the five-day program is to provide an opportunity for participants to learn best practices of specialized financial institutions in the Philippines and Malaysia whose mandates include entrepreneurship development & extension of loans and other financial facilities/services to SME/MSME sectors.

The registration fee per participant for each program is US$ 1,650, which includes lunch, snacks during the program, course materials, course-related trips, and certificate of attendance. Airfare and hotel expenses are for participants’ account.

Founded in 1976, ADFIAP has currently 131 member-institutions in 45 countries. The permanent Secretariat of ADFIAP is based in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. For more information on ADFIAP and the program, interested parties may wish to visit the official website at:http://www.adfiap.org/ .

World Chambers Competition Deadline Extended

Lankan Business Delegation Visits Moscow, led by Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council

Colombo – A 25 member Sri Lankan business delegation led by Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce together with the Sri Lankan Embassy in the Russian Federation visited Moscow last week.

The business delegation, which was led by President of the Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council, Mr. Isuru Samarasinghe, Managing Director of Unitrades Private Limited was organized in conjunction with the official visit of the Sri Lanka President, His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena to the Russian Federation on the invitation of His Excellency Vladimir Putin, which coincided with 60 years of diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and Russia.

During the visit, the delegation took part in business forum conducted by the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of the Russian Federation and also took part in B2B meetings with the Russian counterparts. During the forum, Mr. Upul Jayasuriya, Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, made a presentation on the FDI opportunities in Sri Lanka. During the visit, bilateral relations between the two countries were enriched by strengthening the trade ties, sourcing suitable business partners for trade, investments, joint ventures, technology transfer and services and also assisting in expanding existing business contacts of the participants.

The delegation comprised representatives from Akbar Brothers Private Limited, Basilur Tea Exports Private Limited, , Empire Teas Private Limited, Eswaran Brothers Exports Private Limited, Imperial Teas Private Limited, , Maltras International Private Limited, , Regency teas Private Limited, Stassen Exports Private Limited, Unitrades Private Limited, Andrew the travel Company Private Limited, Concord Exotic Voyages (Lanka) Private Limited, Mos-Lanka Holdings Private Limited, Galle Face Hotel, Mac Holdings Private Limited, Mega Trend Lanka Private Limited, Orofini Gems and Jewellery, Avian Technologies Private Limited, Lanka Tractors Limited, The Capital Maharajah Organization Limited, Built Element Limited, Rhino Roofing Products Limited, Jay Sea Foods Processing Private Limited, Consulting Engineers & Contractors Private Limited and The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

31st CACCI Conference in Sydney, September 18-31, 2017

I. CACCI Conference’s Key Features

1. Invited experts who will speak on timely and relevant issues of current concern to the chambers and their respective business constituencies

2. Sectoral roundtable discussions and concurrent sessions that will gather government and private sector leaders for dialogue and panel discussion on important sectoral issues pertaining to women entrepreneurship, youth entrepreneurship, SME development, infrastructure development, the digital economy, and food safety and security, among others.

3. Country presentations will be made by selected CACCI member chambers on current economic conditions in their respective countries and opportunities for trade and investments

4. Attached herewith is a copy of the one-page flyer for the Sydney event, which contains the latest Tentative Program. Please note that:

4a. September 18 will be devoted mainly to sectoral roundtable discussions and internal meetings organized by CACCI.

4b. For the detailed program of the 10th World Chambers Congress from September 19 to September 21, please visit the official Congress website at www.worldchamberscongress.org.

5. The Congress website also provides information on registration procedure and hotel accommodation, as well as on other activities during the three-day event that may be of interest to CACCI members, such as B2B meetings and trade exhibitions (see attached flyers), and tours, among others. It also contains information on special offers for group registration and early-bird rates.

We encourage you and your Chamber’s delegates to visit the Congress website as early as possible in order to register for the event, make your hotel booking, and sign up for any of the other activities that are scheduled to take place at the Congress. We will continue sending updates to all members. In the meantime, should you have questions at this stage, please do not hesitate to let us know.

II. CACCI’s Tentative Program – September 18, 2917

09:00 – 10:30: Product and Service Council Roundtable

Roundtable 1
Asian Council on Water, Energy & Environment (Room C3.6)
Chairman/Moderator:  Mr. Gyanendra Lal Pradhan, Executive Chairman, Hydro Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Invited Speakers: To be advised

Roundtable 2
Asian Council on Food and Agriculture (Room C3.3)
Chairman/Moderator:  Mr. Kaveh Zargaran, Secretary General, Federation of Iranian Food Industries Association (To be confirmed)

Invited Speakers: To be advised

10:30 – 10:45: Coffee Break – Foyer Area

10:45 – 12:15: Product and Service Council Roundtable

Roundtable 3
Asian Council on Health and Education (Room C3.6)
Chairman/Moderator: To be advised

Invited Speakers: To be advised

Roundtable 4
Asian Council on Trade Facilitation (Room C3.3)
Chairman/Moderator: Mr. R. B. Rauniar, Managing Director, Interstate Multi-Modal Transport Pvt Ltd

Invited Speakers:
Dr. Esfandar Omidbakhsh, Director-General of International and Regional Organization, Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture

12:30 – 13:30: Lunch Break (Room C3.5)

13:30 – 14:30: Policy Advocacy Working Group Meeting (Room C3.3)

14:30 – 16:00: Product and Service Council Roundtable

Roundtable 5
Asian ICT Council (Room C3.6)
Chairman/Moderator: Dr. G. J. Huang, Fellow, Information Industry Institute

Invited Speakers: To be advised

Roundtable 6
SME Development Council (Room C3.3) Chairman/Moderator: Mr. George Abraham, Chairman and Managing Director, GA Group Pte. Ltd.

Invited Speakers:
Mr. Edward C. Du, President, Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry

14:00 – 16:00: Advisory Board and Budget Commission Meeting
(Open only to Advisory Board & Budget Commission)
(Room C2.5, CACCI President’s Room)

16:00 – 16:15: Coffee Break – Foyer Area

16:15 – 18:15: 88th CACCI Council Meeting (Room C3.6)

III. ICC WCF 10th World Chambers Congress ‘ Program
September 19-21, 2017

DAY 1: September 19: Business and conflict, Infrastructure, the future of origin. MORE

DAY 2: September 20: Sustainability, global mobility, youth entrepreneurship. MORE

DAY 3: September 21: Leadership, 4th industrial revolution, the World of tomorrow. MORE

MORE information about World Chambers Congress.

MORE information about CACCI.

Spackman appointment a coup for city, says Wellington Chamber

Wellington – Wellington’s reputation as the creative capital of New Zealand will be greatly enhanced by the appointment of Victoria Spackman as the first director of Te Auaha New Zealand Institute of Applied Creativity, says Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Milford.

“It’s a real coup for Te Auaha and for Wellington to have Victoria Spackman as the start-up director.

“She brings with her a breadth of experience in and knowledge of theatre, television and film, as well as in business, that would be hard to find anywhere else.

“That’s a great mix, and I know she will build Te Auaha into something really special.

“The joint venture by Whitireia and WelTec to establish an institute for visual and performing arts, design, media and other creative disciplines was an inspired move, and Victoria’s appointment tops it off.

“I’m confident that with her at the helm, Te Auaha will soon become known beyond New Zealand, and further drawcard for the city.”

For more information contact Brent Webling 021 821 383

Wellington business confidence climbs back up, Chamber survey shows

Wellington – Business confidence in the Wellington region’s economy has made a sharp reversal to the drop suffered at the end of 2016, according to the latest Wellington Chamber of Commerce Business Confidence Survey, sponsored by Getsmart.

A net 52 per cent of business respondents now expect the local economy to improve over the next 12 months, a significant improvement on the net positive of just 34 per cent in the December survey. That was itself down from 62 per cent in September.

In the latest survey, just 7 per cent expect the local economy to decline, with 59 per cent expecting it to improve and 33 per cent no change.

But Wellington businesses’ confidence in the national economy has slightly declined, with a net 43 per cent expecting improvement, compared to 48 per cent in the December quarter. Some 53 per cent of respondents expect the national economy to improve, 37 per cent to remain the same, and 10 per cent to decline.

The survey was conducted over a two-week period in March.

In line with the increased optimism in the local economy, a majority of business are indicating a secure outlook for their own business situation. A net 61 per cent say they expect to see an improvement over the next 12 months – compared to 50 per cent in December and 61 per cent in September. Just 8 per cent are pessimistic about the outlook for their own business.

Businesses continue to expect a steady increase in earnings, with a net 57 per cent forecasting an improvement, compared to 53 per cent in December and 55 per cent in September. Of all respondents, 66 per cent expect an improvement while just 9 per cent expect earnings to decline.

The number of businesses forecasting more investment in plant and equipment over the next 12 months has improved to a net 44 per cent from 36 per cent in December. Just 5 per cent are not expecting to invest more, while 49 per cent say they will and 39 per cent say they will spend about the same.

Intentions to hire staff remain positive and are slightly up on December. When asked what changes they expect to staffing numbers over the next three months, a net 33 per cent say they expect to be looking for more staff, slightly up from a net 29 per cent in December.

Finding skilled staff continues to be a challenge for many businesses, with just slight improvement since December. Just 5 per cent say it is now easier to find skilled staff than it was 12 months ago, while 38 per cent say it is harder.  When asked unprompted what barriers are holding back their business, an inability to access or attract skilled staff is again the No 1 issue. This is consistent with the Chamber’s surveys in December, September and June last year.

Earthquakes are cited as the single biggest impediment to growth in the local economy by 35 per cent of respondents. This is followed by infrastructure (21 per cent of respondents) and transport issues (20 per cent), specifically roading and the airport.

Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Milford says the turnaround in confidence in the region’s economy comes as no surprise.

“Confidence suffered a big hit in December after the earthquake-flood double-hit in November.

“Those events hit confidence hard, and though most businesses were back on their feet within days, they had an impact. That showed clearly in our special earthquake survey, when more than 62 per cent said they were impacted by damage to premises and stock, staff and freight disruption, and a reduction in business activity.

“Despite all that, we did detect an underlying confidence, with most of our numbers still running higher than national expectations, and that has continued in the latest survey.

“In our report in January we predicted there would be positive movement in the March survey, and we have not been disappointed.

“Though issues raised by the earthquake remain top of mind for many businesses and building owners, it’s back to business for most.

“GDP remains strong, even if it’s come back a little, consumer spending is steady, and there are plenty of jobs available.

“The increase in the number of businesses indicating a secure outlook for their own situation, a steady increase in their earnings, increasing investment in plant and equipment, and positivity around hiring intentions is proof that we are back on track.

“We’re a hardy lot, and it shows.”

Wellington businesses also have more confidence in the national economy than other business surveys show, even though the latest survey shows a slight decline.

“The ANZ survey last month showed confidence in the national economy at just a net 16 per cent, down from 21.7 per cent. In our survey, a net 43 per cent were confident the national economy would improve over the next 12 months.

“Locally, we have come through a tough time in pretty good shape, and I expect the optimism shown in this survey to continue to grow.”

Wellington Chamber applauds rates rise restraint

Wellington – Wellington Council has done well to keep the 2016/17 rates increase to 3.3 per cent, in light of the many pressures put on spending, says Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Milford.

Mayor Justin Lester made the announcement at his State of the City speech to a Chamber of Commerce event today.

“This is a positive outcome, considering we were steering down the barrel of more than a 5 per cent rise, and councillors and officers are to be acknowledged,” Mr Milford said.

“The unbudgeted costs from the earthquake threatened to push it past that mark, but clearly they have been able to find efficiencies from lower priority and reprioritised spending.

“This is something councils should be doing all the time and something the business community has been urging for a long time.

“Businesses have to make those sorts of savings on a daily basis to operate, so it’s pleasing that this council is taking that attitude with ratepayers’ money. Now it needs to continue.

“The council also needs to continue to work on re-prioritisation to ensure rates are spent in the most effective manner possible.

“It’s a separate issue to budget savings but no less important.”

Mr Milford said it was also good to see the council was continuing to work hard on ways to encourage the development of thousands of new houses in the public and private sectors.

“Developing new housing supply is a great way of ensuring housing across the city remains affordable, so the Chamber supports efforts to make best use of what land we have.

“Affordable housing is good for our young people, first home buyers and for helping to attract new people to come here to work and live.

“We don’t want to become an unaffordable city. We won’t grow like that.”

For more information contact Brent Webling 021 821 383

31st CACCI conference to be held in conjunction with 10th World Chambers Congress (WCF) in Sydney

Taipei – We would like to reiterate our invitation for all CACCI officers and members to the 31st CACCI Conference scheduled to take place on September 18-21, 2017 in Sydney, Australia.

This year’s CACCI gathering will be held in conjunction with the 10th World Chambers Congress, which is jointly organized by the ICC World Chambers Federation (ICC WCF) and the Sydney Business Chamber (SBC). As a Strategic Regional Partner of the 10th World Chambers Congress, CACCI is in an important position to connect Congress delegates with business opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

The Sydney event will feature:

Invited experts who will speak on timely and relevant issues of current concern to the chambers and their respective business constituencies

• Sectoral roundtable discussions and concurrent sessions that will gather government and private sector leaders for dialogue and panel discussion on important sectoral issues pertaining to  women entrepreneurship, youth entrepreneurship, SME development, infrastructure development, the digital economy, and food safety and security, among others.
• Country presentations will be made by selected CACCI member chambers  on current economic conditions in their respective countries and opportunities for trade and investments.

Attached herewith is a copy of the one-page flyer for the Sydney event, which contains the latest Tentative Program. Please note that:

1. September 18 will be devoted mainly to sectoral roundtable discussions and internal meetings organized by CACCI.
2. For the detailed program of the 10th World Chambers Congress from September 19 to September 21, please visit the official Congress website at www.worldchamberscongress.org.

The Congress website also provides information on registration procedure and hotel accommodation, as well as on other activities during the three-day event that may be of interest to CACCI members, such as B2B meetings and trade exhibitions (see attached flyers), and tours, among others. It also contains information on special offers for group registration and early-bird rates.

We encourage you and your Chamber’s delegates to visit the Congress website as early as possible in order to register for the event, make your hotel booking, and sign up for any of the other activities that are scheduled to take place at the Congress.

Updated information on the 31st CACCI Conference and the 10th World Chambers Congress will be sent to all members in due course. In the meantime, should you have questions at this stage, please do not hesitate to let us know.

We are counting on your valuable participation for the successful outcome of our annual gathering in 2017, and we look forward to seeing you in Sydney.

The 31st CACCI Conference’s tentative program is available here:

31st CACCI Conference in Sydney, September 18-31, 2017

With best regards.

Sincerely yours.

Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng
Director-General, CACCI

The Ceylon Chamber marks 178 years of service to its nation

Colombo – The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka’s premier Business Chamber will complete 178 years of service to the nation on the 25th March, 2017, marking yet another achievement for an organization, which has played one of the most decisive roles in transforming the commercial landscape of Sri Lanka, since its inception in the 19th century.

The Chamber, Sri Lanka’s first and foremost Business Chamber was established in 1839, to foster and protect the growing commerce of Ceylon. The institution has since evolved with the growth of diverse economic sectors and today represents the interests of the entire business community of the country. In 1939 there were twelve Associations affiliated to the Chamber and nineteen members. Today, there are thirty six Associations and 581 direct members. In total the Chamber has an outreach which reaches to over 7000 companies, island wide.

Mr. Samantha Ranatunge, Chairperson of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce said that the Chamber has remained a beacon of the private industry of Sri Lanka giving leadership to all sectors of commerce and being guided by the ten principles of the chamber governance which will stand for the development of the industry and the nation at large.

Mrs. Dhara Wijayatilake, CEO of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce commenting on the event remarked that throughout its history The Ceylon Chamber has made a significant contribution to promote economic development of the country and has maintained its position as the foremost voice of private industry. The private sector has diversified and today offers new challenges which are more formidable than those accepted by the founders.  The Chamber prides itself in having adapted to meet those challenges as a responsible voice and in compliance with its core principles in which it continues to place value.

Ceylon Chamber releases note on how government can help SL businesses adjust to trade liberalisation

Colombo – The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) on February 17 released a document containing recommendations on helping Sri Lanka’s industries prepare for trade liberalization. The policy brief titled, ‘Building Resilience, Supporting Growth: Preparing the Domestic Private Sector for Trade Liberalization’, provides insights on how to consider the types of firms, as well as types of impacts, in a wide-ranging liberalization effort, and puts forward 11 specific suggestions on support measures.

Speaking on the release of this document, the Chief Economist of the CCC Anushka Wijesinha noted, “At a meeting last year, the Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade met representatives of the private sector and indicated the Government’s plans to embark on an ambitious trade liberalization effort. Chambers were invited to suggest measures that can be put in place to help domestic businesses adjust to meet the challenges and opportunities of this process.

While specific proposals on support measures can only be developed once the specific scope of the liberalization exercise was made clear, the CCC formulated a note containing the overarching framework the government should consider, and submitted initial recommendations on what support measures can be deployed”.

Japan JCCI President Toru Ishida

Tokyo – Mr. Toru Ishida is currently the president of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Mr. Ishida took over the position in December 2015. He served as director and vice president of the Japan Alcohol Trading Co., Ltd. from 2013-2014.

He was the director general of the Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau in 2005 before occupying the same position with the Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau in 2007, both under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Mr. Ishida graduated from the faculty of law at the University of Tokyo.

Motivating young women towards importance of entrepreneurship

New Dehli –  The Indian Economy has been witnessing a drastic change since mid-1991, with new policies of economic liberalization, globalization and privatization initiated by the Indian Government. India has great entrepreneurial potential. At present, women involvement in economic activities is marked by a low work participation rate, excessive concentration in the unorganized sector and employment in less skilled jobs.

Dr. Manju Kalra Prakash

Any strategy aimed at economic development will be lop-sided without involving women who constitute half of the world population. Evidence has unequivocally established that entrepreneurial spirit is not a male prerogative. Women entrepreneurship has gained momentum in the last three decades with the increase in the number of women enterprises and their substantive contribution to economic growth. The industrial performance of Asia – Pacific region propelled by Foreign Direct Investment, technological innovations and manufactured exports has brought a wide range of economic and social opportunities to women entrepreneurs.

This skills crisis is becoming more critical because the Indian economy is shifting. Not only will the traditional skills of reading, writing, and math be needed to thrive in this economy, but also technological savvy and self-direction.

With the pace of innovation, many of the jobs our youth will hold don’t even exist yet. More than ever, we need to educate students to be continual learners.

These multi-pronged challenges will require a host of different solutions that better engage young people in their education, while also building stronger connections between communities, businesses, and schools.

We believe that expanding the availability of youth Entrepreneurship Education resources should be a critical part of this solution.

The women entrepreneurs are the potentially emerging human resource in the 21st century to overcome the economic challenges in global perspective. The Women of 21st century is no more a traditional resource confined to homes only, rather they are an educated, knowledgeable and innovative part of the overall population possessing the capacity to transform economies into thriving enterprises.

Developing and developed nations have realized that developing women entrepreneurship is indispensable to flourish as economically dominant nation in the modern high-tech world. Therefore, creation of platforms and networks for entrepreneurial culture are prominent issues globally.

To quote Jawaharlal Nehru – “You can tell the condition of a nation by looking at the status of its women”.

I. Emergence economic force

Women owned businesses are highly increasing in the economies of almost all countries. The hidden entrepreneurial potentials of women have gradually been changing with the growing sensitivity to the role and economic status in the society. Skill, knowledge and adaptability in business are the main reasons for women to emerge into business ventures, Women Entrepreneurs is a person who accepts challenging role to meet her personal needs and become economically independent.

A strong desire to do something positive is an inbuilt quality of entrepreneurial women, who is capable of contributing values in both family and social life. With the advent of media, women are aware of their own traits, rights and also the work situations.

The glass ceilings are shattered and women are found indulged in every line of business from pappad to power cables. The challenges and opportunities provided to the women of digital era are growing rapidly that the job seekers are turning into job creators. They are flourishing as designers, interior decorators, exporters, publishers, garment manufacturers and still exploring new avenues of economic participation.

Photo from Vivek India/UNDP India-Disha

In India, although women constitute the majority of the total population, the entrepreneurial world is still a male dominated one. Women in advanced nations are recognized and are more prominent in the business world.

The Government of India has defined women entrepreneurs – An enterprise owned and controlled by one or more women having a minimum financial holding of 51% or more, giving 51% or more employment to women.

The entry of women into business in India is traced out as an extension of their kitchen activities, mainly 3P’s, Pickle, Powder and Pappad. But with the spread of education and passage of time women started shifting from 3P’s to modern 3E’s i.e., Energy, Electronics and Engineering.

More female entrepreneurship exists in developing countries where traditionally higher birth rates prevail. The law and customs of marriage have higher rate of influence whether a woman chooses to be an entrepreneur (Monolova, 2008).

The attitudes and employment practices in low income countries generally speaking are less likely to provide child care, health care and training opportunities to women as employees. At the same time, employers are less likely to provide a comfortable workplace and a set of adequate work practices that allow a woman to both perform satisfactorily on the job and care appropriately for her children (Muhammad, 2008).

As a result, women in low income countries have strong incentives to create their own work environments that are compatible with their child rearing and household responsibilities at the same time (Gem Report, 2004). This tendency is more strengthened in typically lower degree of involvement in child care by fathers in poorer countries.

Consequently women look for home based business opportunities preferably (Brush, Carter and Gatewood, 2006). Issues related to woman’s ability & willingness to create new businesses, concern exists about the survival & growth rates of female owned businesses. Out of the total 940.48 million people in India, in the 1990’s female comprise of 437.10 million representing 46.5% of the total population.

There are 126.48 million women work-force (representing 28.9% of the female population) but as per the 1991 census only 185,900 women accounting for only 4.5% of total self-employed persons in the country were recorded. Majority of them are engaged in the un-organized sector like agriculture, agro-based industries, handicrafts, handloom and cottage based industries.

Participation of women as industrial entrepreneurs, however is comparatively a recent phenomenon commencing from 70’s era onwards. There were more than 295,680 women entrepreneurs claiming 11.2 % of total 2.64 million entrepreneurs in India, during 1995-96. This is almost double the percentage of women (5.2%) among the total population of self-employed during 1981.

On this, a majority was concentrated in low-paid, low-skilled, low-technology and low productivity jobs in the rural and unorganized sector. Almost 79.4 million women workers were in the rural areas as against only 10% (86 million) in the urban areas. Only 2.5 million women workers were in the organized sector and a small percentage of 12.4% were total employed.

During the 8th, 5 year planning period the number of SSI’ s expected to rise from 1.7 million to 2.5 million adding 0.8 million in the 5 year period or 1.60 lakh every year. The rough estimate showed that amongst the SSI entrepreneurs approx. 9% were women entrepreneurs. Their participation, however, is increasing. Thus considering the trend women participation in another 5 years was more than 20%, raising the number of women entrepreneurs to about 500,000.

Therefore one could aim at developing at least 350,000 women entrepreneurs during the 8th five year planning period through training and other developmental efforts. The present rate of 30% success in EDP training was likely to go up-to 45% with growing experience and improved techniques of training and follow-up.

Based on this assumption for getting 3.5 lakh women entrepreneurs it was necessary to train and support about 7.78 lakh entrepreneurs, during the aforesaid period. As per the 2001 census report, there are 22.73% of women workers of the total working population including formal as well as informal sector. In the era of L.P.G (Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization) the Indian women entrepreneurs are very fast entering the non-traditional sectors, which indeed is in response to their greater awareness.

Work participation of Indian women is 22% as per 1991 census and triple in rural areas around 27% and in urban areas 9%, thus the role and involvement of women entrepreneurs in rural sector is tremendously enhancing, the literacy levels increased ratio is also a significant factor of this positive trend in the field of entrepreneurship.

II. The women entrepreneurs over the decades:

1. WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF THE FIFTIES: Compulsive factors led to the creation of women entrepreneurs.
2. WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF THE SIXTIES: Women began to aspire but also accepted the social cultural traditions.
3. WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF THE SEVENTIES: The women in this decade opened up new frontier. They had not only aspiration but ambition.
4. WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF THE EIGHTIES: Women were educated in highly sophisticated, technological and professional education. They became equally contributing partners.
5. WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF THE NINETIES: This was the first time when the concept of best rather than male heir was talked about.
6. WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF THE 21st Century: “Jill of all trade”.

III. Some of the Successful Leading Business Women in India:

1. Akhila Srinivasan, Managing Director, Shriram Investments Ltd.
2. Chanda Kocchar, Executive Director, ICICI Bank.
3. Ekta Kapoor , Creative Director, Balaji Telefilms.
4. Jyoit Naik, President, Lijjat Papad.
5. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairman and Managing Director, Biocon 6. Lalita DG upte , Joint Managing Director, ICICI Bank.
6. Naina Lal Kidwai , Deputy CEO, HSBC.
7. Preetha Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals.
8. Priya Paul, Chairman, Apeejay Park Hotels.

Today many women entrepreneurs are diversifying into more technical businesses such as computers, software, technical equipment, etc., other than beauty products / parlour / saloon business, or boutiques, or even restaurants.

The factors that influence becoming entrepreneurs are – Economic independence, self-identify, self-confidence, self-motivation, achievement of excellence, developing risk taking ability and equal status in society.

IV. Conclusion

Age is not a limit nor an exception to realize your true potential or the way you want to live your life. There are entrepreneurs who realize that they do not fit the cubicle job system at a later stage in their life and thus reverted to starting their businesses and then there are some who realized that the only way for them is to start their own business and be their own boss.

Wellington Chamber congratulates Eight Wire

Wellington – Wellington start-up IT Eight Wire is to be congratulated for securing a major contract to build a data exchange platform for the government, says Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Milford.

“This is very small business doing some very big things.

“They have previously described themselves as ‘three guys and three laptops’, but they are clearly outperforming that image with this latest contract that will help allow agencies and NGOs to exchange sensitive information to better target investment in small groups.

“Last year they launched in the United States where they are taking on the likes of Oracle with their unique data transfer offering, and now they are scoring big contracts like this at home.

“This is another success for Wellington’s IT sector and another for the Wellington Regional Development Agency, which helped them get up and running in 2013.”

Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister meets Sri Lankan business leaders

Colombo – The Honorable A. M. Fachir, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia visited Sri Lanka recently during which time he met with the executive Committee of the Sri Lanka Indonesia Business Council along with other businessmen for a discussion about the business situation between the two countries.

Mr Moiz Mohamedally, Vice President of SLIBC together with Jatinder Biala, Patrick Rodrigo, Sudharshana Jayatilake, Hussain Hashim, Chairman, Dudley Thambinayagam, Mark Gonawela, Cedric Wijegunawardane, Omal Balapatebendi, Kunendran, Udaya Batawala, Akthar Afzal, Yashim Issudeen, Naheem & Ms Cherryl Rodrigo from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce were present at the discussion.

CACCI Director General Victor Tseng visits FICCI Secretary General Ambika Sharma

New Delhi – CACCI Director-General Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng visited the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) during his recent trip to New Delhi, India on March 13, 2017.

International investors invited to Sri Lanka conclave in May 2017

Colombo – The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce presents an opportunity to be introduced to the emerging preferred destination for investments in Asia – Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Investment and Business Conclave 2017 offers the perfect blend of opportunities aimed at enriching institutional, corporate and individual investors and business houses with a comprehensive set of guidelines for their investment decisions, and act as a networking opportunity for introductions to potential business partners with a view of establishing partnerships in Sri Lanka.

The conference titled “Growth through partnerships” will be held from 30th May to 1st June 2017 in the Cinnamon Grand Colombo in association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade, Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, Department of Commerce, Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.

The conference invites international investors to participate in the conference to learn about investments opportunities, regulations, business ideas, contacts and insights into the local market.

For more details please download the conference PDF brochure. 2017 May – Sri Lanka Investment Conference

CACCI Planning Committee Meeting Held in Paris on March 2, 2017

Taipei – Representatives of CACCI, the ICC World Chambers Federation (ICC WCF) and the New South Wales Business Chamber (NSWBC) participated in the Planning Committee Meeting held on March 2, 2017 in Paris.

The meeting primarily: (a) discussed preparations for the 31st CACCI Conference to be held within the framework of the ICC WCF’s 10th World Chambers Congress to be co- organized by the NSWBC in September 2017; and (b) reviewed the progress of activities under the CACCI Work Program for 2017.

Heading the CACCI delegation was President Mr. Jemal Inaishvili, while Mr. Peter Mihok, Chairman of ICC WCF, and Mr. Stephen Cartwright, CEO of NSWBC, led their respective organizations. Key CACCI representatives from Bangladesh, Georgia, India, Iran, Japan, Mongolia, Russia, and Pakistan also attended the Paris meeting.

Read the complete report HERE.

CACCI Planning Meeting in Paris “Preparing for Sydney 18-21 2017”

Paris – Members of the 2017 CACCI Planning Committee led by CACCI President Mr, Jemal Inaishvili, along with key officers and staff members of the ICC World Chambers Federation (ICC WCF) and the New South Wales Business Chamber (NSWBC), met on 2 March 2017 at the ICC Headquarters in Paris, France.

Hosted by ICC WCF, he meeting discussed primarily preparations for the 31st CACCI Conference scheduled to take place in November 2017 in Sydney, Australia.

A total of 22 delegates from 11 countries attended the Meeting, including representatives from Australia, Bangladesh, Georgia, France, India, Iran, Japan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia and Taiwan.

I. WELCOME REMARKS BY ICC-WCF CHAIRMAN

Mr. Peter Mihok, Chairman of the ICC World Chambers Federation (ICC WCF) welcomed the CACCI delegation to Paris and reiterated his appreciation to the Confederation for agreeing to hold its 31st CACCI Confederation in conjunction with the ICC-WCF’s 10th World Chambers Congress. He said that the joint event manifests the mutual understanding and great partnership between the two organizations and is certainly good for their respective members. It creates a positive experience for both sides and creates new dimension in their relationships, and certainly constitutes a positive step towards keeping peace and prosperity in the region.

II. WELCOME STATEMENT BY NSWBC CEO

Mr. Stephen Cartwright, CEO of the New South Wales Business Chamber (NSWBC), said it was a privilege for him to attend the first joint meeting ever of CACCI, ICC WCF and NSWBC to discuss preparations for the 10th World Chambers Congress. He underscored the importance of jointly holding the 31st CACCI Conference and the ICCWCF” s 10th World Chambers Congress since members of both organizations no longer have to decide which event to attend, as they often did in previous years when the two gatherings most often took place at about the same time. He added that attendance in the joint event by members of the two organizations increases the value of their participation.

After his brief remarks, Mr. Cartwright proceeded to show a video introducing the Sydney International Convention Center, which will be the venue of the 10th World Chambers Congress and the 31st CACCI Conference.

III. OPENING REMARKS BY THE CACCI PRESIDENT

CACCI President Mr. Jemal Inaishvili thanked Mr. Mihok and Mr. Cartwright for their participation in the Planning Committee Meeting and for their very strong support of the Conference this year. He expressed his appreciation to Mr. Mihok and the other officers and staff of ICC WCF for their warm hospitality and the excellent arrangements made for the meeting to ensure that everything was in order and that the delegates were well taken care of. He likewise thanked the foreign delegates for traveling long distances to participate in the meeting.

Mr. Inaishvili underscored the vital role played by the CACCI Planning Committee in the functioning of the Confederation. He cited its mandate to help implement the decisions of the CACCI Council and to undertake activities that would effectively carry out the programs of the Confederation. He encouraged the delegates to share their views and participate actively in the discussions, and thus contribute to the promotion of CACCI and its objective of regional cooperation.

To give the delegates the opportunity to know each other better, Mr. Inaishvili requested each of them to introduce themselves.

IV. TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE CACCI PLANNING COMMITTEE

CACCI Director General Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng informed the Committee that, as agreed during the last CACCI Council Meeting held in November last year in Taipei, and in the spirit of the Partnership Agreement signed between CACCI, the Sydney Business Chambers and the ICC World Chambers Federation in November 2016 in Taipei, the Planning Committee has been mandated to:

1. Discuss preparations for the 31st CACCI Conference that has been agreed to be held within the framework of the ICC-World Chambers Federation’s 10th World Chambers Congress scheduled to take place on September 19-21, 2017 in Sydney, Australia.
   Amb. Tseng noted that the specific task of the Planning Committee Meeting was – jointly with the Sydney Business Chamber and the ICC World Chambers Federation – to identify and work out areas of cooperation and fields of activities that will give substance and significance to the said collaboration and partnership, and to effectively implement these activities.
2. Review the progress of recent, ongoing and future activities under the CACCI Work Program for 2017; and
3. Discuss other matters deemed by the Committee to be of importance to CACCI and its members.

Guided by the above Terms of Reference, the Planning Committee proceeded with the agenda on hand.

V. PREPARATIONS FOR THE 31st CACCI CONFERENCE AND THE 10th WORLD CHAMBERS CONGRESS

A. Review of the Latest Program

September 18 Program

Amb. Tseng informed the Committee that the September 18 Program consists mainly of:

1. breakout sessions and roundtable discussions covering various sectors, during which delegates will feature invited speakers who will discuss recent trends and developments in the sectors concerned, as well as identify possible areas of cooperation among CACCI members in the same sector.
2. the Policy Advocacy Working Group Meeting, during which delegates will review and finalize a CACCI position paper on policy issue of current concern to members.
3. meetings of the CACCI Advisory Board and the Budget Commission, during which CACCI officers will discuss internal policy issues concerning mainly with the future direction and programs of CACCI, as well as the financial standing of the Confederation.
4. 88th CACCI Council Meeting, which will be attended mainly by representatives of the various CACCI Primary Members who will discuss matters of current importance to the Confederation

Amb. Tseng further noted that the breakout sessions and the Policy Advocacy Working Group meeting are open to other delegates, while the meetings of the CACCI Advisory Board, Budget Commission, and the 88th CACCI Council are to be attended only by their respective members.

September 19-21 Program

Mr. Anthony Parkes, ICC WCF Director, presented a summary of the Congress program from September 19 to September 21. He pointed out the following:

1. Day One (September 19) will include sessions on topics such as business, conflict and terrorism; infrastructure; the ATA Carnet; a regional network forum; the future of origin; and skills for tomorrow. The first day will also feature the “Discover Asia-Pacific’s business opportunities through CACCI.
2. Day Two (September 20) will include sessions on sustainability; global mobility; tourism; changing chamber business models; youth entrepreneurship; chambers using technology; smart cities; and workplace diversity.
3. Day Three (September 21) will include sessions on World of tomorrow; leadership; new economies; dealing with disruption – business model innovation; increase customer loyalty through big data; humanization, the key to 21st century leadership; and 4th industrial revolution.

B. Update on Speaker Line-Up

Sectoral Roundtable Discussions

Amb. Tseng reported that with regard to the speakers for the various sectoral roundtable discussions on September 18, the CACCI Secretariat has been coordinating with each of the chairmen of the various CACCI Product and Service Council on the speakers to be invited for their respective sessions. Each of these session chairmen will themselves also make their respective presentations during their sessions. Amb. Tseng added that the Secretariat will provide updates on the speaker line-up in due course.

Discover Business Opportunities Through CACCI

Regarding speakers for the session on “Discover Business Opportunities Through CACCI”, Amb. Tseng informed the Committee that CACCI and ICC-WCF have jointly invited five Primary Members to make country presentations, namely:

– Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry

– Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry

– Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (Taiwan)

– Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

– Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Amb. Tseng reported that to date, the Secretariat has received confirmation from CIECA, adding that the Committee will be updated on the responses from the other invited chambers.

In this regard, Mr. Kazuo Nishitani from Japan CCI intervened to say that the Sydney event will coincide with the general members’ meeting of the JCCI in Tokyo. However, the JCCI will try to organize a business mission to Sydney at that time, and that they will confirm with the CACCI Secretariat in due course whether they will be able to make the country presentation on September 19.

Mr. Pedram Soltani expressed his Chamber’s interest to make a country presentation on Iran at the “Discover Business Opportunities Through CACCI” session on September, and requested the Organizing Committee of the 10th World Chambers Congress to consider accommodating such request. The Committee welcomed the proposal and agreed to include it in the session.

As regards the sectoral roundtable discussions, Mr. Soltani also explored the possibility of including a session on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)The Organizing Committee of the Congress said they will bear this in mind in reviewing and finalizing the program sessions.

(Note: The SDGs, otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. These 17 Goals build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals, while including new areas such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, peace and justice, among other priorities. The goals are interconnected – often the key to success on one will involve tackling issues more commonly associated with another.).

Mr. Soltani likewise suggested the inclusion of Trade Facilitation as one of the topics for the roundtable discussions. CACCI Deputy Director Mr. Amador Honrado responded by saying that one of the CACCI Product and Service Councils – the Asian Council on Trade Facilitation (ACTF) – focuses on this issue. He said that the CACCI Secretariat will consult with the Chairman of the ACTF on the possibility of holding a roundtable discussion on this issue at the Sydney event.

World Chambers Congress Sessions

Mr. Anthony Parkes reported that a number of invited speakers have already confirmed, including the chairmen of the three CACCI Product and Service Councils on youth entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurship, and tourism.

C. Status of Registration of Participants

Amb. Tseng reported that the CACCI Secretariat has so far received positive feedback from Bangladesh, India, Georgia, Vietnam, Japan, Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and the Philippines. He added that the Secretariat will continue to follow-up on the other member chambers.

Mr. Parkes informed the Committee that as of date, a total of 34 delegates have registered. He called on the meeting participants to encourage their respective Chambers to organize a delegation and request the delegates to register as early as possible.

Mr. Honrado mentioned that the ICC WCF has a special offer to chambers that can organize a group delegation. The special offer was further elaborated on by Ms. Stephanie Vieilledent as follows:

1. If a chamber from a non-LDC nation can coordinate a group delegation, the said chamber will receive one free entry for every ten paying participants.
2. If a chamber from an LDC nation can coordinate a group delegation, the said chamber will receive one free entry for every five paying participants.
3. In addition, the ICC-WCF is also offering support for one participant from a list of LDC countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Nepal. The offer includes one seat with a funding contribution to travel and Congress registration costs.

Ms. Farida Rashid, Chairperson of the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said she would like to organize a delegation of women entrepreneurs from her chamber. CACCI Deputy Director-General Mr. Amador Honrado suggested that she may want to contact the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to discuss the possibility of making her chamber’s participants as part of the FPCCI delegation, and hence take advantage of the group registration offer by the ICC WCF.

D. Update on Trade Exhibition

Mr. Parkes informed the Committee that a Trade Exhibition will be part of the Congress Program. An extensive exhibition space will provide an occasion for exhibitors to meet with representatives from all facets of the business world. From chamber leaders to CEOs of leading corporations, as well as public sector institutions, the Exhibition aims to serve as a platform to network and showcase products and services directly to top prospects.

The booth layout will include:

– Nine square meters of exhibition space

– Carpeted floor

– Back and side walls

– Company name on fascia over each open side

– Two spotlights

– One standard power outlet

Mr. Parkes pointed out that CACCI will be provided free of charge one booth in the exhibition space.

E. Promotional/Marketing Activities

Amb. Tseng reported that, as of date, the CACCI Secretariat has undertaken the following activities to help drum up participation among our members:

– The Secretariat has sent out the first circular to CACCI members informing them of the Sydney event and encouraging them to attend. The circular was sent out on February 14

– The Secretariat has featured articles and other relevant information on the event in its monthly newsletter, the CACCI Profile

– Announcements have been uploaded on the CACCI website

– Messages have been posted on the CACCI Facebook

– The Secretariat has designed both horizontal and vertical banners for the 31st CACCI Conference, which have all been incorporated into the various circulars and on the website and Facebook postings.

F. CACCI Participation in the World Chambers Competition Judging Process

Mr. Parkes informed the Committee that, as in previous Congresses, a CACCI representative will be invited to be a judge in the World Chambers Competition, and that a member of its leadership will be requested to be a co-presenter at the World Chambers Competition awards ceremony held during the closing ceremony.

According to Mr. Parkes, the World Chambers Competition recognises the most innovative projects undertaken by chambers of commerce and industry from around the world. The application period for the 2017 Competition is now open and will end on 4 April 2017. 32.

The four categories that will be included in the upcoming Competition are the following:

(1) Best CSR project: This category seeks to reward those who have developed a project linking both business and their social responsibility actions to community, philanthropic, environment, workplace and marketplace activities. Such projects can include public-private partnerships and actions designed to advocate sustainable growth. Furthermore, they must underline the business advantages for CSR and ethical business practices as well as reinforce the chamber’s mission of promoting best practices among companies and institutions.

(2) Best job creation and business development project: Chambers of commerce are a force for economic growth, job creation and prosperity. Candidates in this category have either developed a project that boosted growth opportunities for the chamber’s member companies or contributed to job creation in its community, creating a long-term value for the business ecosystem and the society.

(3) Best SMEs financing project: This category will recognize exceptional initiatives and projects led by chambers of commerce that helped its small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs access finance to address their business operational and development needs.

(4) Best unconventional project: This award will recognize those who have developed an exceptional project in an activity not typically associated with a chamber of commerce’s mission and objectives. The project must be inspirational and innovative, while demonstrating that it fulfilled specific needs and objectives of the chamber and its SME member community, in terms of creating jobs and strengthening their local economies. From environmental programmes, disaster relief, and migration programmes, chambers continue to innovate and change the “status quo,” diversifying their image and reinforcing their relevance within their communities.

Mr. Parkes reported that as of date, no nominations have been received for any of the awards categories, and requested CACCI to encourage its member chambers to submit their respective nominees.

G. CACCI Meeting Room Requirements for the Sydney Event

Amb. Tseng informed the Committee that a list of CACCI’s meeting room requirements for September 18 has been forwarded to the NSWBC for their consideration. The list shows the expected number of attendees for each meeting or session, as well as the required room set-up and equipment requirements.

Amb. Tseng further reported that the NSWBC has already assigned tentative rooms at the Sydney ICC for CACCI meetings on September 18, all of which are located close to each other (see Annex 3). A room for use by the CACCI President and other CACCI officers to conduct private meetings has also been allocated by NSWBC.

H. Other Matters

Mr. Md. Salauddin Yousuf from Bangladesh said that the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry will be organizing a delegation to Sydney, and asked if there are any opportunities for B2B meetings.

Mr. Cartwright and Mr. Parkes informed Mr. Yousuf that the NSWBC accepts expression of interest from delegates for: (a) customized “Meet our members” sector networking and product showcase; (b) One-on-One business matching; and (c) customized delegation visit. However, an advance notice (minimum of three months) is required for the NSWBC to submit a proposal on the necessary arrangements to be made (including costs involved).

Alternatively, the business delegation from FBCCI may consider getting a booth at the Trade Exhibition in which they can meet with businessmen from Australia and other countries who may be looking for trade and investment opportunities in Bangladesh or seeking potential business partners.

VI. REVIEW OF RECENT AND PLANNED CACCI ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS FOR 2017

Amb. Tseng presented a summary of CACCI activities and programs that have recently been undertaken as well as those that are being planned fort this year, as follows:

A. Participation in Regional and International Forums

CACCI officers attended the following meetings and forums hosted by other regional and international organizations:

1. CACCI President Mr. Jemal Inaishvili was invited as Speaker at the Global Diaspora Business Summit held in Singapore on 28-29 November. organized by the GA Group Pts Ltd., a Lifetime Special Member of CACCI
2. CACCI President Mr. Jemal Inaishvili was accepted as member of the B20 Germany Task Force on Trade and Investment, and attended the first meeting of the Task Force held on December 2 in Berlin and the B20 Conference on December 1.
3. CACCI attended the 9th Joint Consultation Meeting with ASEAN + 1 Business Councils and Associations organized by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) on January 26, 2017 in Manila, Philippines. The ASEAN-BAC invited CACCI as an Observer.
4. CACCI President Mr. Jemal Inaishvili was invited by the Economic Chamber of Macedonia to participate as speaker in a roundtable on February 17, 2017 marking 95 years of Macedonia’s successful system of commercial chambers.
5. The B20 Germany has invited President Inaishvili to attend the B20 Joint Taskforce Meeting scheduled to take place on March 22, 2017 in Paris. To be held in cooperation with Business at OECD (BIAC) and the OECD, the final meeting of all B20 Task Forces and Cross-thematic Groups before the B20 Summit in May will focus on the advocacy of B20 recommendations prior to the G20 Sherpa meeting.
6. President Jemal has also been invited to attend the Global Chamber Platform being organized by the Eurochambres on May 2 in Berlin, coinciding with the B-20 Summit.

B. CACCI Policy Statement on “Promoting Economic Empowerment of Women”

CACCI submitted a copy of the Policy Statement on “Promoting Economic Empowerment of Women” to the APEC Secretariat, the APEC Business Advisory Council, the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the Eurochambres, the ICC-World Chambers Federation, and United Nations ESCAP as possible inputs into their work on the issue.

C. CACCI Summit Declaration

CACCI also submitted to the aforementioned organizations a copy of the CACCI Summit Declaration issued at the end of the CACCI Summit Meeting held last year in conjunction with the 30th CACCI Conference in Taipei.

D. Publication of the 2016 Year-End Report

The CACCI Secretariat issued the 2016 Year-End Report summarizing the major activities of CACCI last year.

E. CACCI Presidential Visits

The CACCI Secretariat is currently coordinating with member chambers in selected Asian countries on the possibility of receiving a CACCI delegation this year to be led by the CACCI President.

For 2017, President Inaishvili plans to lead a CACCI delegation to Nepal during the first semester, and to Vietnam, Cambodia and Iran during the second semester. The CACCI Secretariat has contacted the Primary Members in these countries to check on their willingness and availability to receive a CACCI delegation this year.

F. Preparations for the 2017 Joint CACCI-WCF-SBC Event in Sydney

The CACCI Secretariat has been coordinating with the ICC World Chambers Federation (ICC WCF) and the Sydney Business Chamber (SBC) on preparations for the holding of the 31st CACCI Conference within the framework of the ICC-WCF’s 10th World Chambers Congress.

G. Publication of the Latest Editions of the Newsletters of CACCI Product and Service Councils

CACCI has recently published the latest editions of the newsletters of the various CACCI Product and Service Councils (Tourism, Food and Agriculture, Women Entrepreneurs, Young Entrepreneurs, and ICT)

ADJOURNMENT

With no other matters to take up, CACCI President Mr. Inaishvili reiterated his thanks to ICC WCF or their warm hospitality to the delegates and the excellent arrangements made for the meeting. He then presented tokens of appreciation to Mr. Peter Mihok, Mr. Stephen Cartwright, and Mr. Anthony Parkes. The meeting was adjourned at 12:05 PM.

To see many more photos of the event:

https://archive.cacci.biz/gallery/paris1/

CACCI President speaks at the World Chambers Federation Meeting in Paris

Paris – CACCI President Mr. Jemal Inaishvili attended the 1st Meeting for 2017 of the General Council of the World Chambers Federation (WCF) held on March 1, 2017 in Paris, France. As a transnational chamber, CACCI is a Permanent Member of the WCF General Council and is currently represented by President Inaishvili.

During the Paris meeting, President Inaishvili reported on the 50th Anniversary Celebration and the 30th CACCI Conference held in Taipei in November 2016; the election of new CACCI officers for 2017-2018, including the first woman Vice President of CACCI in the person of Mrs. Magvan Oyunchimeg, CEO of the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the holding of the CACCI Summit Meeting to chart CACCI’s roadmap for the next five years; the issuance of the CACCI Policy Statement on “Promoting Ecomomic Empowerment of Women”; the presentation of the 1st Asia- Pacific Woman Entrepreneurship Award; and the ongoing survey seeking the views of CACCI members on the impact of Brexit and the Trump presidency (particularly his America-first policy) on their respective national economies and the economy of the Asian region as a whole.

President Inaishvili was accompanied at the meeting by CACCI Director-General Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng and Deputy Director-General Mr. Amador R. Honrado, Jr.

The WCF is a global network of 12,000 chambers that aims to help individual chambers to become more productive and strengthens links among them. The General Council is the governing body of WCF that sets the strategic direction and development of WCF’s services.

The Kowloon Chamber hosts New Century Elite Development Program about OBOR

30 students from Mainland;

20 students from Taiwan;

30 students from Hong Kong;

10 students from Maritime Sild Road/South Asian countries;

4 students from Macau;

6 students majoring Chinese medicine in China

For more information on the Program, interested parties may wish to contact KCC Assistant Secretary Ms. Chen: chenmin@hkkcc.org.hk.

Ceylon Chamber of Commerce issues recommendations about trade liberalization

Colombo – The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce today released a document containing recommendations on helping Sri Lanka’s industries prepare for trade liberalization. The policy brief titled, ‘Building Resilience, Supporting Growth: Preparing the Domestic Private Sector for Trade Liberalization’, provides insights on how to consider the types of firms, as well as types of impacts, in a wide-ranging liberalisation effort, and puts forward 11 specific suggestions on support measures.

Speaking on the release of this document, the Chief Economist of the CCC Anushka Wijesinha noted, “At a meeting last year, the Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade met representatives of the private sector and indicated the Government’s plans to embark on an ambitious trade liberalization effort. Chambers were invited to suggest measures that can be put in place to help domestic businesses adjust to meet the challenges and opportunities of this process. While specific proposals on support measures can only be developed once the specific scope of the liberalization exercise was made clear (products, sectors, and so on) the CCC formulated a note containing the overarching framework the government should consider, and submitted initial recommendations on what support measures can be deployed”.

This document has now been published for wider dissemination, with the aim of stimulating discussion, as well as action, on the next steps. It is available for download on the CCC website www.chamber.lk.

CACCI takes part in the Association Management Course conducted by PCAAE

Manila – CACCI Deputy Director-General Mr. Amador Honrado Jr. attended the Association Management Course organized by the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE) on February 16, 2017 at the A. Venue Hotel in Makati City, Philippines.

Attended by some 35 representatives of various member associations of PCAAE, the one day course is part of the Certified Profession Association (CPAE) Program conducted by the PCAAE for its members and associates. In its invitation letter to CACCI and ABA, the PCAAE pointed out that association management is a distinct field of management because of the unique environment of associations in which their “owners” are dues-paying members.

“Association executives/managers are responsible for many tasks similar in other organizational contexts such as human resource management, financial management, meeting management, IT management, and project management. However, other aspects of management to be covered by the program which are unique to association managers include: membership recruitment, retention and engagement; membership value proposition; development of non-dues revenue and stakeholder relationship,” the PCAAE explained in its course promotional material.

The PCAAE is a membership organization serving the interest of institutions and professionals that manage business, trade, professional, philanthropic, scientific, medical, educational, technical, social welfare, agricultural and other non-profit organization.

The main resource persons were Mr. Octavio Peralta, PCAAE CEO and Founder and Secretary General of the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) and Mr. Enrique Florencio, Knowledge Resources Executive and Sustainability Officer, ADFIAP.

I. Course Coverage

The one-day course covered three major topics, namely: Roles and Activities of Associations, Attributes of a Successful Association, and Why Associations Fail.

II. Roles and Activities of Associations

The topics discussed during this session included the following: (a) Scope of Purposes; (b) Strategic Goal; (c) Constituent Relationship; (d) Perspective on Relevance; (e) Types of Initiatives Supported; (f) Posture relative to financial opportunity; (g) Sources of funding; (h) Application of funds.

The session speaker Mr. Octavio Peralta noted that the Association Vision is what the association aspires to be; its vision statement is where the organization will be in the distant future, the results it wants to achieve, or the measurable impact it wants to make ; and the vision keeps the association on course to fulfill its purpose.

The speaker pointed out the roles of the Association, its members, its Board, its President or Chairman, its Executive Officer, and its staff as follows:

a. Associations accomplish their goals with the help of the staff, volunteers (including the Board), and members.

b. Members elect the Board to act on their behalf.

c. The Board sets directions and makes decisions on behalf of the Association, and delegates work to volunteer committees, task forces or staff.

d. The President (or Chairman) ensures that the Board fulfills its responsibilities.

e. The Executive Officer (CEO, Executive Director, or Director- General) implements Board decisions and reports directly to the Board.

f. The staff do the work of the association and reports to the executive Officer.

g. Whether staff or volunteer, it is important to understand specific roles to avoid confusion or conflict. h.

h. Each key stakeholder plays a specific role:

– Members decide who will be in the Board.

– Board decides what things have to be done.

– Staff implements the Board decisions and decide how things are to be done.

i. By working together, the members, Board and staff ensure that the association achieves the common purpose of its members.

Regarding membership aspects, the speaker observed that member acquisition include awareness and recruitment; successful recruitment involves understanding target prospects- who, what, where, when and how they are reached; Successful recruitment involves creative design that drives interest and promotes receptivity to the message; and member retention includes 3 steps: engagement, renewal, and reinstatement.

III. Attributes of a Successful Association

This session identified some of the important characteristics of a successful association. According to the speaker, these include:

(a) Customer service culture – A “we are here to serve you” approach is built into the organizational structure and processes.

(b) Alignment of products and services with purpose – Service offerings are consistent with the organization’s purpose which remains central and unchanging even in the midst of changes in the external environment.

(c) Data-driven strategies – The organization not only gathers and analyzes information but also has effective processes for taking action based on what it has learned.

(d) Dialogue and engagement – An internal conversation continually occurs among staff, Board and members about the Association’s direction and priorities.

(e) The CEO as a broker of ideas – The CEO facilitates visionary thinking throughout the organization.

(f) Organizational adaptability – Remarkable associations learn from and respond to change; although willing to change, they also know what not to change.

(g) Alliance building – Associations that are secure and confident in their own right seek partners and projects that complement their purpose and mission.

IV. Summary

The speaker noted that for an organization to realize success from failure, (a) know why you exist and stay true to that purpose, (b) serve and appreciate your membership, and (c) keep your eyes and ears attuned to what is around you. Remember that it is not the failure itself, but the failure to learn from it and move on, that is the biggest problem for an association.

Wellington Chamber of Commerce welcomes Hilton Brand

Wellington – Wellington’s image will be enhanced by the arrival of a 4½-star Hilton-brand hotel in the centre city, says Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Milford.

“Having a DoubleTree by Hilton is great news for the city, and makes up for the disappointment of earlier plans for a 5-star Hilton Hotel falling through due to site issues.

“It adds to our already excellent portfolio of top hotels, and its location will bring its clients right into the heart of the retail ‘Golden Mile’. 

“Developer Mark Dunajtschik clearly did a great job of restoring the distinctive old building to its former glory. Even though that was not his first wish for it, he is to be congratulated on an outcome that was good enough to attract the eye of the Hilton brand.

“This will be very positive for tourism, not just by adding 108 rooms, but in attracting overseas tourists who trust the Hilton brand.

“Let’s hope it leads to a 5-star Hilton coming here eventually.”

For more information contact Brent Webling 021 821 383 

CACCI survey – The Impact of Trump’s “America-First” Policy and Brexit on Asia?

To: All CACCI Primary Members

Re: Request for Members’ Views on the Impact of Brexit and the Trump Presidency on the Region’s Economies

The UK’s decision to leave the European Union (Brexit) on June 23, 2016 and the election of Donald Trump on November 8, 2016 have brought uncertainties – in varying degrees – to the business community worldwide.

President Donald Trump withdrew from TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership) on his first day in office, promised to re-negotiate trade deals such as NAFTA soon, and proposed to negotiate one-to-one trade deals with other nations.

From the other side of the Atlantic, UK’s vote against continued membership in the European Union has caused turmoil in Europe and has sent shockwaves to the rest of the world.

CACCI would like to know your opinion on these two important international events and how they might affect your national economies as well as the Asian region as a whole. We would therefore appreciate it very much if your Chamber could provide us your thoughts on the following 2 questions:

1. What does the shift in U.S. economic and trade policy under the Trump Administration (espousing the so-called “America First” policy) mean for your country and for Asia as a whole?

2. What do you think are the economic consequences of Brexit for your country and for the region as a whole, and what are its geopolitical implications for Asia?

We hope to compile and summarize members’ responses to the above questions into an article to be featured in the CACCI Profile, our monthly newsletter. It would therefore be much appreciated if we hear from you on or before February 28, 2017.

You can email your answers directly to cacci@cacci.biz

Thanking you in advance for your kind cooperation.

Sincerely yours,

Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng
Director-General, CACCI

CACCI members invited to “Nepal Investment Summit”

Nepal – CACCI would like to convey an invitation from the Investment Board of Nepal to participate in the “Nepal Investment Summit” to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal on March 2-3, 2017.

Featuring the theme of “Harnessing Investment Opportunities in Nepal,” the two-day event is jointly organized by Ministry of Industry and Investment Board of Nepal, aiming to promote Nepal as the attractive investment destination for the next decade.

To be inaugurated by the Right Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal, the Summit will provide a platform for foreign investors to interact with the representatives of government agencies and domestic ventures to explore business opportunities in Nepal.  Attached, for your perusal, are the official invitation letter and the event brochure.

For more information on the Summit, interested parties may wish to visit the event website at: http://investmentsummitnepal.com/

CACCI attends ASEAN BAC in Manila

Manila – The Deputy Director-General Mr. Amador Honrado Jr. represented the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) at the 9th Joint Consultation Meeting with ASEAN + 1 Business Councils and Associations held on January 26, 2017 in Manila, Philippines. The Consultation Meeting was organized as part of the program of the 69th ASEAN-BAC Meeting held in conjunction with the launching of “ASEAN 50 Philippines 2017.”

It was the first time CACCI was invited to a Joint Consulting Meeting regularly organized by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) with ASEAN Business Councils and Associations from various Dialogue Partners of ASEAN. CACCI attended the Manila meeting as an Observer.

The ASEAN BAC was formed following decision of the ASEAN Leaders at the 7th ASEAN Summit and launched in April 2003, with the mandate to provide private sector feedback and guidance to boost ASEAN’s efforts towards economic integration.

Welcome Dinner on January 25

Prior to the Consultation Meeting proper, Mr. Honrado was invited to the Welcome Dinner hosted for all participating members of the ASEAN BAC. Held at the Conrad Hotel on January 25, the Welcome Dinner was attended by some 150 representatives of the local business community, the diplomatic corps, and key government officials of the Philippines.

During the Dinner, Mr. Honrado met with members and officers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – including PCCI President Mr. George Barcelon and Former CACCI President Amb. Benedicto Yujuico. He also discussed with some of the attendees on possible joint collaboration between CACCI and their respective organizations, particularly in the area of training and capacity building for CACCI members in other countries.

3rd NTB Steering Committee Meeting

Before the start of the Joint Consultation Meeting on January 26, Mr. Honrado was invited to attend – as an Observer – the 3rd Meeting of the Non-Tariff Barrier (NTB) Steering Committee under the ASEAN-BAC. The Meeting primarily discussed the progress on the work of the NTB Working Group and other related task forces, and their future action plans and targets on eliminating or minimizing the existing non-tariff barriers among ASEAN member countries.

Progress reports were also made on the following:

The ASEAN Solutions for Investments, Services and Trade (ASSIST), which is a trade facilitation tool aimed at delivering practical solutions to ASEAN based enterprises for specific intra-ASEAN cross border problems in a timebound manner, developed in collaboration with the ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the EU (ARISE).

The ASEAN Tariff Finder, which is a tool to help businesses, especially MSMEs, to obtain up-to-date information on the preferential tariffs applied under ATIGA and the ASEAN+1 free trade agreements.

Joint Consultation Meeting on January 26

The Joint Consultation Meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Mohd Munir Abdul Majid, Chairman of Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad, and Mr. Robert Yap Min Choy, Deputy Chairman and Executive Director of Y3 Technologies from Singapore.

The Meeting agenda and discussions included the following:

• Presentation from the Conference of Asia Pacific Express Carriers (CAPEC) on the Removal of NTB/NTM (non-tariff measures) in logistics industry
• Presentation by the ASEAN-Japan Business Council on the ASEAN-Japan Innovation Network Platform
• Presentation by the EU-ASEAN Business Council on preparations for the ASEAN-EU Business Summit scheduled to take place on March 9, 2017
• Updates from other Joint Business Council Members

The meeting Chairman introduced Mr. Honrado as representing CACCI, which was acknowledged as an Observer in the Meeting. He was then requested to introduce the Confederation and its activities to the other meeting participants. Mr. Honrado thanked the ASEAN-BAC for inviting CACCI to the meeting. He pointed out that most of the issues being discussed by the Joint Consulting Meeting are the same issues being taken up by CACCI members in their meetings and conferences. Mr. Honrado thereby expressed CACCI interest to participate in future Joint Consultation Meetings and provide inputs to the discussions and formulation of recommendations by the ASEAN-BAC.

The ASEAN-BAC Chairman offered to distribute to the meeting participants copies of the CACCI Powerpoint presentation prepared earlier by Mr. Honrado to enable them to know more about CACCI and its activities.

CACCI Officers to meet in Paris in March – Join now!

Paris – CACCI members are invited to attend the meeting of the CACCI Planning Committee scheduled on March 2, 2017 to be held at the Headquarters of the ICC World Chambers Federation in Paris.

The meeting will primarily: (a) Discuss preparations for the 31st CACCI Conference to be held within the framework of the ICC World Chamber Federation’s 10th World Chambers Congress to be co-organized by the Sydney Business Chamber in September 2017; and (b) Review the progress of activities under the CACCI Work Program for 2017.

For further information please contact CACCI Secretariat to receive the Annotated agenda, discussion papers, and hotel accommodation upon confirmation of attendance.

SLSBC concludes successful Trade and Investment Promotion Mission to Singapore

Colombo – The Sri Lanka- Singapore Business Council (SLSBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce successfully concluded a business mission to Singapore recently. The mission was organized to coincide with the SBF Seminar on Doing Business and Opportunities in Sri Lanka followed by One-to-One Business Meetings held by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF).

Sydney will host CACCI 31st Annual Conference

Taipei – CACCI announced the venue and co-hosts of this year’s annual gathering during the recently-concluded 30th CACCI Conference in Taipei. The 31st CACCI Conference will be held in Sydney, Australia within the program of the ICC World Chamber Federation’s (ICC-WCF) 10th World Chambers Congress (WCC) on September 19-21, 2017. The 10th WCC is jointly organized by the Sydney Business Chamber (SBC), a division of New South Wales Business Chamber, and the ICC-WCF, in partnership with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and CACCI. CACCI signed a partnership agreement with the SBC and the ICCWCF covering their collaboration in the holding of the CACCI Conference within the framework of the ICC WCF’s 10th World Chambers Congress.

CACCI signs partnership agreement with Sydney Business Chamber (SBC) and the ICC World Chambers Federation (ICC-WCF) for the Sydney 2017 Conference and the 31st CACCI Conference.

The signing ceremony was held during the 87th CACCI Council Meeting held on November 24, 2016 in Taipei in conjunction with the 30^th CACCI Conference. The signatories were CACCI Director-General Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng, ICC-WCF Director Mr. Anthony Parkes, and NSW Business Chamber Chief Operating Officer Mr. Darren Cocks.

CACCI Planning Committee Meeting in Paris March 2 2017

Paris – 2017 CACCI Planning Committee Meeting is scheduled on March 2, 2017 and will be held at the headquarters of the ICC World Chambers Federation in Paris. The meeting will primarily discuss preparations for the 31^st CACCI Conference to be held in conjunction with the ICC World Chamber Federation’s 10th World Chambers Congress, which will be co-organized by the Sydney Business Chamber in September 2017.

It will also review the progress of activities under the CACCI Work Program for 2017. Further information (e.g., agenda, discussion papers, hotel accommodation) will be sent to members upon confirmation of attendance. For interested parties, please email the CACCI Secretariat at cacci@cacci.biz for more details.

Iran Chamber names new Deputy President for International Affairs

Tehran –  Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) named Dr. Mohammad Reza Karbasi as its new deputy president for international affairs. Dr. Karbasi concurrently serves as secretary general of the Iranian National Committee of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and director general of Islamic Chamber Research and Information Center (ICRIC).

Shafei elected as Iran Chamber president

Tehran – Gholam Hossein Shafei was recently elected as the head of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA). Shafei gained the top position in the Iranian Chamber of Commerce by winning 198 votes versus his rival Masoud Khansari with 194 votes. Gholam Hossein Shafei had previously chaired Iran Chamber of Commerce. He served as vice president for 2 terms.

B20 calls for open markets and inclusive growth

Hamburg – Members of the B20, expressing concern about current antiglobalization sentiments being witnessed in many countries around the world, urge governments to resist the temptation to resort to protectionist measures such as trade barriers or investment restrictions.

This is the message conveyed by the statement that the B20 issued and shared with G20 Sherpas – composed of personal representatives of the heads of G20 member governments – prior to their first meeting under German presidency during the week of December 12.

The B20 – currently chaired by Germany – is a platform that serves as in intermediary group between G20 governments and the international business community. Its primary mission is to deal with the urgent and significant global issues by developing actionable recommendations from global business leaders to the G20 Leaders. Following is the complete text of the B20 Statement on open markets and inclusive growth: “The B20 is deeply concerned about current anti-globalization sentiments, which can be witnessed in many countries around the world.

Increasingly, communities are voicing strong opposition to trade liberalization and international investment. We need to take these concerns seriously and support communities during times of change and disruption. At the same time, seemingly easy solutions risk having long-term negative consequences for business, workers, and consumers. We urge governments to resist the temptation to resort to protectionist measures such as trade barriers or investment restrictions. Trade promotes prosperity worldwide. Between 1990 and 2014, world trade increased about fivefold and global per capita income grew by a factor of 2.5. This had a very real and positive effect on people’s lives: hundreds of millions of people have been moved out of poverty and seen their living standards and incomes improve.

This has been particularly evident in regions that have proactively integrated into the world economy such as East and Southeast Asia. Prosperity is the result of exchange – of ideas, goods, services, and finance. The advantages of trade and investment are manifold: People can learn from each other both in business and beyond. Production becomes more efficient through specialization and economies of scale. Furthermore, the opening of markets strengthens competition. Both benefit consumers, as their choice of diverse and high quality goods and services increases, while becoming available at lower prices. Increased openness benefits many aspects of economies and societies.

More opportunities for exchange mean lower production costs, less resource consumption for production as well as technology and knowledge transfer. Gains from trade can contribute to meet major challenges of our time: migration flows, climate change, and global health risks. Globalization and sustainability are not mutually exclusive but rather mutually reinforcing. However, globalization is also accompanied by major challenges. We are acutely aware that despite the overall benefits of trade and investment flows, anti-globalization sentiments have been growing. An increasing number of communities feel they are on the losing end of greater competition. More and more people find it hard to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Business and governments must work together to deal with these concerns and manage the transition.

First, this requires greater transparency and more tangible communication on both the benefits of globalization and the drawbacks it entails. Governments and businesses need to jointly ensure that trade and investment are not merely free but also fair. We need to jointly strengthen our efforts to improve education and lifelong learning to help people seize new opportunities in a changing world. Social protection systems, which ensure a safety net for people having lost employment, active labor market policies, which support people getting back to work, and a strong social partnership can help to make economic growth more inclusive.

This should provide the basis for independence and individual fulfillment across the globe, for people of all backgrounds and educational experiences. To tackle these challenges, there are no easy solutions. Globalization has brought new opportunities, but it has not made the world simpler. Even if the answers are sometimes difficult, one thing is clear: the challenges of globalization cannot be solved within national borders. The G20 is an important forum for international economic cooperation. It represents about two thirds of the global population, across all levels of development, and more than three quarters of global GDP.

Given its role, the G20 is the right forum to ensure that people around the world can continue to benefit from open markets, while shaping globalization in a way that offers fair opportunities to countries, companies, and citizens. The B20 stands ready to assist the G20 in its efforts.”

Ceylon Chamber and Tajikistan CCI sign MOU to strengthen trade, investment and tourism opportunities

Ceylon Chamber of Commerce invites CACCI Members to the Sri Lanka Investment & Business Conclave 2017

ICC Australia Launches Asia-Pacific Commercial Mediation Competition

Ceylon Chamber of Commerce wins Gold at the 52nd CA Sri Lanka Annual Report Awards

Colombo – The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce walked away with a Gold under the “Not for Profit Organizations (NPO), including Non- Governmental Organizations (NGO) sector” at the 52nd Annual Report Awards of the CA Sri Lanka. This is the 8th time the Chamber has won the Gold under this category since winning for the first time in year 2007.

Timor Leste and others join CACCI

Taipei – CACCI welcomed the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL) as its newest primary member, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Northern Territory of Australia as new affiliate member at the 86th CACCI Council Meeting held in Taipei on November 23, 2016.

Also, eight Lifetime members were welcomed during the Council Meeting. They are from Bangladesh: HSTC Limited; from Hong Kong: Mr. Yuen Ka Lok Ernest, Mr. Norman Lin Man and Mr. Arnold Kan; from Iran: Pakyaran Sanat Tejarat Asia; from Georgia: Mr. Temur Kokhodze; from Malaysia: Asian Business Network PLT; and from Sri Lanka: Mr. Anura Lokuhetty.

CACCI names office bearers for 2016-2018

Key officers from Primary Members have been elected by the CACCI Council to serve as Vice Presidents, Honorary Treasurer, Budget Commission members, and members of the Executive Committee for the term 2016-2018.

Vice Presidents:

Mr. Samir Modi, Member of Executive Committee, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, and Executive Director of K.K. Modi Group; Mr. Rifat Hisarciklioglu, President, Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey and Chairman, Eskihisae Group of Companies; Mr. Pradeep K. Shrestha, Former President Federation of Nepalese CCI’s and Managing Director, Panchakanya Group; Mr Peter McMullin, Board Member, International Chamber of Commerce Australia, Special Counsel, Cornwall Stodart Lawyers; Mr. Takanobu Ito, Special Advisor, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Amb. Chi-Tai Feng, Advisor, Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association and Senior Advisor for International Affairs, CTBC Bank Co.; Mrs. Magvan Oyunchimeg, CEO, Mongolia National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Honorary Treasurer:

Mr. Conrad Lee, Immediate Past Chairman, Kowloon Chamber of Commerce, and Managing Director, Wah Shing Sports Trading Co Ltd.

Budget Commission Members:

Dr. Steve Hsieh, Convener of Board of Supervisors, Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association and Vice-Chairman, CTBC Financial Holding Co Ltd.; Mr. Bernard Lau, Permanent President and Honorary Chairman, Kowloon Chamber of Commerce, and Managing Director, Pak Hing Loong Co Ltd.; M r. Obaidur Rahman, Former Director, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and Managing Director, Dorasco Ltd.

Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy links with ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand

Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy searches for closer links with ASEAN, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand said the ROC (Taiwan) President Tsai Ing-Wen in her widely publicized remarks during the 50th Anniversary of Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry on November 24, 2015 at the Marriot Hotel Taipei. Here is the complete Presidential speech.

CACCI President Jemal Inaishvili greets ROC (Taiwan) President Tsai Ing-Wen

Good Morning!

Let me start by welcoming everyone to Taiwan. I’m pleased to see an extraordinary group of people from across one of the fastest growing and most dynamic regions in the world. I hope you see that Taiwan is open for business, and will consider us a partner for your future business ventures.

I’d also like to congratulate the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry on its 50th anniversary. As one of the biggest private commercial organizations in Asia, its efforts have been instrumental in advancing economic cooperation in Asia. We look forward to its continuing success in the years ahead.

The Rise of Asia

The theme of this conference cannot be overstated. In this new century, and especially after the 2008 financial crisis, Asia has become the most important force driving the global economy. By one projection, Asia’s share of the global economy in 2030 will either equal or surpass those of North America and Europe combined.

The key to this impressive performance is economic liberalization and integration, which have in turn led to increased trade, investment, and economic growth. Asian countries have formed tight industrial linkages and divisions of labor, which have contributed to Asia becoming a “factory for the world.”

But the demand side is rapidly growing as well. Asia’s rising middle class is creating a vast consumer market. International brands and businesses have now shifted their attention, and in many cases, their main focus to the region. In the near future, I expect we’ll see Asia become the “market for the world” as well.

Economic Integration in Asia

As the center of the world economy shifts, Asian countries must take on an even greater responsibility for economic liberalization and integration. In the past few years, Asian countries have made great progress on regional trade regimes, including in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). But with the U.S. likely to withdraw from the TPP amid growing protectionism, we must do even more.

Asia’s dependence on trade means that it must step up and take the lead to ensure that regional economic integration continues to take place. Our economies are highly complementary, which is conducive to the sharing of resources, talent, and markets. We can expand economies of scale and use resources more effectively. We should also engage in inclusive negotiations, open up markets, expand trade and mutual investment, and through this, spark a new wave of growth.

By doing so, we will not only build a stronger sense of community. We will also leverage our collective strengths to reduce economic uncertainty and build Asia into the world’s most economically important region.

Taiwan’s Indispensable Role

Within this framework, Taiwan has always played an indispensable role in Asia’s development. Our companies have expanded to every corner of the region, and we have always made our support for further economic integration clear.

Furthermore, we have always believed that Taiwan should do more, and we intend to do more. While we are working on a new model for economic development, we look forward to sharing our ideas with the regional community. This includes new production methods and the provision of innovative lifestyle choices. We believe that together, we can become “innovators, sharers, and providers of service.”

Our New Southbound Policy will play a major part in this. My government is working to build stronger links with countries in ASEAN and South Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand. We foresee new opportunities for cooperation in economics, trade, talent exchange, education, tourism, and culture.

We have also recently set up a new cabinet-level Office of Trade Negotiations. We seek to begin wide-ranging negotiations with various countries to discuss both bilateral and multilateral cooperation. At the same time, we will work to bring our domestic laws into alignment with international norms and standards.

ROC (Taiwan) President Tsai Ing-Wen, CACCI President Jemal Inaishvili, CACCI Vice Presidents and Officers during the Opening of the CACCI 30th conference in Taipei on November 2016

Achieving High-Quality Growth

In closing, I want to emphasize that we can work together to develop Asia through trade and experience sharing. But we cannot do so in absence of what I refer to as ‘high-quality economic growth.’

This means that economic development in Asia must respond effectively to the issue of income inequality and the fact that trade is not beneficial to all. Asian countries must continue to prioritize the growth of SMEs, job opportunities, and income distribution. We must also encourage participation from women and young people, so that the benefits of growth can be more evenly distributed.

Asia has accomplished much over the past century. This is a great cause for hope in a period of economic uncertainty. Looking to the future, I believe that if Asian countries can work together, we have the ability to harness the full potential of the fastest growing and most dynamic region in the world.

Together, we can create an Asian Century built on growth that is also inclusive, sustainable, and, of course, innovative.

Thank you all.

450 delegates from 22 Asia Pacific countries attended 30th CACCI Conference in Taipei

Yoshio Amano, Mitsubishi Corp., Manager Manila; Chun-Fu Chang, Office of Trade Negotiations, ROC (Taiwan); Peter McMullin, Special Counsel, Cornwall Stodart Lawyers; Jemal Inaishvili, CACCI President; Omkar Shrestha, Faculty, National University of Singapore

On November 23-24, 2016, 450 delegates from 22 Asia Pacific countries attended the 30th CACCI Conference in Taipei, Taiwan. The successfully conference titled “The Rise of Asia: Taking a Bigger Role in the Global Economy” also celebrated CACCI’s 50 years anniversary.

Co-hosted by the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA) and the Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce (CNAIC), with the CTBC Bank as major sponsor, the conference convened chamber leaders from all over Asia.

Asian countries are expected to lead global economic expansion in the years ahead amidst current economic slowdown and uncertainties in major economies, but need to cooperate and partner with each other to help accelerate economic growth. This was the message that members of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) conveyed during its recently concluded annual Conference.

Business leaders from the 27 CACCI member-countries noted that over the past decades, Asia has emerged as a dominant force in the global economy. They pointed out  that the region today has a total GDP of roughly US$14 trillion (about 40% of the world’s total, up from 25% in 1990), an average per capita GDP of US$5,299, and a total trade amounting to about US$8 trillion, effectively contributing about two-thirds of global economic growth.

With a combined population exceeding those of other major economies and constituting a substantial market, and its economies expected to continue to grow at an average annual rate of 5 percent, the CACCI leaders expect Asia to be the driving force behind the world’s economic growth in the years ahead, with the accelerated growth rates in Southeast Asian countries more than compensating for the anticipated slowdown in other countries in the region.

Need for regional cooperation to meet challenging market environment

However, CACCI also recognizes that the region today is facing challenging economic conditions. With growth in advanced economies tepid, risk aversion increasing in global financial markets, and the commodity super-cycle coming to an end, CACCI says the world economy is providing little impetus to Asian growth. At the same time, other major economies in the region are moving toward more sustainable growth models that imply slower expansion. With the growing links between these countries and other Asian economies, the spillover effects are expected to be significant, CACCI notes.

Jemal Inaishvili, CACCI President; Ece Idil Kasap, World SME Forum; Stephen Green, Green & Spiegel LLP; Eren Sari, Green & Spiegel LLP; Abdul Matlub Ahmad, FBCCI President; Chia-Hsien Yang, ROC (Taiwan) SME Administration; Amb. Benedicto Yujuico, Former CACCI President

Given this new context, CACCI says that partnership and cooperation – both within and across national boundaries – should be one of the principal concerns of countries and of the business communities in the Asia-Pacific region. CACCI believes that today, more than ever, regional cooperation and integration plays a critical role in accelerating economic growth, reducing poverty and economic disparity, raising productivity and employment, and strengthening institutions. CACCI supports the APEC Leaders’ commitment – expressed during their recent Peru meeting – to build a dynamic, harmonious and open economy in the Asia-Pacific region featuring innovative development, interconnected growth and shared interests by re-affirming free and open trade and investment, accelerating regional economic integration, promoting competitive markets, encouraging economic and technical cooperation, and facilitating a favorable and sustainable business environment.

CACCI also maintains that growth needs to be both economically inclusive, and be environmentally sustainable. It endorses the APEC Leaders’ declaration  to strengthen efforts to ensure decent work and work life quality for all, especially socially vulnerable groups, by providing access to quality inclusive education and vocational training, boosting entrepreneurship, improving social protection, and enhancing regional cooperation. According to CACCI, there is much to do in ensuring the survival of SMEs, keeping regional and global trade open, continuing reforms to promote ease of doing business, investing in human capital and technology to meet the changing skills requirements of the markets, ensuring inclusive economic growth, and moving forward with clean energy and clean technologies to confront the challenge of climate change, among others. CACCI also strongly believes that businessmen in the region need to rely more on each other to be able to sustain their growth and development.

Promoting economic empowerment of women for sustainable growth

In a separate position paper issued at the end of their Taipei Conference, CACCI members stressed the need for economic empowerment of women, expressing strong support of the APEC Leaders declaration to strengthen the mainstreaming of gender equality and women’s empowerment across APEC’s work to ensure equal access to quality education and economic resources. In order to fight against slowing global economic growth, CACCI called on the business community to be proactive in improving productivity, and said that the economic empowerment of women is one key way through which this can be achieved. This increases participation in the workforce to support aging populations, generates innovation and better-decision making through diversity and provides incentives to continue learning and contributing to society.

However, CACCI also recognizes that there are challenges that must be addressed such as gender bias and societal expectations, access to markets and finance and inflexible working arrangements. CACCI calls on large businesses to promote gender equity and consider better ways to support female employees and integrate women-owned and -operated businesses in their supply chains. In addition, in the case of women entrepreneurs, CACCI says that the use of digital technologies and e-commerce platforms can be effective tools to assist their growth and allow them to better engage in the global economy, improving regional productivity and economic development.

This year’s annual gathering of CACCI members focused on the theme “The Rise of Asia: Taking a Bigger Role in the Global Economy.” It was designed to provide CACCI members and invited experts the venue to exchange views on measures that the business sector and governments in the region can undertake to take full advantage of the opportunities offered not just by markets in the Asia-Pacific region but also by countries in other parts of the world. Special Guest of Honor at the Opening Ceremony was H. E. Tsai Ing-Wen, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan)

This year’s Conference also marked the 50th Anniversary of the Confederation. CACCI was established in 1966 to provide a platform for promoting the vital role of the businessmen in the region, increasing regional business interaction, and enhancing regional economic growth. Since its organizational meeting in Taipei half a century ago, CACCI has been holding annual gatherings and Conferences to enable its members to exchange views on current developments and issues of concern to the business sector.

As part of the commemoration of its 50th Anniversary, CACCI presented the Illustrious Distinguished Service Award to all members who had served as CACCI President. The Award was in recognition of their important contribution to the Confederation, their unwavering commitment to the CACCI objective of bringing businessmen in Asia together, and their continuing efforts to help promote  regional cooperation and to further advance the interest of the region’s business community.

CACCI honors leaders with Illustrious Service Award

CACCI presented the “Illustrious Service Award” to past and present CACCI Presidents in celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the founding of the Confederation. The award was given at the gala dinner held on November 24 at the Taipei Marriott Hotel.

The awardees and their representatives who were present during the awarding ceremony were: CACCI President Jemal Inaishvili; CACCI Immediate Past President Amb. Benedicto Yujuico; Mr. Harvey Chang; Mr. Kenneth Court; Amb. Alfonso T. Yuchengco represented by her daughter Ms. Yvonne Yuchengco; Ms. Anna Marie Periquet received the award on behalf of her father Dr. Aurelio Periquet Jr.; Mr. Thomas Chen, Vice Chairman of CTBC, on behalf of Dr. Jeffrey Koo Sr.’s family; and Mr. Nelson Chang and Mrs. Koo Huai-ju received the award honoring Dr. CF Koo.

The plaques of recognition to the awardees who were not able to attend the ceremony will be sent to their respective chambers. The Illustrious Award was given in recognition of the CACCI leaders’ contribution to CACCI for their unwavering commitment to its objective of bringing Asian businessmen together, and their achievements in promoting regional cooperation and economic development.

2020 Tokyo Olympics will drive growth, said ANA CEO Osamu Shinobe

Osamu Shinobe, ANA CEO

Taipei – ANA Airlines CEO, Osamu Shinobe, the keynote speaker during the 30^th CACCI Conference in Taipei, presented on November 24 2016 “Tourism Trends and the Aviation Industry in Asia” to an audience of 450 CACCI delegates from 22 Asia Pacific Countries.

Osamu Shinobe first gave a detailed description of the current international airlines market in the Asia Pacific area, then explained the Japanese domestic market in particular, and finally presented ANA strategy to capitalize on the emerging opportunities.

During the first part of the speech, Osamu Shinobe said that Asia’s GDP growth remains above the rest of the world, which is helping the Asian tourism industry with steady inbound and outbound traffic. In fact, there appears to be a strong correlation between the number of international tourist arrivals and real global GDP.

Recent statistics indicate that the Asia Pacific region’s traffic continued growing for the period of 2014-2015 at an acceptable rate of 2.2% (with HK-Taipei being the most popular route far above the runner up, Jakarta-Singapore). However, all other regions experienced negative traffic growth during the same period, with the exception of the Middle East and North Africa, which were growing above 10%.

Fortunately, in Asia, airlines are achieving growth led by carriers in China, with many airlines having sales of US$10-15 billion.

Por-Fong Lin, CNAIC Chairman; Jemal Inaishvili, CACCI President; Ing-Wen Tsai, ROC (Taiwan) President; Osamu Shinobe, ANA CEO; C. Y. Wang, CIECA Chairman

Concerning the domestic Japanese market

In 2015 and for the first time in 45 years, the number of inbound tourists exceeded the number of outbound Japanese tourists. However, 60% of inbound tourists still concentrate their travel on Japan’s “Golden Route” (Tokyo, Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka.)

Given change in the flow of tourists, ANA as the largest network in Japan transporting more than 50 million passengers a year, plans to expand further, positioning its international passenger services as a pillar of growth.

Currently, within Japan, ANA flies to 53 cities, serves 134 routes, and operates 1,078 flights/day (as of July 2016; including codeshare flights.) Moreover, ANA has invested in the LCCs (Low Cost Carriers) Peach and Vanilla Air to develop a new customer base, namely travelers that have previously not used airlines.

To further expand the offering of attractions in Japan, ANA created a project named “Tastes of JAPAN” to introduce three Japanese prefectures every three months with a focus on food, drinks, sweets and culture. It was launched in September 2013 with the goal of introducing all of Japan’s 47 prefectures over a period of around four years.

According to ANA CEO Shinobe, Japan is positioning the tourism industry as a pillar of its growth, with a particular focus on actively attracting inbound tourists. It is expected that the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will also be drivers of growth. Consequently, development of the tourist infrastructure, including airports, has gotten underway and ANA is taking the opportunity to expand its routes and position its international passenger service business as growth business.

To get the complete presentation of ANA CEO Osamu Shinobe…

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0H687o_b4QTRDZLQUtWc3dmYmc

50 years of CACCI – A movie

Taipei – During the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) celebrated in Taipei, Taiwan, on November 23-24 2016, hundreds of delegates from 22 countries had the opportunity to view a short video summarizing the accomplishment of this premier Asia Pacific institution.

From his idealistic beginnings in Manila in 1965 when Dr. Aurelio Periquet, an iconic businessman of the Philippines, expressed his wish to unite businessmen of Asia to today’s organization comprising over 28 national chambers of commerce in Asia Pacific, from Georgia and Russia on the West edge of Asia, to Timor Leste on the fringes of Asia Pacific, CACCI is today indeed a supranational organization supporting businesses in their pursuit of free trade and economic growth.

Take a look at the short video.

https://youtu.be/DCmzwGEhN_o

We are strong promoters of free trade…

but there are some losers. What we saw in Brexit and recently in the US are corrections, said CACCI President Emeritus Kenneth Court, from Australia, during a radio interview with ICRT Radio FM 100.7 Taiwan – News Report about CACCI’s 50 anniversary broadcasted November 23rd 2016. 

Here is the transcript of the interview.

Reporter:

Business leaders from 27 nations are meeting in Taipei to celebrate the 50th anniversary the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

CACCI membership includes national chambers of commerce from a wide range of Asian countries such as from Turkey to New Zealand in the South Pacific. Former CACCI President Kenneth Court who hails from Australia says that despite recent setbacks internationally, his organization remains bullish on the regional economy.

Kenneth Court:

Over the past 50 years, we have been strong promoters of free trade and that has been the trend we have seen in globalization. But I acknowledge the fact that there are some losers. What you have seen in Brexit and developments in America is a correction. Maybe it has gone a little bit too far.

But as far as Asia is concerned, I mean, in the last twenty years we have gone from 25% of the World’s GDP to 40%. And the South East Asian countries are going to be the one who generate the growth not just within the regions but internationally.

Reporter:

CACCI predicts that Asian economies will growth at an annual rate of 5%.

CACCI Director General and CIECA Chairman call on Myanmar UMFCCI President

Yangon – Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng, Director-General of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), and Mr. Chung-Yu Wang, Chairman of the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA) and concurrently Member of the Executive Committee of CACCI, called on Mr. Zaw Min Win, President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), during the recent visit to Yangon, Myanmar in early November this year.

Amb. Tseng and Mr. Wang invited the UMFCCI President to attend the 30th CACCI Conference to be hosted by CACCI and CIECA on November 23-25, 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan. They also conveyed an invitation to UMFCCI to consider membership in CACCI.

CACCI Director General & CIECA Chairman call on Myanmar UMFCCI President

Yangon – Amb. Victor C. Y. Tseng, Director-General of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), and Mr. Chung-Yu Wang, Chairman of the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA) and concurrently Member of the Executive Committee of CACCI, called on Mr. Zaw Min Win, President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), during the recent visit to Yangon, Myanmar in early Novermber 2016.

Amb. Tseng and Mr. Wang invited the UMFCCI President to attend the 30th CACCI Conference to be hosted by CACCI and CIECA on November 23-25, 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan. They also conveyed an invitation to UMFCCI to consider membership in CACCI.

Philippine Vice President Robredo met ex-CACCI President Yujuico at PCCI

Manila – Immediate CACCI President and current Member of the CACCI Advisory Board Amb. Benedicto Yujuico welcomed Philippine Vice President H. E. Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo during the annual Philippine Business Conference organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on October 13, 2016 in Manila, Philippines. Amb. Yujuico is also the current Chairman of PCCI.

Philippine President Duterte awards ex-CACCI President Yujuico

Manila – Philippine President H. E. Rodrigo Duterte presented an Award to Immediate Past CACCI President and current Member of the CACCI Advisory Board Amb. Benedicto Yujuico during the annual Philippine Business Conference organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on October 13, 2016 in Manila, Philippines. Amb. Yujuico is also the current Chairman of PCCI.

Sri Lanka – Germany Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber hosts German Biz Delegation

Sri Lanka – Germany Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce hosted the high powered German Business Delegation arrived in Sri Lanka last week. The delegation from Asia Pacific Business Association, Germany was headed by Mr. Thomas Kriwat, CEO of Mercmarine Group of Companies. Mr. Mark Francis, President of the Sri Lanka – Germany Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce speaking during the occasion, emphasized the importance of having close relationship with Sri Lanka and Germany.

He said strong and close relationship will encourage the growth of bilateral trade and Investment between the two counties. Further, the Asia Pacific Business Association expressed their interest in working more closely with the Sri Lanka – Germany Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany associated with the Sri Lanka – German Business Council in hosting the delegation. The event took place at the Hilton Colombo Residences.

Youth Business Sri Lanka partners with GS1 Lanka, to help young entrepreneurs

Youth Business Sri Lanka entered into a partnership with the GS1 Lanka to provide its young entrepreneurs with a range of services such as obtaining barcodes and providing them with access to the practices adopted in the global supply chain systems. The agreement was signed between the two parties recently at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

Youth Business Sri Lanka, which operates under the purview of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (YBSL), is a national organization which promotes young people to start their own business and transition from being Job takers to Job makers.

In the meantime, GS1 Lanka, which is housed at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, is the sole authorized body to operate the Global supply chain standard system in Sri Lanka. Mr. Varatharaja Kumaraguru, Country Manager YBSL and Mr. Anthony Peiris, representative of GS1 Lanka, signed on-behalf of the respective organizations.

Taiwanese Study Tour Group visits Philippine CCI

Manila – A study tour group from Taiwan visited the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) to meet with PCCI officers on the morning of September 30, 2016 in Manila. The 20-member delegation was composed largely of bankers and finance experts from Taiwan. They were warmly received at the PCCI headquarters by key officers of the chamber led by President George Barcelon. The two sides exchanged views and information on the current economic and investment environment in the Philippines and on opportunities that the country offer for Taiwanese entrepreneurs, as well as shared practical experience on business development and management.

The Ceylon Chamber & SLRA sings MOU

Colombo – The Sri Lanka Retailer’s Association (SLRA) entered into a MOU with Ceylon Chamber Of Commerce (CCC) on the 29th of September 2016, which will result in the Chamber providing the Association with secretarial and other required support towards achieving the Association’s objectives and goals.

The MOU was signed by Ms. Dhara Wijayatilake, CEO of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Hussain Sadique, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Retailer’s Association, on-behalf of the respective parties. The Sri Lanka Retailer’s Association was incorporated during June 2016, as a Company Limited by Guarantee. The Association’s objective is to harness the resources of the organized retail industry to a common platform to promote and facilitate futuristic Innovation, Growth and Global outreach. SLRA has an ambitious Vision to “Achieve Retail Excellence” in Sri Lanka. To achieve this vision, it strives to be the ‘Voice of the Retail industry in Sri Lanka’

Taiwanese Study Tour Group visits the Bankers Association of the Philippines

Manila – A study tour group from Taiwan met with officers and members of the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) on the morning of September 28, 2016 in Manila. The 20-member delegation was composed largely of bankers and finance experts from Taiwan. They were warmly received by BAP officers led by BAP President Mr. Nestor Tan at the headquarters of Banco De Oro, of which Mr. Tan is President and CEO.

The two sides exchanged views and shared information on the current economic and investment environment in the Philippines, latest developments in foreign banking regulations, corporate banking and trade finance market in the Philippines, successful experience of universal banking in the Philippines. and opportunities that the country offers for Taiwanese bankers and entrepreneurs.