The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is a global business organization representing the interests of all businesses and business organizations in any business and industry in any part of the world.
In 1919, a group of industrialists, financiers, and merchants called ‘Peace Shoppers’ decided to set up an organization that would represent the business on a global scale and ensure economic growth and stability in countries after the First World War. Founded more than 90 years ago, the ICC today unites entrepreneurs from over 130 countries and has 95 national committees. The International Organization Secretariat is established in Paris.
ICC develops and distributes international business and marketing standards, recommendations and rules, collaborates on the development and improvement of both national and international laws that affect business. ICC Mission – Borderless Business Worldwide. The International Chamber of Commerce seeks to promote foreign trade, investment, the market economy and the development of higher standards of living. The organization also provides a variety of business services (Arbitration Court, World Palace Federation, Commercial Crime Office).
ICC believes that international trade is a strong force that can ensure peace and prosperity in the world. The ICC actively cooperates with international and intergovernmental organizations and, through its national committees, helps its members formulate business interests and makes proposals to national governments.
Since the founding of the United Nations, the ICC has been awarded the status of highest senior consultant, and in recent years cooperation between the UN and the ICC has become increasingly active, diverse and productive. Today, the ICC is an exclusive, privileged partner of international and regional organizations with the right to jointly address global business issues. ICC has signed a co-operation and partnership agreement with JC (Junior Chamber International). Using the ICC Network of National Committees and recognized links with key intergovernmental organizations, the ICC has developed an informational campaign that drew the attention of governments to business and the World Trade Organization negotiations have led to a number of favorable trade liberalization decisions.
The ICC has gained worldwide recognition by encouraging customs administrations to comply with the International Customs Code, which foresees the elimination of the ‘red bar’ and shortens unreasonably long customs procedures.
ICC is actively fighting corruption. The rules developed by this organization for combating bribery and racketeering in international business transactions serve this purpose. ICC actively cooperates with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank when drafting the rules.
ICC is working in 13 different areas of the commissions. Entrepreneurs involved in the activities of the commissions and specialists of various fields meet regularly to discuss problematic issues, also represent international companies and global organizations. They perform analyzes of laws, their projects and other normative acts affecting various business areas. It also provides comments, suggestions and evaluations to governments and relevant international organizations. The activities of ICC commissions are the basis for the development and improvement of business standards and recommendations. In addition to reports and other important documents, ICC commissions also issues guides, manuals, and other publications designed for rapid business development at the lowest cost.
You can read more about ICC activities and projects at the ICC International website www.iccwbo.org.