The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, commonly as ASEAN, is a political and economic union of 10 states in Southeast Asia. Together, its member states represent a population of over 600 million over a land area of 4.5 million km2 (1.7 million sq mi). The bloc generated a purchasing power parity (PPP) gross domestic product (GDP) of around US$10.2 trillion in 2022, constituting approximately 6.5% of global GDP (PPP). ASEAN member states include some of the fastest growing economies in the world.
The International Chamber of Commerce is the largest, most representative business organization in the world. Its over 45 million members in over 100 countries have interests spanning every sector of private enterprise.
A chamber of commerce, or board of trade, is a form of business network. For example, a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the interests of businesses. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community. Local businesses are members, and they elect a board of directors or executive council to set policy for the chamber. The board or council then hires a President, CEO, or Executive Director, plus staffing appropriate to size, to run the organization.
The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber functions as the federal parent organization for the nine State Chambers and 110 trade associations for different industries within Austria's system of economy. Most State Chambers and associations have local offices to provide services in close proximity to members.
Under the Basic Law, Macau's diplomatic relations and defence are the responsibility of the central government of China. Except diplomatic relations and defence, nonetheless, Macau has retained considerable autonomy in all aspects, including economic and commercial relations, customs control.
The Foreign Business Act was a law enacted by the Chuan Leekpai-controlled National Legislative Assembly of Thailand in 1999 that limited foreign ownership of certain Thai industries. Its predecessor was the Alien Business Act of 1972, enacted by a military junta. Industries which must be majority-owned by Thais included the newspaper business, radio stations, television stations, rice farming, animal husbandry, fishing, land trading, mining, wholesaling and retailing, restaurants, and all service businesses. The law criminalized nominees, any Thai who held shares on behalf of a foreigner. Nominees could be fined 100,000 to 1 million baht and face up to 3 years in prison. However, the law did not prohibit foreigners from being the majority in the board of directors and also did not prohibit having different classes of shares with differing voting rights. This loophole allowed thousands of foreign-controlled businesses to operate in Thailand.
The Tanzania Chamber (TCCIA) is a Tanzanian government institution with a mandate to promote industry and business, and to facilitate an interface between the private sector and public sector in the country. TCCIA was founded in 1988 and its head offices are in Dar es Salaam. It has played in important role in the privatization and liberalization of Tanzania's economy.
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries is the apex trade organization of Bangladesh playing a pivotal role in consultative and advisory capacity, safeguarding the interest of the private sector in the country.
The ASEAN–India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) is a free trade area among the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Republic of India. The initial framework agreement was signed on 8 October 2003 in Bali, Indonesia. and the final agreement was on 13 August 2009. The free trade area came into effect on 1 January 2010. India hosted the latest ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in New Delhi on 26 January 2018. In the financial year 2017–18, Indo-ASEAN bilateral trade grew by almost 14% to reach US$81.3 billion. India's imports from ASEAN were valued at US$47.13 billion while its exports to ASEAN stood at US$34.2 billion.
Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce is a German 'chamber,' similar to an English guild but is required under German law and provides political influence of a trade union. This organization was formerly known as the Deutscher Industrie- und Handelstag or DIHT.
Founded in 1966 by French entrepreneurs, the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce (FTCC) is today one of the European chambers in Thailand with over 315 members, with business interests in France and Thailand, and more than 60 events organized every year.
Arab British Chamber of Commerce established 6 February 1975, is an international trade organisation based in London. Although a not-for-profit body, its role is to encourage, promote and facilitate trade, investment and joint ventures since 1975 between participating representatives of Arab states and of the United Kingdom (UK).
The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) is the largest German bi-national Chamber abroad and the largest Chamber of Commerce in India. It acts as primary contact for Indian and German companies who are willing to establish a business in the other country. It works in close cooperation with the Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Germany (IHKs) and the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK).
The US-ASEAN Business Council is an advocacy group that aims to foster economic growth and trade ties between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)'s ten member countries. It is the only U.S.-based organization enshrined in the ASEAN charter. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Council has offices in New York City, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The Council represents more than 170 of the largest US corporations.
The American Business Forum in Turkey is a business association and NGO, composed of 125 or more U.S. companies with operations in Turkey. It was founded in 2004 as an American Chamber of Commerce, and it is focused on promoting a positive business agenda and commercial environment in Turkey and on strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and relations between Turkey and the U.S. through committee activities, access, visibility, business services, and networking opportunities.
The German Chambers of Commerce Abroad support German companies with establishing and extending business relations in 90 countries and 130 locations. The AHKs also promote trade and joint business between Germany and a foreign country.
The German-Czech Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DTIHK) is located in Prague and belongs to the worldwide network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad. The Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce is the respective umbrella organisation. The DTIHK employs some 40 people and has about 670 voluntary members which makes it the largest bilateral Chamber of Commerce Abroad in the Czech Republic. AHK Services s.r.o. is the chambers service society and a wholly owned subsidiary of the DTIHK.
The Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce, formerly known as Nigerian-German Business Association was created in 1986 to foster bilateral trade between Nigeria and Germany. The Nigerian-German Business Association (NGBA) creates a bilateral relationship between the countries and aims at strengthening their business opportunities through adequate networking, investment promotion and trade.
Germany and Thailand share bilateral relations officially dating to 1858. Thailand has an Embassy in Berlin, consulates generals in Frankfurt and Munich and Germany has an Embassy in Bangkok.
The Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (ICCIA) is an international organization that represents the private sector of 57 Islamic countries. It was established in 1977 in Karachi, Pakistan, and has regional offices in several countries. The ICCIA aims to promote trade, investment, and cooperation among Islamic countries. It also provides services to its members, such as market research, legal advice, and trade promotion.
