ICC News

16 November 2024: Sage and ICC launched the report at the United Nations global climate summit COP29, urging global decision-makers to bridge the gap between SMEs’ growing sustainability ambitions and their ability to act. The report highlights that while 86% of SMEs say that sustainability is important to their business, only 9.1% formally report on their impact, citing complex reporting requirements as a major roadblock (74%). The data revealed a “virtuous circle” between sustainability reporting, sustainable finance and climate action. SMEs that report on their impact are more likely to secure funding to become more sustainable, which in turn, helps them

1 November 2024: In its latest release, the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR provides a step-by-step approach to identifying and assessing corruption in arbitration proceedings. The publication responds to frequent calls from the arbitration and anti-corruption communities for guidance on addressing corruption in international arbitration. Assessing red flags in three steps The proposed three-step methodology constitutes an innovative approach to address issues of corruption in international arbitration and promotes understanding of red flags or other indicators, their use and limits as a tool in establishing a corrupt practice. The three-step methodology evaluates potential or asserted red flags by: Identifying

18 November 2024: A new ICC report unveils how monopoly power can be used to accelerate climate action and tackle unsustainable practices. The report follows an analysis in 2023 which showed that competition authorities are increasingly offering business guidance on sustainability co-operation agreements. While much has been accomplished since, more remains to be done to transform competition policy from a barrier into an enabler of a sustainable economy. How far have we come in aligning competition policy with climate goals? Businesses commonly cite a lack of clear guidelines, experience, debate and legal uncertainty as a reason for dialling back on joint

Putting the circular economy into motion: From barriers to opportunities 9 October 2024 ICC published in partnership with EY, the report – “Putting the circular economy into motion: From barriers to opportunities” – highlights the significant obstacles companies encounter when transitioning to circular business models that could otherwise deliver significant environmental, reputational and financial gains. The circular economy is intended to maximise resource efficiency and minimise environmental impact by promoting continuous use, reuse and recycling of materials and products. But the study concludes that existing regulatory systems are not fit for purpose in enabling such approaches at scale – largely

20 September 2023: Responding to a public consultation, ICC evaluated the updated European Commission guidelines for horizontal cooperation agreements (HGL) and block exemption regulations (HBERs), urging the consideration of small business needs and imperative for increased clarity and legal certainty. With a longstanding pivotal role in driving business priorities, ICC gathered business views on one of the most significant European reforms in competition and several types of cooperation agreements relating to R&D, specialisation, purchase, commercialisation, information exchange, standardisation and sustainability. In the comments, ICC acknowledges and supports the positive changes made and considers them as important progress in the assessment

We are thrilled to announce the release of our latest survey report, "Arbitration in Albania: Perceptions, Preferences and Expectations". This pilot study offers unprecedented insights into the Albanian landscape of dispute resolution with a special focus on arbitration. Arbitration plays a crucial role in shaping the legal and business environment, and understanding local perceptions and preferences is essential for informed decision-making. Our report delves into the attitudes and expectations surrounding arbitration in Albania, providing invaluable data and analysis for legal professionals, business leaders, and policymakers. Key highlights of the report include: 1️⃣ Perceptions: The survey reveals mixed perceptions of arbitration

ARBITRATION AND ADR DAYS IN ALBANIA (AADA) From 20-24 May 2024, ICC Albania in cooperation with partners is organizing the 2nd edition of the ICC Arbitration and ADR Days in Albania (AADA). AADA is an initiative that aims to create a conducive environment for the promotion and development of arbitration and ADR practices in Albania. By raising awareness, building capacity, fostering collaboration, and promoting access to justice, this initiative seeks to contribute to the efficient and equitable resolution of disputes in the country. The purpose of this initiative is to encourage interested parties’ efforts in making Albania a more friendly environment

'Foreign Trade Techniques' is intended to be a training course on international trade techniques developed according to the so-called export logistics chain: contracts, taxation, customs, international payments and Incoterms 2020. These courses are adequate for exporters and importers, marketing managers, sales and purchasing managers, logistics, in-house and practitioner lawyers, trade consultants, bankers, business management consultants and anyone with an interest in international trade. The training course aims to transfer adequate knowledge to participants to enable them to independently manage an international business operation. Level of the course: Intermediate – Advanced Modules: 5 Duration: 10-12 hours in two days/sessions for each

7 December 2023 & 17 January 2024 ICC Albania in cooperation with CIPE commissioned research focusing on the legal and regulatory framework of Foreign Direct Investments in Albania and trends in the European Union area and globally. Countries have various policy instruments at their disposal to regulate foreign direct investments (FDIs) on their territory, including the full or partial prohibition of foreign investment in certain sectors of the economy. These restrictions may reflect the national security concerns of host countries. Most policy attention and activity related to the protection of essential security interests is currently concentrated on acquisition- and ownership-related

Final preparations are underway for the 13th edition of the World Chambers Congress, taking place in Geneva from 21-23 June under the theme ''Achieving peace and prosperity through multilateralism''. Attracting 1,500 participants from over 100 countries, the Congress is the biggest, most diverse economic forum for chamber and business executives to exchange experiences and examine the issues affecting people, their livelihoods and our planet. Marking the three-week countdown to the Congress, ICC’s World Chambers Federation and the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Industry have confirmed the participation of Maximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization, and Michel Barnier,