Common-sense reforms that make trading easier and faster can have a greater impact than removing every tariff in the world. Global business representatives at an ICC summit in Buenos Aires ahead of the G20 meeting agreed on the importance of furthering trade facilitation. The G20 meeting in Argentina approaches this year at a time of historic uncertainty around global trade and the future of the multilateral trading system. Fears surrounding this uncertainty are particularly acute for the global business community, as many companies depend on

In view of rising trade tensions caused by proposed tit-for-tat tariff increases, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has issued the following statement. ICC Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said: “Open markets underpinned by the rules-based multilateral trading system have been a vital driver of prosperity across the world over the past 50 years. Any erosion of that system will come at quite a cost to us all. “Tariff hikes will inevitably impact small businesses that often rely heavily on imported goods and services. Longstanding US

Achieving the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires US$2.5 trillion each year in developing countries. How can private sector resources best be leveraged? While levels may still be below their pre-financial crisis peak, international investment has grown substantially in the last decade, projected to have increased to nearly US$1.8 trillion in 2017. Much of this owes to the changing geography of the global economy. By 2016, foreign direct investment (FDI) outflows from developed countries in the Asia-Pacific reaching their highest level since 2008.

The Annual Meeting of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Banking Commission gets underway in Jakarta this week. This major forum gathers the world’s who’s who of the trade finance industry and provides participants with exciting opportunities throughout its duration. Here are 5 things we can expect at the meeting: 1. Networking with industry leaders   The list of speakers and delegates at the Annual Meeting reads like the Who’s Who of the trade finance world; gathering close to 600 trade experts, banking professionals, business leaders,

Recent months have seen governments around the world lay out proposals for taxing the digital economy. ICC recommends that any measures be developed on the basis of international tax rules and seek an alignment with global efforts. Yesterday, the European Commission released two legislative proposals for taxing of digital firms ahead of the European Union (EU) leaders’ summit on 22-23 March, where the issue will be discussed further. The previous week, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released a report on “tax challenges

Three global business heads have been named winners of the Oslo Business for Peace Award for exceptional contributions to peace building through business initiatives. The 2018 laureates are Lori Blaker, president and CEO of TTi Global; Edgar Montenegro, founder and CEO of Corpocampo; and Martin Naughton, founder of Glen Dimplex Group. Dubbed the Nobel Prize of business by international media, the Oslo Business for Peace Award is awarded annually to exemplary business leaders who foster peace and stability for the greater good of society through their everyday