After receiving 73 submissions, 16 chambers of commerce are moving on to the final round of the World Chambers Competition. Representing 11 countries, the selected chambers will each have the opportunity to present their innovative initiatives to the global network of chambers attending the 11th edition of the World Chambers Congress in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 12-14 June 2019.

Taking place in conjunction with the World Chambers Congress, the World Chambers Competition is the only award programme of its kind to recognise pioneering projects undertaken by chambers from around the world. With more than 1,200 delegates from over 110 countries in attendance, the Competition provides the well-warranted visibility chambers deserve.

Commenting on the chance to share his chamber’s knowledge and know-how, Chief Operating Officer for the NSW Business Chamber, Darren Cocks said: “NSW Business Chamber is honoured to be selected as a finalist in the 2019 World Chambers Competition. To have the opportunity to share our work on this global stage is a real privilege and we look forward to collaborating in Rio with chambers from other countries on initiatives that positively impact youth employment and address the skills shortages of businesses around the world.”

The Competition finalists compete in three categories:

Best Education and Training Project, which acknowledges chambers who are proving that investing in education and training can be crucial to the establishment, advancement and success of small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and foster economic development and job creation.

Best SME and Entrepreneurship Development Project, which rewards exceptional chamber initiatives that are either helping SMEs and entrepreneurs to innovate and develop their business or strengthening job creation in their respective communities.

Best Unconventional Project, which recognising chambers that have developed unique and innovative projects in an activity not typically associated with their mission and objectives and in turn increases jobs to enhance local economies.

Commenting on becoming a finalist for the first time, Chief Executive Officer for the Afghanistan Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Manizha Wafeq said: “It is such an honour to be a finalist of the World Chambers Competition. It is a proud moment for Afghan women to have a presence on this global platform and share their young but rich experience with the world. We are also grateful for the international network of chambers who will be present to share their experiences with us and are therefore excited to show them our results and pay it forward.“

The 16 contenders will face-off before an international jury comprising ICC World Chambers Federation leadership, and appointed representatives from transnational, national and local chambers, as well as other leading international organisations. The jury is charged with selecting one initiative per category to be crowned World Chambers Competition champions. The official announcement is set to be made during the final day of the Congress at the Gala Dinner. Winners will receive a cash prize thanks to our sponsors to encourage chambers to further develop their programmes. ICC firmly believes in the potential of its chamber network and these initiatives not only benefit business but society as a whole.

The 16 chambers moving on to the final stage of the Competition are:

Best Education and Training Project: Thursday 13 June

  • Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nigeria)
  • Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Philippines)
  • Cuenca Chamber of Industries, Production and Employment (Ecuador)
  • Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (Turkey)
  • Styria Chamber of Commerce (Austria)

Best SME and Entrepreneurship Development Project: Thursday 13 June 

  • Afghanistan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Afghanistan)
  • Cali Chamber of Commerce (Colombia)
  • Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (Turkey)
  • Konya Chamber of Industry (Turkey)
  • National Confederation of Industry (Brazil)
  • Quito Chamber of Commerce (Ecuador)

Best Unconventional Project: Wednesday 12 June

  • Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce (Turkey)
  • Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Russia)
  • NSW Business Chamber (Australia)
  • Para Service of Support to Micro and Small Enterprises – SEBRAE/PA (Brazil)
  • Qatar Chamber (Qatar)

For more information about the Competition or the Congress, please visit www.worldchamberscongress.org/.