ACCI Delivers Global Partnerships and Advocacy

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the exclusive Australian affiliate of several influential international organisations, including the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Business at OECD (BIAC) and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE).

These partnerships enable ACCI to promote Australian businesses on the global stage, connect local industry concerns to broader policy objectives, and ensure that the needs of Australian businesses are addressed internationally.

L-R: International Chamber of Commerce President Phillippe Varin and ICC Australia Chair Mark Birrell AM.

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

The ICC is a global business organisation that represents private sector interests across all industries.

As the exclusive Australian affiliate, ACCI manages ICC Australia and provides direct input into global forums such as the G20, World Trade Organization, United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, World Customs Organization, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and United Nations Environmental Program.

With a network of more than six million members in more than 100 countries, the ICC promotes international trade, responsible business conduct, and consistent global regulation through advocacy, standard setting and dispute resolution services. This membership is crucial for Australian businesses involved in international trade and commerce.

Key benefits of ICC affiliation include:

• Representation in high-level intergovernmental decision-making forums, ensuring business voices are heard on global trade and commerce.
• Influence over voluntary business rules such as Incoterms and UCP 600, essential for international finance and trade.
• Access to world-class business and legal training and tools for international business, banking and arbitration.
• Preferential access to the International Court of Arbitration for dispute resolution.

International Organisation of Employers (IOE)

ACCI is a member of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE).

IOE is the largest private sector network in the world, representing 50 million businesses through 150 national employers organisations, and is the sole representative of business in social and employment policy debates taking place in the International Labour Organisation (ILO), across the UN, G20 and other emerging forums.

For the past 100 years and on behalf more than 150 member organisations, IOE strive to leverage their unique experience, expertise and advocacy to influence debates on the most pressing issues for business and employers worldwide.

IOE’s Six Policy Working Groups exchanges views on opportunities and challenges, and crafts global business positions and perspectives, in the following areas:

1. Human Rights and Responsible Business Conduct
2. Sustainable Development
3. Industrial Relations
4. Labour Migration
5. Employment, Skills and Future of Work
6. Gender Equality and Diversity

Business at OECD (BIAC)

Australia has been a member of the Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC) to the OECD since 1972.

ACCI is a member of Business as the OECD and is the voice of Australian enterprises at the OECD. An ACCI staff member is allocated to each committee and aligns the BIAC Committee work with the relevant ACCI Committee.

BIAC focuses on key policy areas, including trade liberalisation, sustainable development, taxation, finance, intellectual property, and e-commerce. Participation in BIAC allows ACCI members to influence these areas and ensure the voice of Australian businesses is heard both domestically and internationally.

ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF)

The ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF) is the backbone of the global chamber network leading, connecting and inspiring chambers to benefit real economies and communities, every day, everywhere.

Chambers of commerce are an essential and credible intermediary between government, business and the general public. With a history spanning over 400 years, chambers today exist in almost every country and offer a multitude of programmes and services to support trade and development. WCF unites this dynamic network and represents the interests of local, national, regional, bilateral and transnational chambers of commerce and industry worldwide.

The WCF has 1300+ chamber members from more than 100 countries and territories, 3000+ chambers involved in WCF activities and global outreach and 14000+ number of World Chambers Congress participants.

Why Join the ICC WCF?

When joining the ICC WCF, you become part of the forum that connects chambers across borders, creating a better environment for business and MSMEs, while driving prosperity and opportunity for all.

Joining WCF enables chambers to:

• Acquire world class status.
• Expand their network with peers in over 100 countries and with key international organisations.
• Stay updated on the global challenges and opportunities that chambers are facing worldwide.
• Improve, develop and digitise trade documentation activities.
• Be part of the next generation of tailor-made solutions for chambers and small businesses.

Institutional leadership

As a member, Heads of chambers are eligible to take up a leadership position within the World Chambers Federation:

• Propose a candidate and vote at the WCF General Council election
• Propose a candidate to chair the WCF Certificates of Origin Council and the World ATA Council
• Become eligible as a member of the ICC Executive Board
• Pioneer as a founding member of the ICC National committee of your country
• Become eligible to lead a WCF Task Force

The Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) 

ACCI represents Australia at the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI). With a current membership from 27 countries or independent economies, it cuts across national boundaries to link businesses and promote economic growth throughout the Asia-Pacific region. CACCI is a non-governmental organisation that has been granted consultative status under the United Nations.