American Chambers of Commerce, traditionally referred to as AmChams, are formed to advance the interests of American overseas businesses through advocacy, information, networking and business support services. Currently, there are 94 AmChams in 82 countries affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce who strive to develop mutually beneficial social and commercial relations between American companies and those of the host country. Through four regional organizations in Asia, Europe, the Gulf Countries, and Latin America, the AmChams represent the concerns and interests of the business community at the highest levels of government.
My first exposure to AmChams came in 1972 when I was asked to come to an AmCham breakfast while posted in Japan. A visiting American company wanted to talk to Americans "living and working on the ground," so we could answer questions about doing business in Japan.
Meetings like these allow companies to learn about the challenges they will face while doing business in a particular country. By giving useful operating tips, which can save time, money and headaches, AmChams, with services like breakfast briefings, allow companies to get the greatest return on their overseas enterprises. I have lead delegations of American businessmen around the globe, and I used these informal yet informative breakfast briefings to great advantage.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ), the most influential organization representing the interests of international businesses in Japan, has more than 3,100 representatives from 1,300 companies and from more than 40 countries.
The ACCJ serves as the primary forum for the U.S. business community in Japan to identify and pursue common interests and goals. More than 70 Chamber committees and subcommittees meet on a regular basis to discuss issues and exchange ideas and information on topics relevant to specific industries and professions. The chamber offers more than 400 events and seminars annually on policy and business trends in Japan.
AmCham-China represents U.S. companies and individuals doing business in China and has more than 2,600 members representing more than 1,200 companies. It has more than 40 industry and issue specific forums and committees, offers unique services such as the Business Visa Program, holds a wide range of networking and informational events, and meets with U.S. and Chinese officials to discuss challenges and opportunities facing U.S. firms doing business in China.
Additional AmCham objectives include:
- Promote the two-way flow of trade and investment between the U.S. and their respective host countries.
- Provide information on trade and business activities to its members.
- Speak up for the needs of its members before government in Washington and the host country.
- Enhance the standing of its members in the local and international community.
- Encourage public understanding of the role of business in a competitive market system.
- Create a business-friendly environment between members, policy-makers and business leaders in the host country working to identify common problems in normal business operations and achieve mutually-beneficial solutions.
Additional AmChams services to assist businesses include:
- Assist with matchmaking to help find overseas reps, agents and business partners.
- Facilitate communications with other chambers of commerce throughout the United States and around the world.
- Provide active links with host country industries, businesses and government organizations.
Publish commercially relevant "briefs and alert" style communications covering topics such as tax, immigration, security and trade issues.
Here are the four regional AmChams:
- Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC)
- Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA)
- European Council of American Chambers of Commerce (ECACC)
- Middle East Council of American Chambers of Commerce (MECACC)
The International Division of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America improves the ability of U.S. businesses to compete in the global marketplace by providing its members valuable tools and resources, as well as cutting-edge events that bring world leaders to its members.
The U.S. Chamber's experts, policy specialists, lobbyists, and lawyers, make up the world's largest not-for-profit business federation representing 3,000,000 businesses, 2,800 state and local chambers, 830 business associations, and 102 American Chambers of Commerce abroad.
Members include businesses of all sizes and sectors—from large Fortune 500 companies to home-based, one-person operations. In fact, 96% of members encompass businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
( linda )10 Jan,2012
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