What is the Chamber and how did it originate?

The concept of the Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce is known as an official institution that includes a number of members in the field of business, where it supervises and works in cooperation with its members to organize and improve commercial activity within the relevant geographical area.

The membership of the Chamber consists of businessmen representing companies and establishments of the private sector related to the commercial and industrial sector. Chambers of Commerce can also be found under different names, including: trade councils or trade associations in most industrial countries in the world.

In light of the multiplicity of names of the Chamber of Commerce in different countries, they differ in determining their functions, types of membership, financial resources and organizational mechanism. Therefore, these bodies or chambers of commerce often perform tasks that are usually performed by local or central governments elsewhere.

Based on the geographical area covered by these chambers, local chambers of commerce can be small or large in terms of their membership and scope of activities.

The origin of the Chamber of Commerce

The first use of the term Chamber of Commerce was in relation to the temporary committee established in Paris in 1601 to study industrial and commercial problems, as the Chamber of Marseille was established in 1599; it was the first chamber in the sense in which the term Chamber of Commerce is used now, as a number of these organizations (Chambers of Commerce) were established during the eighteenth century, and the chambers were abolished during the French Revolution in 1791 and re-established by Napoleon in 1804, and legislation later redefined their functions, tasks and constitution; Today, Chambers of Commerce are found all over the world, and although they do not have a direct role in setting laws or regulations, they can be effective in influencing regulators and legislators through their lobbying efforts.

Chamber of Commerce Functions

The functions of chambers of commerce are many and generally include: Representing the interests of chamber members to local and national authorities. Issuing certificates of origin, and nominating members to advisory committees. Providing advice on import duties and commercial legislation. Establishing training schools, organizing exhibitions, and public works. Developing and disseminating business opportunities in their communities. Providing an opportunity for members to express their specific opinions and interests, whether related to the challenges they face as business owners or to issues related to international trade.

Benefits of Chambers of Commerce

The benefits that members of the Chamber of Commerce receive are numerous, including: Representing members with relevant government agencies. Obtaining offers and discounts provided by Chamber members to each other. The ability to participate in a variety of programs and services that enhance business activity in the region. Participation of members in formulating policy related to the general commercial and economic environment.

Classifications of Chambers of Commerce

Chambers of Commerce follow several different classifications according to their functional role and scope of work; they are classified into: Regional and community chambers: These chambers focus on regional or local issues and are characterized by cooperation with the local government, in addition to encouraging international business initiatives, and encouraging foreign members of the chamber to trade with their home country. City chambers: They aim to enhance the economic interest of the city concerned locally and perhaps globally. State Chambers: In the United States, these chambers focus on inviting business owners and commercial and industrial establishments to join the council at the state level and sometimes at the national level, thus having a greater influence on regulation and legislation. National or international chambers: National chambers focus on inviting members to join in order to lobby for national issues. Compulsory chambers: Here, companies of a certain size must join the chamber of commerce, which provides a degree of regulation, supervision of worker training, and encouragement for member companies, thus supporting economic development.

International Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1920, the International Chamber of Commerce is a global federation of business organizations, companies and businessmen. It often acts as the voice of the business community in the international arena and presents the business viewpoint to governments and world public opinion. The International Chamber of Commerce has the highest consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, in addition to publishing a quarterly journal called "World Trade". The International Chamber of Commerce operates an arbitration court that provides conciliation and arbitration facilities to settle commercial disputes for members of different nationalities; in most cases, the decisions of this court are accepted and enforced.