ARGENTINA
Union Industrial Argentina (UIA)
The Argentine Industrial Union (UIA) is the leading industrial advocacy group in Argentina and one of the most influential in the country, in any sector.
AUSTRALIA
Australian Industry Group (AIG)
The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) is a leading employer association in Australia. Ai Group member businesses employ around 750,000 staff in an expanding range of industry sectors including: manufacturing, engineering, construction, defence, ICT, call centres, labour hire, transport, logistics, utilities, infrastructure, environmental products and services and business services. Ai Group is closely affiliated with more than 50 other employer groups in Australia alone and directly manages a number of those organisations including the Australian Constructors Association. Together, Ai Group and its affiliates represent the interests of approximately 60,000 businesses which employ in excess of 1.2 million staff across Australia and the world. Ai Group has formal and long standing links with more than 80 overseas employer organisations such as the Confederation of Indian Industry; the Chinese Machinery Industry Federation; The Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers; the US National Association of Manufacturers; the Confederation of British Industry and Business New Zealand. Ai Group members operate small, medium and large businesses. They include many major Australian and global companies operating in a range of industries. The organisation provides practical information, advice and assistance to help members run their businesses more effectively. It ensures through policy leadership that members have a voice at all levels of government, by representing and promoting their interests on current and emerging issues.
BRAZIL
Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI)
The Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI) is the largest and highest-level representation of industry in Brazil with a mission to promote a favorable business environment, enhancing companies’ competitiveness and promoting sustainable development in Brazil. CNI represents and coordinates 27 state federations of industry, over 200.000 enterprises, encompassing issues such as: economic policy, infrastructure, environment, SME development, labor relations, social responsibility and international affairs.
CANADA
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce
As Canada’s largest and most influential business association, representing 192,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the primary and vital connection between business and the government of Canada. It continually demonstrates impact on public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada.
CHINA
China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)/China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC)
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Established in May 1952, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) comprises VIPS, enterprises and organizations representing the economic and trade sectors in China. It is the most important and the largest institution for the promotion of foreign trade in China.
The aims of the CCPIT are to operate and promote foreign trade, to use foreign investment, to introduce advanced foreign technologies, to conduct activities of Sino-foreign economic and technological cooperation in various forms, to promote the development of economic and trade relations between China and other countries and regions around the world, and to promote the mutual understanding and friendship between China and peoples and economic and trade circles of all nations around the world, in line with law and government policies of the People’s Republic of China.
With the approval of the Chinese government, the CCPIT started to adopt a separate name – China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC)- in 1988, which is used simultaneously with the CCPIT. The CCPIT admits new members from among enterprises in all parts of China and promotes trade through its functions of information consultation, exhibition, legal assistance, etc.
EUROPE
Business Europe
BUSINESSEUROPE plays a crucial role in Europe as the main horizontal business organisation at EU level. Through its 41 member federations, BUSINESSEUROPE represents millions of small, medium and large companies from 35 countries. Its main task is to ensure that companies’ interests are represented and defended vis-à -vis the European institutions with the principal aim of preserving and strengthening the competitiveness of the European economy in order to increase prosperity and opportunities for all Europeans.
FRANCE
Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF)
MEDEF is the leading network of entrepreneurs in France with 800,000 member firms, 90% of whom are SMEs with less than 50 employees. It defends and promotes business of every size and in every sector.
At the national level, the MEDEF is a privileged partner in the dialogue with decision-makers. MEDEF is permanently engaged in lobbying decision-makers at the local, regional, national and European levels, in order to ensure that the point of view of business is heard and its fiscal and regulatory burdens relieved: professional-tax reform, apprenticeship, company transmissions, cessation of contracts. MEDEF is an essential partner in the social dialogue. Legally empowered to negotiate on behalf of firms with government and unions, MEDEF conducts all the important inter-professional negotiations. It devotes special efforts to fostering an effective job market and a modern, efficient, welfare system.
MEDEF dialogues with all the protagonists of civil society, even those who are traditionally far from the business environment, such as the younger generations, teachers, journalists, magistrates, local councilors, artists. In partnership with other actors, it launches concrete initiatives.
At the international level, globalization poses a new challenge that involves not thinking of France and its future without simultaneously considering Europe and the rest of the world. MEDEF promotes the interests of business internationally by mobilizing its efforts in favor of competitiveness, innovation and training. In Brussels, along with other business organizations all gathered within BusinessEurope, MEDEF closely cooperates with the Commission and the Parliament so that every community initiative takes into account the competitiveness of businesses. MEDEF is also involved with the WTO and the OECD activities.
GERMANY
BDI- Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie e.V (BDI)
The Federation of German Industries (BDI) is the leading organization of German industry and industry-related services. It speaks on behalf of 38 sector associations and represents over 100,000 large, medium-sized and small enterprises with a good eight million employees. German industry speaks with one voice to political institutions at the national, European and international level.
The BDI communicates the interests of German industry to those in positions of political responsibility all over the world. In this way it supports enterprises engaged in global competition. The BDI commands a wide network in Germany and Europe, in all important markets and international organizations. The BDI provides political back-up for the opening up of international markets. And it offers information and economic policy advice on all topics relevant to industry.
INDIA
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the growth of industry in India, partnering industry and government alike through advisory and consultative processes. CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry led and industry managed organisation, playing a proactive role in India’s development process. Founded over 116 years ago, it is India’s premier business association, with a direct membership of over 8100 organisations from the private as well as public sectors, including SMEs and MNCs, and an indirect membership of over 90,000 companies from around 400 national and regional sectoral associations. CII catalyses change by working closely with government on policy issues, enhancing efficiency, competitiveness and expanding business opportunities for industry through a range of specialised services and global linkages. It also provides a platform for sectoral consensus building and networking. Major emphasis is laid on projecting a positive image of business, assisting industry to identify and execute corporate citizenship programmes. Partnerships with over 120 NGOs across the country carry forward CII’s initiatives in integrated and inclusive development, which include health, education, livelihood, diversity management, skill development and water, to name a few. CII has taken up the agenda of “Business for Livelihood” for the year 2011-12. This converges the fundamental themes of spreading growth to disadvantaged sections of society, building skills for meeting emerging economic compulsions, and fostering a climate of good governance. In line with this, CII is placing increased focus on Affirmative Action, Skills Development and Governance during the year. With 63 offices including 10 Centres of Excellence in India, and 7 overseas offices in Australia, China, France, Singapore, South Africa, UK, and USA, as well as institutional partnerships with 224 counterpart organisations in 90 countries, CII serves as a reference point for Indian industry and the international business community.
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and
Industry (FICCI)
Established in 1927, FICCI is the largest and oldest apex business organisation in India. Its history is closely interwoven with India’s struggle for independence and its subsequent emergence as one of the most rapidly growing economies globally. FICCI plays a leading role in policy debates that are at the forefront of social, economic and political change. Through its 400 professionals, FICCI is active in 44 sectors of the economy. FICCI’s stand on policy issues is sought out by think tanks, governments and academia. Its publications are widely read for their in-depth research and policy prescriptions. FICCI has joint business councils with 79 countries around the world.
A non-government, not-for-profit organisation, FICCI is the voice of India’s business and industry. FICCI has direct membership from the private as well as public sectors, including SMEs and MNCs, and an indirect membership of around 2,50,000 companies from regional chambers of commerce.
FICCI works closely with the government on policy issues, enhancing efficiency, competitiveness and expanding business opportunities for industry through a range of specialised services and global linkages. It also provides a platform for sector specific consensus building and networking.
Partnerships with countries across the world carry forward our initiatives in inclusive development, which encompass health, education, livelihood, governance, skill development, etc. FICCI serves as the first port of call for Indian industry and the international business community.
ITALY
Confindustria (CONFINDUSTRIA)
Founded in 1910, Confindustria is the main organisation representing Italian manufacturing and services companies. A total of 149.288 companies of all sizes – employing a total of 5.516.975 workers – are voluntary members of the organisation. The fundamental value underlying Confindustria’s activities is the belief that free enterprise and free economic activity, within the framework of a market economy, are key factors for the growth and development of society as a whole. In its by-laws, Confindustria pledges to contribute to Italy’s economic and social growth by cooperating with both Italian and international political institutions and economic, social and cultural organisations. To this end, Confindustria represents the interests of Italian companies to leading political and administrative institutions, including parliament, the government, trade unions and other social partners.
JAPAN
Keidanren/Japan Business Federation (KEIDANREN)
Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) is a comprehensive economic organization born in May 2002 by amalgamation of Keidanren (Japan Federation of Economic Organizations) and Nikkeiren (Japan Federation of Employers’ Associations). Its membership of 1,603 is comprised of 1,281 companies, 127 industrial associations, and 47 regional economic organizations (as of June 15, 2011). Its mission is to accelerate growth of Japan’s and world economy and to strengthen the corporations to create value to transform Japanese economy into one that is sustainable and driven by the private sector, by encouraging the idea of individuals and local communities. Keidanren, for this purpose, shall establish timely consensus and work towards resolution of a variety of issues concerning Japanese business community. Meanwhile, it will communicate with its stakeholders including political leaders, administrators, labor unions, and citizens at large. It will urge its members to adhere to Charter of Corporate Behavior and Global Environment Charter, in order to recover public confidence in businesses. It will also attempt to resolve international problems and to deepen economic relations with other countries through policy dialogue with governments, business groups and concerned international organizations.
MEXICO
Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE)
COMCE is the initiative of the Mexican private sector to have an organization dedicated to promote foreign trade, investment and the development of technology. The national organization of COMCE was integrated in 1999 as a result of the merger of two private sector organizations: the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Affairs (CEMAI) which had been created in the 50’s, and the National Council for Foreign Trade (CONACEX).
COMCE is a private, non-profit organization representing the Mexican business sector in the international area. It plays a leading role in the promotion and implementation of policies designed to help Mexican companies insert effectively into globalization. Promotes Mexican exports, foreign direct investment to Mexico and technology transfer and development.
COMCE bases its operation in about 70 bilateral business committees with different countries, maintaining and developing the objectives of COMCE with any given country. Bilateral business committees are composed of business leaders with extensive international experience, which aim to promote the business interests of Mexico in the respective country.
Create and develop business relationships with similar organizations abroad as an efficient instrument to unify international policies and actions of the Mexican private sector.
Confederacion Patronal de la Republica Mexicana (COPARMEX)
Union for Employers who become members at their own will. It represents all sectors businessmen’s interests. Through this association, entrepreneurs seek to be represented within the labor and social environments. Free association of above 36K members, speak for itself of the Union’s independence, strength and moral authority. COPARMEX’s mission is to strive by means of the union and representation of voluntarily affiliated businessmen, for a culture of entrepreneurial excellence, for the foundation of a socially responsible market. Economy and for the participation of citizenship in favor of a fairer and freer Mexico, prosperous and respectful of the human being, the truth and law, and therefore fitter to pursue a general welfare and to fight against misery. COPARMEX is an unavoidable icon for the entrepreneurial sector and for society in general because of its significant contribution to the country’s business development and competitiveness, for its doctrine, congruence and leadership together with its summoning capacity, as well as for its proposal and influence, for its presence and for possessing assets of its own that ensure its permanence and independence.
RUSSIA
Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP)
The Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs /RSPP/ is an independent non-governmental organization. The Union has a membership base of over 120 regional alliances and industry associations representing key industries of the economy, including the fuel and energy industry, the machine-building industry, the investment-banking sector as well as the military industrial complex, the building industry, the chemical industry, and light and food industries. The RSPP has in its ranks more than 328 thousand members representing industrial, scientific, financial and commercial organizations and individual members in all Russian regions.
The RSPP initiates new bill drafts and makes continuous efforts to improve the existing legislation, including such areas as taxation, de bureaucratization of the economy, small and medium business development, liberalization of foreign exchange regulation and the customs policy, legal, pension, and banking reforms, science and industry, investment policies, the natural monopoly reform and the agro-industrial complex. It maintains regular contacts with authorities at the federal and regional level to keep them informed about the efficiency of applicable laws and to protect the interests of industrialists and entrepreneurs. It holds round tables, forums, conferences and public discussions on key issues of business development in Russia; participates in business clubs, associations, committees and commissions to present the views of the business community, to resolve jointly the problems of cooperation between companies and to maintain effective contacts among RSPP members, including enterprises, industry associations, and regional alliances.
RSPP develops regular bilateral and multilateral relations with business community organizations in other countries; provides assistance to Russian businessmen in developing their export capabilities, overcomes discriminatory restrictions on export of goods and services from Russia and attracts foreign investments for domestic production development.
RSPP coordinates, through the medium of International Council for Cooperation and Investment, efforts of Russian companies and companies with foreign capital in improving the Russian investment climate, especially in the spheres of technical regulation and licensing, customs regulation, taxation, capital markets, regional investments. It facilitates efforts of Russian companies in their investment and trade activities abroad.
RSPP keeps the general public informed of the place and role of the Russian business in carrying out the prosperity-oriented reforms through public activities, including exhibitions, presentations and awards (Best Russian Enterprises, High Social Efficiency Organization) and through ongoing interaction with the mass media.
SAUDI ARABIA
Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC)
The vision of the Council of Saudi Chambers is to have a notable role in the development of the national economy through the cooperation and coordination with the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the business sector and all relevant entities in accordance with the general directions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Council cooperates closely with the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry and assists in the protection, preservation and development of the business sector in the Saudi Arabia. It acts as a leading partner in the nation’s development process, and helps preserve its human and financial resources as per the Islamic values. The Council for Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry is the official federation for the 28 Saudi Chambers. The Council was formed as per the Royal Decree # R/6 dated 30/04/1400 Hijri (March 1980) with its head office in Riyadh. Its main objective is to observe the common interests of the Saudi Chambers, represent them on local and international levels and assist in the enhancement of the private sector’s role in the development of the national economy. When the Council formed its executive arm, the General Secretariat of the Council, it started its actual tasks as of 1401 H (1981). Since then, the Council took good strides towards the realization of the objectives assigned to it.
The key role of the Council is to serve the common interests of the Saudi Chambers, support the development of the private sector and enhance its role in the national development.
The Council has managed, through the support of the Chambers and relevant government authorities, to realize a large portion of its objectives in different fields.
SOUTH AFRICA
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA)
BUSA aims to ensure that organised business plays a constructive role, within the context of the country ’s economic growth, development and transformation goals, in achieving an environment in which businesses of all sizes and in all sectors can thrive, expand and be competitive both nationally and internationally. BUSA aims to be a unified and fully representative organisation that contributes to a vibrant, transforming and growing economy in South Africa.
SOUTH KOREA
Federation of Korean Industries (FKI)
The Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) was established in 1961 to advance the national economy through realization of a market economy and embodiment of entrepreneurship.
By helping rational industrial relations firmly take root, and voicing alternatives to the government to ease regulations on corporate activities, the Federation has been devoting itself to improving the management environment with a view to enhancing national competitiveness. Being proactive in conducting private business diplomacy, and taking the lead in facilitating globalization of its members, it has been aggressive in promoting their international business. On top of this, by alerting domestic businesses to a need for corporate social responsibility (CSR), it is now committed to encouraging them to be more actively involved in philanthropic programs, and to remain more faithful to ethical and transparent management practices.
Major Activities:
– Proposing alternatives for national economic progress.
– Strengthening industrial competitiveness and foster new growth engines.
– Improving corporate management environment.
– Spreading principles of a market economy, business ethics, transparency, and win-win strategies.
– Strengthening private business cooperation and supported global operations of Korean businesses.
SPAIN
Confederation of Employers and Industries of Spain (CEOE),
The Confederation of Employers and Industries of Spain (CEOE), founded in 1977, is the major representative institution of the Spanish business community, with a voluntary membership of over one million companies whose affiliation to the CEOE is channelled through business organizations on territorial basis (autonomous regions, provinces), business organizations on activity basis (agriculture, industry and services) and enterprises.
Smaller firms are represented by the Spanish Confederation of Small and Medium-Sized companies Enterprises (CEPYME), a national organization which is a member of the CEOE.
CEOE is a principal negotiator, defending its member’s interest at regional, national and European level and being the spokesman with the government, public administrations, unions and other economic, political and social powers.
CEOE and CEPYME, as the most representative employer organizations, play a major role in the social dialogue, including participation in all kind of tripartite and bipartite bodies and consultative processes. They are formally represented in more than forty institutions and commissions, such as the Spanish Economic and Social Council and the European Economic and Social Committee in which CEOE coordinates the Spanish business representation.
CEOE and CEPYME are also part of the advising board of the Tripartite Foundation for Training in Employment which is the state entity in charge of promoting and coordinating the execution of public policies in the field of continuing training. It is responsible for the functions of management, technical support, follow-up and control of training initiatives dealing with permanent training and refreshment courses for employed workers, thus contributing to their promotion and to the competitiveness of companies.
CEOE carries out ongoing analyses of the Spanish economy and the social and labour situation, addressed to their affiliates and society at large.
Since its founding, the CEOE has been extremely active internationally, a fact proved by its presence in many international forums and bodies, as well as by the working relationship it maintains with similar organizations the world over.
The CEOE is a member of the following major international economic and employers´ institutions: International Employers´ Organization (IEO), International Labour Office (ILO), The Confederation of European Business (BUSINESSEUROPE), Business and Industrial Advisory Committee to OECD (BIAC). Another of the CEOE’s primary concerns is the world of culture, arts, research and education. The CEOE Foundation was created in 1984 for the purpose of contributing to the impetus, promotion and development of science and culture in the broadest sense. The Confederation, as well, devotes special attention to perfecting business management techniques through a programme covering a wide range of courses and seminars for executives that are offered in its training centres on a regular basis. It also organizes several programmes that, in conjunction with various academic and professional institutions, are intended for young students who wish to begin a business career or gain a certificate in business related disciplines.
TURKEY
Turkish Industry and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD)
TÜSİAD is a voluntary based civil society organization established by Turkish industrialists and businessmen in 1971 in order to represent the business world. TÜSİAD aims to contribute to the formation and development of a social order based on the adoption of the universal principles of human rights, freedom of thought, belief and action, a secular state of law, as well as the concepts of participatory democracy, a liberal economy, the rules and regulations of a competitive market economy and environmental sustainability. TÜSİAD works to achieve the realization of the main objectives stated above based on the belief that businessmen, working in line with the targets and principles of Turkey’s reaching and surpassing the norms of contemporary civilization and holding to the equality of men and women in politics, the economy and education, comprise a pioneering and enterprising group in society. As the representative organization of the Turkish business world working for public interest, TÜSİAD strives to support entrepreneurial activities in conformity with the universal principles of business ethics; TÜSİAD constantly aims for progress and enhancement based upon continuous improvements in Turkey’s competitiveness, social welfare, employment and productivity, as well as the country’s capacity for renewal and the scope and quality of education and training during the globalization process.
TÜSİAD contributes to the formation of national economic policies by correctly evaluating regional and sectoral potentials in Turkey’s economic and social development in an environment in which social peace, compromise and reconciliation are maintained. TÜSİAD contributes to the promotion of Turkey in the global context and supports the EU accession process through efforts to develop international political, economic, social and cultural relations as well as communication, representative and cooperative networks. TÜSİAD conducts research, forms views and develops projects and activities in the context of accelerating international integration and interaction as well as regional and local development.
TÜSİAD aims to encourage and develop a unity of thought and action on behalf of the Turkish business world in line with these objectives through the direct and indirect dissemination of its views and recommendations to the Turkish parliament, government, other states, international organizations and public opinion through the media and other means.
UNITED KINGDOM
CBI
The CBI’s mission is to help create and sustain the conditions in which businesses in the UK can compete and prosper for the benefit of all. CBI is the UK’s leading business organisation that campaigns for a competitive policy landscape for companies in the UK, the EU and on the wider international stage. The CBI’s strength lies in its breadth of membership, representing over 240,000 companies of every size and from every sector. With offices across the UK as well as in Brussels, Washington DC, New Delhi and Beijing, the CBI provides its members with representation around the world.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
US CHAMBER
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions. Members range from mom-and-pop shops and local chambers to leading industry associations and large corporations. They all share one thing in common—they count on the Chamber to be their voice in Washington, D.C. The Chamber works with more than 1,500 volunteers from member corporations, organizations, and the academic community who serve on committees, subcommittees, task forces, and councils to develop and implement policy on major issues affecting business. In almost every instance, significant policy and public issue positions originate with one of these Chamber components. The U.S. Chamber has one overarching mission—to strengthen the competitiveness of the U.S. economy. The focus is on 10 key challenges: Capital Markets; Economy and Taxes; Education and Workforce; Energy and Environment; Health Care; Infrastructure; Intellectual Property; Labor; Legal Reform; and Trade.