The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Mr Zeph Ndlovu and the CEO, Mrs Dumile Cele were part of the South African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) contingent at the 9th Bi-annual International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), World Chambers Federation Congress in Torino, Italy (10 - 12 June 2015). The delegation was led by the SACCI President, Mr Vusi Khumalo. Durban was once again recognised for having been the host city for the 4th World Chambers Congress in 2007.  

The World Chambers Congress brings chamber leadership from around the world together under the banner of the ICC WCF to discuss issues of global trade as a driver of growth, job creation and sustainability. The conference agenda items aimed at getting to the heart of matters affecting chambers, entrepreneurs and society in general were drawn from the theme of “Community, Identity and Global Vision.

The session is also used for business to consolidate contributions for the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) trade negotiations under the B20 (i.e. the business component of the G20), currently chaired by Turkey and led by Ambassador Rifat Hisarcikioglu. The next round of the WTO negotiations will take place in Kenya in November 2015. South Africa is preparing to have its own consultation phase for B20 input in September this year alongside the SACCI Annual Convention, to be held in Johannesburg. The Durban Chamber will solicit input from the business community prior to this meeting to ensure that local business sentiment is adequately represented within the national position and as such brought to the WTO trade negotiations.

The ICC WCF also considered the Chamber Charter on sustainable development based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The 21st century calls for Business to take the lead in the harmonisation of socio economic development and economic prosperity of society.

Also focusing on the needs of SMEs, the Congress programme was designed to equip cambers with the knowledge, skills and know-how needed to support their businesses, to foster sustainable economic development and trade. From operations, doing business, finance, digitalization and innovation, the congress delivered value for everyone. The last evening culminated in the recognition of the winning projects for the 2015 edition of the World Chambers Competition which includes: best policy project; best job creation and business development project; best unconventional project and best corporate social responsibility project. Mrs Dumile Cele was one of the presenters at this auspicious Gala Dinner held at the Royal Palace of Venaria, Italy.

The Durban Chamber aims to continue being the voice of business not only locally but nationally and indeed, internationally. 

Released by: Dumile Cele â€" CEO of Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Zeph Ndlovu â€" President of Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry

For enquiries contact Alta Keyter: keytera@durbanchamber.co.za