List of foreign Chambers of Commerce in the Philippines

What are the foreign Chambers of Commerce in the Philippines?

The foreign Chambers of Commerce in the Philippines are business groups that link overseas companies with the local market, offering members networking, market entry help, and advocacy support.

• They connect foreign firms with Philippine partners and clients.
• They offer market entry, research, and networking services.
• Many also push for reforms that improve the business climate.

Chamber of Commerce – Philippines

Foreign Chambers of Commerce play a big role in growing business in the Philippines. In addition, they share useful information and offer practical help. So they are a great first stop for companies that plan to outsource to the country.

Top foreign Chambers of Commerce of The Philippines

• American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham)
• British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP)
• Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines (ANZCHAM)
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (CanCham)
• European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP)
• French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines (CCI France-Philippines)
• Philippines Norway Business Council (PNBC)
• Philippine-Swiss Business Council (PSBC)
• Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCPI)
• Spanish Chamber of Commerce (La Cámara)
• NordCham Philippines
• German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI)
• Philippine-Russian Business Assembly (PRBA)
• Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines (KCCP)
• Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Phils. Inc. (FICCI)
• Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII)

American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham)

Overall, AmCham has served businesses in the Philippines for over a hundred years. In addition, it leads many development efforts that tackle current and future business issues. It also shares industry information through publications and events.

The group began as the Manila Coffee Round Table. Later, it became the Manila Merchants Association. Its name has changed over the years. Even so, its core purpose stays the same: to serve Philippine and American business interests while it helps the country develop.

AmCham advocacies and programs

AmCham runs many sector committees that give it a full view of the Philippine business scene. These committees let American and non-American firms promote shared goals. As a result, they help build a stronger business environment.

The committees span areas like agribusiness, energy, healthcare, technology, infrastructure, manufacturing, and tourism. The Chamber also leads several projects, including:

• The Integrity Initiative: a private-sector drive to raise ethical standards so honest firms can compete fairly.
• The Filipino-American Memorial Endowment: a non-profit that preserves reminders of shared World War II history.
• The Business Leadership Program: a chance for student leaders to see top American and multinational firms at work.
• The American Desk at the Board of Investments: pre-investment help and a liaison for American investors.
• The Arangkada Philippines Project: an effort to grow key sectors through reform advocacy.
• The American Chamber Foundation: a link between AmCham members and credible NGOs for social projects.

In addition, the Chamber publishes business journals and holds regular events. These include luncheon meetings, networking nights, and member mixers. In addition, it has an office in Metro Manila plus chapters in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. For more, visit http://www.amchamphilippines.com/.

British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP)

Meanwhile, the BCCP represents hundreds of member companies and a wide network of executives. In fact, its members come from multinational firms and small and midsized businesses.

The BCCP began in 1997 as the British Business Association. It took its current name in 2001. Overall, its aim is to support the business and social interests of its members. So it acts as the voice of the British business community in the country.

To help members, the Chamber runs many business and social events. It also shares updates on economic, tax, and legal topics. In addition, it helps UK firms promote their brand through listings and speaking slots. It is part of the Britain in South East Asia (BiSEA) network too. As a result, members can join events and advertise across the region at member rates.

BCCP services and programs

The BCCP offers UK firms a range of services, such as:

• Business opportunities sourced from across the country.
• Contact and introduction services, plus B2G and B2B referrals.
• Event management for product launches and networking events.
• Short-term hot desk and meeting room facilities.
• Market entry consultancy, research, and expansion support.
• Access to a network of member and non-member professionals.
• Product regulation and labelling advice for market entry.
• Translation, interpretation, and cultural services.

In addition, there are four membership types: Platinum, Gold, Corporate, and Individual. Each one offers benefits like sponsorship, website links, directory listings, and advertising. For more, visit http://www.britcham.org.ph/.

Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines (ANZCHAM)

Overall, ANZCHAM is the top Australian and New Zealand business group in the country. It is one of the oldest and most active Chambers here. So it visibly supports business ties between the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, the group keeps close contact among its members. It also builds strong links with partners in both the public and private sectors. It began in 1974 as the Australian Business Group for Australian entrepreneurs in Manila. In 1982, it registered as the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Philippines. Finally, the New Zealand part was added in 1986.

Membership to the ANZCHAM

ANZCHAM welcomes new members and offers several membership levels. Corporate membership suits firms with business ties across the three countries. Associate membership is for affiliates or non-profit bodies.

Provincial membership fits firms based more than 100 km from Manila. Individual membership is open to people not tied to a member company. Younger professionals and retirees have their own levels too. On behalf of members, the ANZCHAM:

• Runs activities that reflect best practices in corporate social responsibility.
• Gathers and shares business information and helps exchange ideas across the three countries.
• Supports members on their specific trade or investment issues.
• Builds links between Chambers and private bodies in the three countries.
• Makes representations to the three governments and other groups.
• Promotes trade practices that ease business operations.
• Promotes trade and investment among the three countries.

ANZCHAM sectoral committees

In addition, the Chamber has three sectoral committees. For example, the largest is the Resources Development Committee. It supports mining firms with interests in the Philippines. So it advises investors, communities, and other parties.

Next, the BPO and IT Services committee supports providers and clients in the BPO industry. It also works with government bodies. Last, the Infrastructure Committee represents members in engineering, construction, and consultancy. To join, visit http://anzcham.com/.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (CanCham)

CanCham represents and promotes Canada-Philippines business interests. Established in 1989, this non-profit group is open to Canadian, Philippine, and third-country members with such interests.

Overall, CanCham aims to improve the Philippine business environment. It runs its own projects and backs advocacies under the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce (JFC). Some of its top priorities are:

• Boosting long-term power and water supply, including waste-to-energy programs.
• Strengthening anti-corruption measures and faster corruption trials.
• Reforming the judicial sector to be more efficient and predictable.
• Supporting responsible mining through proper regulation.
• Upgrading airports and seaports to boost trade and tourism.

CanCham membership and benefits

In addition, the Chamber has three membership categories: regular, affiliate, and honorary. Only regular members can vote and hold office. Regular members split into corporate, major corporate, and non-corporate types.

There are also four classes of affiliate members. These cover firms and professionals based outside the Philippines, plus student members. Overall, members get a market orientation, local service provider information, and access to trade missions. For more, visit http://cancham.com.ph/.

European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP)

The ECCP promotes European interests in the Philippines, and the other way around too. It has a strong network of hundreds of members. The ECCP gives members and clients professional services, such as:

• Client and supplier contact: connect firms with clients and suppliers in the Philippines or Europe.
• Distributor and agent database: access to relevant business contacts.
• Partner search: match with a potential partner in the Philippines or Europe.
• Market scanning: information about the market for a product or service.

For more about the ECCP and its services, visit http://www.eccp.com/.

French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines (CCI France-Philippines)

The CCI France-Philippines began in 1988 as a self-sustaining non-profit group. As such, it relies on its own members and services. Its goal is to promote business ties between the two countries. In addition, it serves many members and belongs to a worldwide network of French Chambers.

For example, the Chamber holds monthly events and sports tournaments. So members and non-members can celebrate French culture and build ties. It also provides market studies, exhibition help, and partner search services. In addition, it runs industry trainings, workshops, and trade missions. For more, visit http://www.ccifrance-philippines.org/.

Philippines Norway Business Council (PNBC)

In addition, the PNBC was set up in January 2011. In fact, it grew from a shared effort by the Norwegian business community in the Philippines. Its main aim is to promote business between the Philippines and Norway. The Chamber serves its members by:

• Raising issues with the Royal Norwegian Embassy as an advisory board.
• Working with the right bodies in the Philippines.
• Leading talks on issues that affect business and trade.
• Promoting trade between the two countries.
• Sharing information with firms in Norway that want to do business here.
• Representing Norwegian firms at official events and Norway-Asia summits.

More about the PNBC is on its website, http://www.pnbc.ph/.

Philippine-Swiss Business Council (PSBC)

In fact, the PSBC began in 2003 as a channel to grow trade between the Philippines and Switzerland. It came from a joint agreement between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, its members come from a mix of large and small firms across many sectors. Membership is open to Philippine firms that trade, or plan to trade, with Switzerland. To learn more, visit http://www.philippineswissbusiness.com/.

Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCPI)

Established in 2011, the ICCPI is a non-profit group that eases business ties between Italy and the Philippines. As such, it supports firms on both sides. In addition, it works to spot and study issues that affect the economy and trade of both countries.

Besides trade, the Chamber also promotes culture and helps create jobs. It offers many services, such as market research and company registration help. In addition, it provides importer and distributor lists, hosts trade shows, and runs trainings. For more, visit https://iccpi.org.ph/.

Spanish Chamber of Commerce (La Cámara)

In fact, La Cámara is one of the pioneer chambers of commerce in the Philippines. It was set up in 1899 to widen its members’ business chances. It also works to grow the economic bond between the Philippines and Spain.

La Cámara has a wide local network and strong ties to the worldwide Spanish Chamber of Commerce. As a result, members get local and global expansion chances. It also runs trade fairs, product shows, and fellowship lunches. For its current events, visit http://www.lacamaramanila.com/.

NordCham Philippines

Once known as the Nordic Business Council Philippines, NordCham began in 2012. Its purpose is to unite the Nordic-Philippine business community. It promotes ties between the Philippines and the Nordic and Baltic countries.

In fact, the Chamber has a large membership, which makes it one of the biggest Nordic Chambers in Asia. For example, it represents SMEs, startups, and major firms across many industries. In recent years, it has run dozens of consultation assignments for Nordic firms. Its services include market studies, trade matches, market visits, and government relations. For more, visit http://nordcham.com.ph.

German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI)

Overall, the GPCCI is the official voice of German firms in the Philippines. Established in 2008, it runs member activities. In addition, it helps firms enter the Philippine market. Its services include:

• Market entry: help to find a local sales or sourcing partner.
• Career and HR services: help to recruit reliable staff.
• Trade fair services: events that help firms find new contacts.
• Event management services: ideas for launching new products or firms.
• Support program: business missions that promote German trade.

Read more about the GPCCI on http://philippinen.ahk.de/.

Philippine-Russian Business Assembly (PRBA)

In fact, the PRBA is made up of many companies from the Philippines and Russia. It represents industries such as construction, energy, finance, mining, and tourism.

Besides its member network, the Chamber also works with local chambers in both countries. Over the years, it has hosted many events to build business and cultural ties. These include business forums, trade missions, exhibitions, and cultural festivals. See the details of these events on http://prbai.com/.

Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines (KCCP)

Overall, the KCCP is the official voice of businesses tied to Korean firms and people in the Philippines. Established in 1994, its mission is to serve Korean business here. It also works to create a more investor-friendly climate. In addition, the Chamber offers three membership types:

1. Corporate: firms in the Philippines owned by Korean citizens.
2. Associate: firms or people of any nationality with ties to Korean firms.
3. Special member: individuals or firms regardless of nationality.

To join or learn more, visit http://www.kccp.ph/.

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Phils. Inc. (FICCI)

The FICCI is another pioneer foreign chamber in the country. It was set up in 1951 to promote the interests of the Filipino-Indian business community. Still, more than half a century later, it actively represents its members. Meanwhile, it holds a general meeting every two months. It also helps the community through medical missions and relief work. Read more on http://www.ficci.com.ph/.

Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII)

The FFCCCII was set up in 1954. Overall, its goal is to devote time, talent, and resources to projects that aid the country’s growth. In fact, its name reflects the impact of its members on the national economy.

Besides representing members, the FFCCCII also joins charity and civic work. In this way, it shows it is a leading group that cares about social and cultural interests. Read more about its activities on http://www.ffcccii.org/.

Frequently asked questions

What is a foreign Chamber of Commerce?

A foreign Chamber of Commerce is a business group that links overseas firms with a host country. In the Philippines, it helps foreign companies find partners and clients. It also offers market entry help, research, and networking. Many also advocate for reforms.

Why are foreign Chambers of Commerce important in the Philippines?

They connect foreign firms with the local market. As a result, companies can outsource and expand with less risk. They also share useful information on tax, trade, and law. In addition, many push for a better business climate.

How do foreign Chambers help companies that outsource?

They offer market research, partner searches, and local contacts. So a firm can find providers and set up operations faster. Many also run trade missions and networking events. This helps new entrants build ties quickly.

How do you join a foreign Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines?

Most Chambers offer several membership levels for firms and individuals. First, check the type that fits your business. Then apply through the Chamber’s website. Each level comes with its own benefits and fees.

Which foreign Chambers of Commerce operate in the Philippines?

Many operate here, including AmCham, BCCP, ANZCHAM, CanCham, and ECCP. Others include the French, Italian, Spanish, German, Korean, Indian, and Chinese chambers. Together, they cover a wide range of countries and industries.

Key takeaways

• Foreign Chambers of Commerce link overseas firms with the Philippine market.
• They offer market entry, research, networking, and advocacy support.
• Each Chamber serves a specific country or region and its industries.
• Most offer several membership levels with their own benefits.
• They are a useful first stop for companies that plan to outsource here.