ICC Syria E- Newsletter - October 2024 Edition Sponsored by Fransabank Syria

ICC Global Town Hall with ICC Chair Philippe Varin, 17 September 2024 (Virtual)

With representatives from close to 80 ICC National Committees, including ICC Syria’s Chair, Secretary General, and Administrative Consultant| International Affairs Coordinator.

ICC Chair and Secretary General have led the meeting.

In his address to the NCs, Mr. Varin declared that his aim for ICC is to achieve maximum impact by focusing on a few key goals, with the engagement of everyone at ICC – at headquarters and across the network. This is the purpose of the ICC Roadmap and the ICC Way, which the ICC Executive Board endorsed last June. 

He also shared the main takeaways during the session, which are:

1. Reducing trade frictions

With the support of NCs, ICC is looking to address three critical areas: (i) international taxation frameworks, (ii) the implementation of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, and (iii) export barriers restricting access to critical materials. In parallel, we will continue to work with NCs for the implementation into local laws of the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) and the testing of the ICC DSI standards in at least 10 trade corridors. 

2. Accelerating the green transition
To help unleash the massive investment required to accelerate the green transition, our two priority areas will be (i) climate finance, including the greening of trade finance and (ii) the development of standards to increase the reliability of carbon markets. We will also promote voluntary pledges across industries. Our success will hinge on the NC network’s support to convey our messages and champion our initiatives locally ahead of COP29 in Azerbaijan and COP30 in Brazil.

3. Recruiting corporate members
ICC HQ will soon make available a brand-new “pitch” to help NCs articulate the global value proposition of ICC to companies from all sizes and sectors. Meanwhile, NCs are welcome to share with ICC HQ their list of target companies and suggest ways ICC HQ can help you with your recruitment objectives.

4. Providing concrete support to SMEs
All NCs will be invited to take part in our upcoming ICC One-Click campaign to raise awareness of SMEs on the ICC trade tools and services that support their international operations. We also will consult you as we seek to identify emerging pain points of SMEs in international trade and develop the next generation of ICC products to facilitate trade across borders.

5. Running a successful NC
Four success factors can be highlighted to build a vibrant NC: (i) a strong and dedicated team (ii) a diverse and well-connected NC Board (iii) a partnership mindset and regular engagement with members, chambers, other business groups and government, and (iv) the generation of income through the active promotion of ICC products.