NEWSLETTERNon Periodical Publication / July - August 2010 InternationalIInternattional Chamber of Commerce -

Attar: Italy could be a bridge for all of Europe to Syria

Abdul Aziz- , General Director of the Syrian Investment Agency, Mohammad Saad Al-Imad, President of the Chamber of Tourism in and Mrs. Sonia Kachicho, Secretary General of the Syrian Gastronomy Association. The opening session concluded with a lecture and presentation by Luigi Genuardi, president of the Italian delegation, Board Member of Directors of Palermo Chamber of Commerce. The lecture entitled ‘Sicily and its entrepreneurial world’ - presented a brief on the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Handicrafts and Agriculture in Palermo. The International Chamber of Commerce -Syria (ICC-Syria), in cooperation with the Syrian Federation of Chambers of Commerce, held the First Conference of Commerce in June 8, 2010 at the Dedeman Hotel - Damascus at the presence of a high-level Italian commercial delegation. Dr. Abdul Rahman Attar, President ICCS, stressed that his country would move forward with a giant step in adopting Italy as a portal of Syrian exports to Europe. Attar explained that Italy could be a bridge for all of Europe to Syria and that Syria is the best suited for the Mediterranean relationship. Attar described the conference as a ‘type’ for the beginning of joint work Later on, and during four main roundtables, the between the Syrian and Italian companies, saying that participants discussed strategies of cooperation, the Italian machine is present at every factory in Syria. cultural goods, restoration’s techniques and Mohammad Ghassan Al Qallaa, President of the handicraft, agro-food sector and tourism and Syrian Federation of Chambers of Commerce pointed environment and fisheries. out that the commercial relations between Syria and The following day, the Italian delegation visited Italy are firmly-established where signing of the first Chamber of Commerce. A conference was held at trade deal between the two countries was in 1950. the headquarters of the chamber. The conference In turn, Achille Amerio, the Italian Ambassador in was attended by Adel Tayara, President of Homs Syria, stressed on the depth of economic relations Chamber of Commerce, Labib al-Ekhwan, President between the two countries, adding that Syria plays an of Homs Chamber of Industry, and Mohammed important and vital role especially since it is a transit Azzam al Jondi, President of the Chamber of Tourism point for all the economic activities. (Mid Syria). The conference also was attended by a The opening session was attended by Dr. Ahmad number of Syrian interested businessmen.

P.O.Box: 2908 / Tel. : + 963 - 11 - 3344391 / 2 - Fax: + 963 - 11 - 3344393 / E-mail: [email protected] / www.icc-syria.net MED Digital starts its activities in Syria, Lebanon and Morocco

Carles Revilla, a Spanish web as a key and efficient mean to expert, visited Syria on May 17 promote and market the products and and 18, 2010, during which he services of SMEs in MED countries. held official meeting with Dr. Basel The EU had contracted with al-Khashi, Deputy Minister of several of bodies to implement Communication, and Dr. Rakan the project during the third call Razzouk Chairman of the Syrian of the Invest in Med project. the Computer Society- SCS. contractors include: ICC Syria, Revilla paid a number of visits to the Syrian Enterprise & Business leading Syrian companies working Centre (SEBC), The Chamber of in the field of electronic solutions Commerce, Industry and Agriculture and the web. He also met with of Beirut and Mount Lebanon representatives of the regulatory (CCIAB), Estonia Chamber of Moroccan enterprises in the period committees and agencies which Commerce and Industry, ACC1O between 30 June and July 2, 2010. organize this sector. (Barcelona), CGEM (Morocco) The meeting aimed to diagnose the The headquarters of the Revilla also held several meetings status of internet in the country. International Chamber of with representatives of the Ministry Another point worth mentioning Commerce - Syria (ICC Syria) has of Economy and Trade in Lebanon, is that Phase 2 of the project will hosted workshops Revilla held experts and officials from the be launched during the first week with representatives of SMEs. Chamber, representatives of of October in the Estonian capital Revilla ’s visit to Syria comes under companies specialized in electronic Tallinn during which large scale the Phase 1 of the MED Digital solutions via the internet and workshops will be conducted to Project, which comprises situation a number of SMEs with prior train employees of partner centres diagnosis in MED countries (Syria, experience in using web solutions to (business support centres) from Lebanon and Morocco), has been promote their products and services, Syria, Lebanon and Morocco already launched. at the chamber’s headquarter on digital marketing instruments MED Digital Project – Development between May 19 and 21, 2010. services and provide them with of a new service in digital marketing In Morocco, The last stopping information on the new services –, which the EU funds 75% of its place in this Phase, Revilla held and on the mechanism designed to budget, aims to support and boost several meetings with members support SMEs and encourage the the use of electronic solutions and the and representatives of the Union of utilization of e marketing. U.S. – Arab Chamber of Commerce: There are competent private sector leaders in Syria who have the potential to become good business partners

David Hamod, President make American companies aware Board member of the NUSACC. and CEO of National U.S. - of best sectors in Syria. The meeting discussed a number Arab Chamber of Commerce Hamod said he found Syria of topics aimed at developing the (NUSACC), visited Syria between “encouraging”, describing the Syrian economic relations between the July 22 and 25, when he met with business community as “dynamic.” two countries. Syrian officials and a number of “This might come as a surprise to economic and trade leaders. most of the commercial leaders in the Hamod stressed that this is his U.S.,” he said, because “they do not first visit to Syria as President & fully understand the Syrian economy CEO of the National U.S.-Arab and the opportunities here.” Chamber of Commerce, adding During his visit, Hamod met with that the objective of his visit was Dr. Abdul Rahman Attar, President focused on identifying business of the International Chamber of opportunities in Syria in order to Commerce – Syria and Executive The First “Euro-Mediterranean Industry Forum”... 350 operations to serve the business community

With the participation of 250 union and industry leaders in the European Union and South Mediterranean countries, the first Euro-Mediterranean Industry Forum was launched with ‘Coalition and Investment Programme for the Mediterranean Forum’, which was held in Cairo on April 21-22, 2010. The investment map of the Southern Mediterranean has The mentioned projects, which are more than 350, are focused on been reviewed in addition serving the Euro-Mediterranean business community where 280 to the projects which the unions and chambers from both shores of the Mediterranean are MedAlliance is implementing in implementing them with a budget amounted to 12 million euros, cooperation with the European nine of them by a grant from the European Union. Union to support trade, industry The Syrian participation was represented by the attendance of and investment in the Euro- Dr. Abdul Rahman Attar, President of the International Chamber Mediterranean region. The of Commerce - Syria (ICC-Syria), and Mirna Nayfeh, Executive Euro-Mediterranean integration manager of ICC Syria. It is worth mentioning that MedAlliance strategy was developed as well. includes EuroChambres, ASCAME, ANIMA and BUSINESSMED. General Authority for Business Med discusses 2010 agenda

BusinessMed held it is General Assembly in Cairo on April 22, 2010, where the annual report for 2009 was discussed. The meeting discussed the developments of “ Invest in Med” project, and as has been the financial report for the year 2009, as ratified by the Board on the budget estimates for 2010. The meeting also listen to the notes of the assembly’s members on the report which contains the program for what remains for the professional organization created assembly’s activities and its results same year, where the participants thanks to the will, determination in all fields. emphasized the need for all and militancy of the federations’ The Syrian participation was parties to the success of these presidents of the twelve members represented by the attendance of activities. The meeting also and which aims at accelerating Dr. Abdul Rahman Attar, President discussed a number of matters the integration and the social of the International Chamber of relating to the constitution of the and economic development in Commerce - Syria (ICC-Syria). organization and membership. the region. The main objective The assembly discussed what The Union of Mediterranean of the organization is economic has been implemented of the Confederations of Enterprises integration within Europe and 2010 Plan, and reviewed the (BUSINESSMED) is a regional World economy. The second session of the “Mediterranean Dialogue” in Tunisia

Under the High Patronage Dr. Abdul Rahman Attar, President of H.E. President Mr. Zine El of the International Chamber of Abidine Ben Ali, President of the Commerce -Syria (ICC-Syria), Republic of Tunisia, the second participated in the session, which edition of the ‘Mediterranean included a significant number of Talks’ was set up under the slogan politics and economy decision ‘towards a common vision for the makers and representatives of Mediterranean region: Strategy, big regional companies in the projects and funding’ in Hammamet Mediterranean region. mainly on three principles: in Tunisia, on May 25 - 26, 2010. The session’s talks were aiming at creating foundations, The session was organized concentrated on providing an contributing in bringing the shores in collaboration between the analysis of the international of the Mediterranean and Eastern Institute of Economic Forecasting working groups to achieve a Europe closer, and finally creating of the Mediterranean world common diagnosis and make projects to achieve sustainable (IPEMed), Institut Arabe des Chefs recommendations for operating development. d’entreprise (IACE) and European which interest policy makers in Is noteworthy that the first version Institute of the Mediterranean the region. of ‘Mediterranean Talks’ was held in (IEMed). ‘Mediterranean Talks’ was focused Barcelona in 2008. Beirut International Franchise Forum and Exhibition

The Lebanese Franchise Association in opportunities for small and medium enterprises”. The cooperation with the General Union of Chambers conference also discussed issues such as developing of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for the Arab the franchising industry and in the international markets Countries organized Beirut International Franchise and the major challenges facing it. The conference also Forum on May 27 - 28, 2010. discussed financing the development and promotion of The forum called to explore the current franchising activity, franchise industry in the region situation of trade franchise of the and intellectual property rights. concession business and ways to Dr. Abdul Rahman Attar, President of the evaluate and develop it. Additionally, the International Chamber of Commerce -Syria conferees discussed the options available (ICC-Syria), chaired the Syrian delegation opportunities for joint action between the participating in the conference. Arab businessmen who have commercial That has participated in the conference, along privileges and among their international with a group of investors and Arab businessmen counterparts. and international seeking to expand in the During the conference, addressed several regional and international markets, a number issues highlighted in a lecture entitled “Franchisee of professional advisers in the Franchise, and .. A new vision of excellence in investment publishing houses specializing affairs itself. Mediterranean Economic Leaders Summit - Invest in Med conference in Barcelona

Participants in the Mediterranean Economic the contractors in the Mediterranean countries on the Leaders Summit, which was held on June 3, 2010 economic opportunities provided by the Union for the in Barcelona, called to the adoption of ambitious Mediterranean (UfM). The summit called in its concluding reforms to stimulate the private sector and statement to improve the competitiveness and to encourage investment in the Mediterranean region. promote small and medium projects as a driving force for The participants stressed on the need to complete economic development in the Euro-Mediterranean region. the Euro-Mediterranean free trade area, demanding The economic representatives urged the the reduction of protective measures and removing Mediterranean countries’ governments to work obstacles to cross-border trade. towards involving the private sector and encourage its The summit also has formed an opportunity to inform active participation in all policies established by UfM. In Jordan .. A seminar for the revised version of the Uniform Rules for Demand Guarantees (URDG)

The International Chamber completion processes. of Commerce - Jordan (ICC - The revised rules had enter into Jordan) held a seminar for the force on 1 July 2010. revised version of the Uniform In addition to workers at the Rules for Demand Guarantees banking sector, a group of experts (URDG) - bank guarantees - and financial managers has taken (URDG) on June 21, 2010. part at the seminar and a number The International Chamber of employees in insurance of Commerce –Syria has companies and shipping participated at that seminar with companies. a representative from the Arab The URDG, the first in 19 years, Bank of Syria. is considered the balanced The seminar reviewed a range of base to regulate the relationship topics including a review of some between the beneficiary and of the URDG rules, drafting of the bank issuer of the demand the demand guarantee, issuing a guarantee. It identifies the bank demand guarantee, amendments guarantee commitment towards to the demand guarantee text the beneficiary and clarifies the guarantee,g arantee and it clearly clearl reflects and guarantee operations, and mechanism of the beneficiary the international practices application, testing, payment and claim of his right of the demand followed in this regard. 15 - ICC Executive Board meeting in Hong Kong

participations at the G8 summit and G20 Summit as well. Dr. Abdul Rahman Attar, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Executive Board Member and, President of the of the International Chamber of Commerce - Syria (ICC-Syria), participated at the meetings. At the end meeting, Martin Wolf, The International Chamber number of issues related to the Associate Editor and Chief of Commerce (ICC) Executive World Chambers Federation. The Economics Commentator at Board held its meeting in Hong meeting also approved the financial the Financial Times, provided a Kong between June 27 and 30, accounts for the year 2009. presentation on the current global 2010. The ICC World Council elected economic events. The meeting discussed many Rajat Gupta Chairman of the ICC topics concerning the work of ICC and Stephen Green ICC Vice- commissions. In addition to ICC’s Chairman. The new leaders will plan of action for the next three stay in their new positions for years, the meeting discussed two year starting from June 1st. ICC’S financial report, relation Later on, the meeting appointed with the United Nations and dates new members of the ICC Court of for future meetings of the ICC’s Arbitration. Executive Board. The meeting also With developments in some ICC discussed the dispute resolution national committees, the meeting services offered by ICC and a discussed a report on the ICC’s Gupta and Green take the reins as ICC Chairman, Vice-Chairman, . Fung becomes ICC the ICC Research Foundation Chairman

ICC’s World Council the Board of the Indian School cited his company’s record on elected Rajat Kumar Gupta, of Business, Board of Associates environmental issues, noting Partner Emeritus of McKinsey of the Harvard Business School, that HSBC has become “carbon & Company, Chairman of ICC, Chairman Emeritus of the Global neutral” in its own business. and Stephen K. Green, HSBC Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and HSBC is the world’s largest Group Chairman, ICC Vice- Malaria, Chairman of the Public banking and financial services Chairman. Health Foundation of India. group, with more than 300,000

That was during ICC’s World Dr. Abdul Rahman Attar, ICC employees in 88 countries and Council’s meeting in Hong Kong Executive Board and the Arab territories. on July 29, 2010, which brought representative at the chamber, Green currently serves as HSBC together 80 of ICC’s business said that the Mr. Gupta, an Group Chairman, based in members from 45 countries. outstanding person, especially London, which is considered to be in his work field at the McKinsey the world’s largest banking and Rajat Gupta elected ICC & Company and his presence financial services group. Chairman 2010 – 2013 will support ICC’s attending in Green, who holds degrees Gupta who served as the United the major economic files in the from Oxford University and Nations Secretary-General’s world. Massachusetts Institute of Special Advisor on UN Reform Technology, has been working considered the ICC Chairmanship Stephen K. Green elected ICC with HSBC for 28 years. to be an ‘honour and an Vice-Chairman 2010 – 2013 Green began his career with the opportunity’ at the same time. Accepting the post of ICC Vice- British government’s Ministry Gupta, an Indian national who Chairman, Green said: “ICC of Overseas Development, and resides in the US, held a range has been a strong advocate of he is still serving on a number of top management posts at open markets and sustainable of private and governmental McKinsey during his 34 years with development. These are boards apart from his corporate the firm. He is also Chairman of principles I fully support.” He responsibilities. Victor K. Fung becomes ICC Honorary Chairman Victor K. Fung becomes ICC Honorary Chairman, the Chairman of the Li & Fung group of companies, becomes ICC Honorary Chairman following two years as ICC Chairman. Fung also will continue to serve as Chairman of the ICC Research Foundation which was founded under his chairmanship. Victor K. Fung Stephen K. Green Rajat Gupta

Leaders at ICC World Business Summit examine roles of business and trade in development of post-recession global economy

and organized by the International Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Trade Development Council in Hong Kong. Speakers and delegates at the summit agreed that trade, employment and sustainable development are key drivers of economic recovery and future growth. Victor K. Fung, Chairman of ICC, explained that following the financial crisis and economic downturn of 2008-2009, ICC felt it was important to talk about how the future global economy has been shaped by these events and what we can do to help ensure its stability and growth. The Summit also gave particular emphasis to Asia-Pacific, the driver of the global economy and the region that proved most resilient during the economic downturn. Green issues and sectors were key focus areas during the Summit. The Summit involved more than 400 participants, most of whom are senior management, business leaders and opinion leaders from around the region and the world.

Economic experts said that the world’s leaders are at an important crossroads as they tackle the question of how to press forward following the worst recession in decades. This came at the ICC World Business Summit in Hong Kong on June 30, 2010, titled “New Global Economic Realities: Asia-Pacific Perspectives”, organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The Global Business Summit held in Hong Kong on June 30, 2010, entitled “the new global economic realities: the perspective of Asia - Pacific,” International Chamber of Commerce Launches rules (Incoterms ® 2010)

A comprehensive insuranceinsura markets of the revised revision of ICC’s Incoterms rules InstituteInstitu Cargo Clauses (LMA/IUA) will come into effect on 1 January (2009).(2009 2011, a major step in helping Incoterms®Incot rules have been international trade professionals cclusteredlust more clearly under two ensure legal certainty and save grogroupsu -- those appropriate only both time and money. for mmaritime transport and those The new revision, the first in a aappropriatepp for sale contracts decade, reflects the profound whwheree any mode or modes of changes that have taken place trtransporta are used. in global trade since 2000. These TTheh new rules have been include the importance cargo securityrity dedeveloped to take into account has taken for many countries and thehe ththese changes as well as other 2004 revision of the United States’ ttrendsr in international commercial Uniform Commercial Code, which ppractices. The onward march of resulted in a deletion of the former US ccontainerization and point-to- shipment and delivery terms. point deliveries, for example, The revised Incoterms rules also persuaded ICC to introduce two reflect the adoption in 2009 by neneww ««Delivered»D terms.

IRU delegation visits Syria

An IRU delegation comprising of Messrs Jan Acri and Talal Al-Waheibi visited the Syrian Ministry of Transport in order to take part in drafting the new transport law. This comes in the context of the delegation’s visit to Syria between June 28 and 30, 2010. In the presence of Georges Hilal, General Manager of TIR Department in Syria and a representative of the ICC- Syria, and Shawki Faitrouni, Manager of TIR department be introduced to interact with the latest global in Syria, the delegation discussed the new law draft with developments in the field of transport, the Ministry representatives of the Ministry of Transport. of Transport had requested IRU assistance to In order to ensure issuing that system which will incorporate European data with the local system. Syria’s accession to the Ask TIR system

The International Road Transport Union IRU Through the International Chamber of Commerce - held a workshop on the new AskTIR at the IRU Syria (ICC-Syria), sponsor of implementation of TIR offices in Geneva on June, 11, 2010. Agreement in Syria, the country is confirming, via AskTIR software application is a result of significant accession to this system, to develop the information of developments in the world of communication workers in the field of TIR in order to reach the highest between the IRU and the dissemination of the levels. Shawki Faitrouni, manager of TIR Department in vehicles movement information to facilitate Syria, and Mohammed Anis, Head of the IT Department international road transportation. at the ICC-Syria, participated at the workshop.