COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 302, 15 September 1921, Page 5

COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

INTERNATIONAL 'CHAMBER

FEDERATION OF ECONOMIC FORCES

A development regarded asi worthy of special notice is the work of tho International Chamber of Commerce. This organisation is a federation of the main economic forces of the countries included' in its membership. Its international headquarters is in Paris, and it has a Board of Directors, as well as various national organisations. In each, of the participating countries is a national committee which can he recognised only if every business interest is represented. Thus tho British National Committee comprises representatives of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, tho Federation of British Industries, tlie Coal Exporters’ Association, the Mining Association, Co-operation of Lloyds, Instituted British Bankers, .and a number of other 'bodies. The International Chamber of Commerce works in various ways, including (1) conferences of experts; (2) referenda,; (3) inquiries of nn economic nature and publication of the results. In brief, the purpose of the International Chamber, of Commerce is to facilitate commercial intercourse among nations, to secure harmony of action on international questions affecting commerce and industry, to encourage progress and promote peace and cordial 'relations among countries and their citizens, by tho co-operqtion of business men and their organisations devoted to the development of commerce and industry. . The first Congress of the International Chamber was held in London on Juno 27 last, and delegates wqro invited from all countries eligible for admission to the chamber. For tho purpose of the congress the subjects for discussion were grouped under five headings—finance, production, .distribution, transportation, and devastated regions—and each was considered by a separate committee whose conclusions were, at,the cn d of the week, brought before the whole conference. By arrangement with tho High Commissioner, tho New Zealand Government appointed Messrs. P. R. Sargood and A. Michie to represent tho .commercial interests of tho Dominion, and these gentlemen will forward a report in due course. The question of New Zealand joining in the movement is likely to be seriously considered. The papers relating to tlie matter nre in the possession of the Department of Industries and Commerce.