Egyptian Chamber of Commerce in Alexandria receives global recognition as 'Best Chamber for 2023'

CAIRO - 24 June 2023: The International Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced the Egyptian Chamber of Commerce in Alexandria as the world's best chamber for 2023 for its exceptional execution of a non-traditional project.

The announcement came at the conclusion of the 13th World Congress of Chambers, held in Geneva, Switzerland, with the presence of over 2,000 leaders from federations, chambers of commerce, and industry associations worldwide.

The congress was inaugurated by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, alongside the heads of the World Chambers Federation and the International Chamber of Commerce.

Ahmed El-Wakil, President of the Chamber and the Union of Mediterranean Chambers, expressed his honor in presenting this international recognition to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the foremost supporter of the private sector and business organizations, who has transformed Egypt into a hub of sustainable development through the successful hosting of the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) on climate change.

El-Wakil stated that the World Chambers Federation brings together over 20,000 chambers and unions from 116 countries, organizing the competition biennially during the World Congress, rotating among different continents.

Alexandria submitted its file to compete with 111 chambers from 47 countries, ultimately being selected among the top four chambers along with the Dubai Chamber, the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, and the Australian Chamber of Commerce. Each chamber presented their respective projects two days ago during the congress, which were then evaluated by the participating chambers and an international judging panel.

El-Wakil mentioned that the Egyptian Chamber's presentation, delivered by Dr. Alaa Ezz, Secretary-General of the Egyptian Chamber Federation, received more than 45% of the chamber votes, securing a significant lead in the rankings.

Following unanimous approval from the judging panel, Egypt emerged victorious for the first time in a quarter of a century, the age of the competition. The award was received during the closing ceremony of the congress by Mr. Ahmed Hassan, First Vice President of the Alexandria Chamber.

El-Wakil clarified that the winning project of the Alexandria Chamber is titled "Harnessing Solar Energy for Its Members," consisting of a package of pioneering activities and projects that have been successfully implemented by numerous companies to reduce costs, enhance competitiveness, and preserve the environment.

The project is supported by training, technology transfer, and advocacy for legislative and procedural amendments, in addition to establishing business incubators in collaboration with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport and Alexandria University.

The Chamber has provided support to entrepreneurs who have grown to become major companies executing projects within Egypt and abroad. It is worth noting that the Alexandria Chamber is the world's first chamber to operate its headquarters on solar energy and is home to the Amreya Market, Africa's first solar-powered fruit and vegetable market.

El-Wakil further explained that the Chamber is currently collaborating with Alexandria University to convert its Faculty of Engineering to operate on solar energy, providing training for our engineers and creating green job opportunities for them in Egypt and beyond.

This initiative has received full support from the Minister of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of International Cooperation, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with funding from the European Union under the framework of the EU ENI CBC MED cross-border cooperation program and the regional project EU EBSOMED.

El-Wakil expressed his gratitude to our partners and friends in Egypt from regional Arab, Islamic, Mediterranean, and African federations and their member chambers who voted for Egypt.

He also extended his appreciation to Ms. Reem Sayam, a member of the International Chamber of Commerce representing the Alexandria Chamber, as well as Ambassador Dr. Ahmed Ehab Jamal El-Din, Egypt's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and International Organizations in Geneva, and Dr. Ahmed Maghawry, Head of the Commercial Office in Geneva, for their support of the Egyptian delegation throughout all stages of the competition.

In recent years, Egypt has demonstrated remarkable progress in fostering sustainable development and promoting a vibrant business environment.

The country's commitment to renewable energy initiatives, such as the Alexandria Chamber's solar energy project, underscores its dedication to green growth and the pursuit of a sustainable future.

The recognition received by the Egyptian Chamber further highlights Egypt's increasing influence and contribution to global economic discussions. As the nation continues to attract investments and pursue innovative projects, it solidifies its position as a key player in the international business arena.