Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce

The Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce is the umbrella organisation of all accredited Chambers of Commerce in Belgium and Belgian Chambers abroad. They offer:

• Export formalities: Coordination of the issuing of certificates of origin and ATA carnets by the Belgian Chambers, with a strong emphasis on administrative simplification and digitisation. 
• Doing business abroad: Support for the Chambers and their members through the international Chamber network (bilateral Chambers, EUROCHAMBRES, ICC, CPCCAF) and through the CONNECTS digital platform. 
• Sustainable entrepreneurship: Encourage the Chambers and companies to find sustainable solutions to societal challenges. 
   

Caemere van de Negotie en Commercie was established in 1665 in Bruges. During the 17th and 18th centuaries, Chambers of Commerce were creasted in several Belgian cities. In 1791, these Chambers of Commerce and guilds were abolished under French rule over the Belgian territory. Napoleon restored the Chambers of Commerce in 1802, and in 1841, the activities, rights, and duties of the Chambers were defined by a royal decree. 

In 1875, the Belgian government abolished public Chambers of Commerce. The traders and businessmen all over the country reacted quickly to set up commercial associations which were often called Chambers of Commerce. On August 1, 1875, these local Chambers created the National Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. 

In 1998, the Federation launched the accreditation programme for local Chambers of Commerce. This started the merger movement among Chambers. 

In 1999, The Federation took over the activities from the Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce abroad, and in 2004, the accreditation programme for Belgian Chambers of Commerce abroad was launched. 
 

Mission

According to the website, their mission is to guarantee the quality and cohesion of the chamber network, while focusing on international and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Vision

The Chamber's vision is to develop itself into the reference partner for companies doing sustainable and international business. Locally anchored within an international network, the Chambers are better placed than anyone else to guide businesses at every level: local, regional, national, European and international.

2006: Beci, an alliance between the Brussels Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Enterprises in Brussels was created. 

2004: Voka alliance, a cooperation between Flemish Chambers of Commerce and the Flemish Economic Alliance, was created.