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About FICC
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28.04.2010
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FICC - The Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce - is one of Israel's largest business organizations. With its finger on the pulse of the country's economy, the Federation is regarded as one of the most influential and most dynamic organizations of its kind in Israel. Strictly non-profit, non-political and non-partisan, FICC is dedicated to a market economy and free enterprise. As the country's largest employers association, FICC is one of the leading members of the coordinating council of Israel's economic organization, and represents the interests of Israel's business sector, including exporters and importers, wholesale and retail, services and manufacturers.
FICC helps foster global commercial links, and was instrumental in forging commercial ties that eventually paved the way for diplomatic relations with countries that had not previously recognized Israel, such as the USSR, China India and Indonesia. FICC was also instrumental in paving the road towards economic dialogue with Israel's Arab neighbors within the framework of the Middle East Peace Process.
Thanks to free trade agreements with countries and international trade blocs, including the USA, EEC and EFTA, Israel has become an important player in world trade. FICC is actively involved in exploiting this strategic position to ensure that Israel plays an ever-increasing role in global markets.
FICC acts as a sorting house for essential data on Israel's business sector. The Federation's educational activities are aimed at providing training to members and in promoting the teaching of business related subjects in Israel's school system.
The Federation supports small businesses, and encourages entrepreneurs and new immigrants to establish themselves in Israel's business community.
FICC is a totally autonomous body that operates independently of the Government or any other institution. FICC serves as the roof organization of 6 regional Chambers of Commerce: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Beer Sheva, Nazareth.
A. The Board, the Council and the President
FICC is headed by a democratically elected board and council. The board determines FICC's policy, while the council, headed by the president, supervises its implementation. B. Trade Sections and Branches
FICC has over 110 trade sections and branches, covering every facet of the economy. Each section deals with a whole range of professionally and sectorial related issues and problems. C. The FICC main divisions are:
- International Trade Division
- Economic Division
- Import, Custom & Standardization Division
- Commercial and Business Division
- Labour Relation Division
- PR and Spokesman's Division
- Legal Division and Commercial Arbitration institute.
- Business Training Center
- Information
| FICC AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS |
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FICC is active in a number of international bodies. The Federation is a founder- member of ICC-Israel (International Chamber of Commerce) and is active in the International Bureau of Chambers of Commerce (IBCC). The ICC International HQ based in Paris, acts on behalf of the world business community and in conjunction with other international organizations.
The ICC handles practically every subject connected with international trade, transportation, banking and payment procedures, and also regulates the operation of the A.T.A.-Carnet Convention which permits the tax-free temporary import of commercial samples.
Additional offshoots of ICC are: International Court of Arbitration, World Industry Council for the Environment (WICE), Corporate Risk Management Services, International Maritime Bureau (IMB), Counterfeiting Intelligence Bureau (CIB), Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB) and the Centre for Maritime Cooperation (CMC).
FICC also maintains close ties with numerous other international organizations:
- The European Chamber of Commerce.
- The Federation of Israeli Bi-National Chambers of Commerce.
- The International Association of Car Rental Companies (ECATRA).
- The International Seed Federations (FIS).
- The Federation of Real Estate Dealers (FIABCI).
- The International Association of Freight Forwarders.
| INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND BUSINESS SERVICES |
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As part of its policy of fostering international trade links, FICC offers the following services to members:
Information Center:
FICC offers a wide range of business data for identifying and matching customers and suppliers in Israel and abroad. This data is provided via catalogues and directories and via computerized data bases. FICC also circulates the large numbers of requests for business ties received daily at the Federation's offices.
- Computerized data-center containing updated commercial information on global
business, commerce and trade.
- Clearing house for inquiries about new business opportunities, joint ventures,
investments, etc.
- Information on tenders in Israel and abroad.
More Services:
- Reference library containing trade directories, catalogues, trade laws and
regulations, customs tariffs and other reference material.
- Assistance and guidance to beginners in the import/export field.
- Information on trade fairs and exhibitions in Israel and abroad.
- Certifying all kinds of international documents.
- Offering expert reports on damages relating to export and import cargoes.
- Operating the A.T.A. - Carnet Convention permitting the tax free temporary import
of commercial samples.
| CERTIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS |
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FICC is the competent body to certify all kinds of international and commercial documents and certificates of origin.
ADVISORY SERVICES
The main advisory services offered by FICC are:
- Documentation and International Trade Regulations.
- Economic issues.
- Direct and indirect taxation.
- Municipal taxation.
- Accounting problems.
- Labour laws and regulations.
- Financing.
- Workers' rights and obligations.
- Legal problems.
- International law.
- Import taxes.
- Standardization.
- Import formalities and procedures.
- Foreign currency risks.
- Sea and air freight.
- Marine insurance.
- Marketing.
| ISRAELI INSTITUTE OF COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION (IICA) |
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The IICA - Israeli Institute of Commercial Arbitration - was founded in 1990 by FICC, and is a non-profit organization approved by the Israel Minister of Justice and the President of the Supreme Court. The IICA enables parties to resolve their disputes in a highly confidential manner and in a very short time, through qualified arbitrators from various professions. The arbitrators are appointed for each case by the President of IICA or are chosen by the parties from a list of recommended arbitrators. In Israel, the success of this arbitration system has led many companies to include a clause in their business contracts to the effect that should disagreements arise, they will be settled by an IICA arbitrator.
FICC publishes a monthly e-newsletter in English with a worldwide distribution. FICC also publishes directories and other publications dealing with international trade, shipping, taxes, labour, financing and other issues (in Hebrew).
| International Trade Relations Division |
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| Activities and Services |
- Consultation and information regarding international trade issues.
- Assistance in developing business relations in international markets.
- Letters of recommendation for members interested in developing/expanding their business overseas.
- Organizing outgoing trade missions, aiming at developing business relations between Israeli and foreign companies.
- Hosting incoming trade missions, and arranging individual business meetings between foreign businessmen and chamber members.
- Publishing economic surveys, business guides and a quarterly e-newsletter in English.
- Organizing seminars on Israeli Economy and International Trade.
- Letters of support for the issue of visas, and assistance to foreign guests with security procedures at Ben-Gurion Airport.
- Fostering contacts with foreign Embassies in Israel, Israeli Embassies abroad, Chambers of Commerce worldwide, International Economic Organizations and Government Offices.
- Business Opportunities Database.
FEDERATION OF ISRAELI CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
84 Hahashmonaim St.
Tel Aviv 67132, Israel
P. O. Box 20027, Tel Aviv 61200, Israel
Tel.: 972-3-563-1020
Fax.: 972-3-561-9027
E-Mail :Chamber@chamber.org.il
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