A few days ago, the 70th Executive Session of Trade and Development Board of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was held in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting reviewed and unanimously approved the resolution granting China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC) general observer status.
UNCTAD is a specialized agency of the United Nations dealing with international trade and investment. Its purpose is to support developing countries in obtaining the benefits of economic globalization more equitably and effectively. By providing analysis and technical assistance, as well as building consensus, UNCTAD is committed to helping developing countries use trade, investment, finance and other means to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development.
General observer status of UNCTAD marks the establishment of a formal relationship between UNCTAD and non-governmental organizations, and such non-governmental organizations with full observer status of UNCTAD are entitled to participate in its Trade and Development Board meetings. It is reported that there are currently 148 non-governmental organizations around the world that have obtained full observer status with UNCTAD.
During the COVID-19 epidemic, the CCOIC advocated multilateralism, actively carried out cooperation with the United Nations, and practiced the concept of sustainable development. It co-hosted two webinars with the United Nations Global Compact on climate change, public health and post-epidemic economic recovery, organized supporting activities in cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) at the 3rd China International Import Expo, jointly released the Research Report on the Practice of Chinese Enterprises’ Sustainable Development Goals with UNDP and PricewaterhouseCoopers (China), and prepared for the establishment of the Sustainable Development Committee of the CCOIC. These efforts are a key element in the UNCTAD resolution granting general observer status to the CCOIC.
After obtaining the general observer status of UNCTAD, the CCOIC will formally participate in the work of UNCTAD as a non-governmental organization, speak directly on behalf of the Chinese business community in the UNCTAD system, and share the story of China. The CCOIC will give full play to the advantages of China’s business community in resources, expertise and technology, further explore the potential for cooperation with UNCTAD, facilitate the Chinese business community in participating in the reform of the global governance system, promote the facilitation of global trade and investment, and implement the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, so as to provide high-quality services for its members to explore new paths.
The CCOIC is a national chamber of commerce composed of enterprises, groups and other organizations engaged in international business activities in China. It is the national chamber of commerce representing China in the work of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)，and it is under the supervision of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).
(Source: CCPIT)
