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Introduction to the Chamber The Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AustCham Thailand) was the first Australian Chamber to be formed in the ASEAN region. It was established in 1977 with the charter to promote business relations between Australia and Thailand. The Chamber acts as a contact and information point for Australian businesses in Thailand, Australian businesses wishing to trade with or invest in Thailand and similarly for Thai enterprises interested in doing business with or in Australia. AustCham Thailand aims to provide quality and constructive input into the formulation of policies impacting on business (both by the Thai and Australian Governments), and their administration, and to contribute to the development of relations between the two countries. AustCham Thailand is a member of the Board of Trade of Thailand and its President is automatically a Director of the Board of Trade. Board and Administration Policy for the Chamber is developed and directed by an elected board of twelve, headed by a President and two Vice-Presidents. Following the election of the Board of Directors in March of each year, portfolios are assigned to Directors based on the measures considered necessary for achieving the Chamber’s strategic goals. In 2008/2009 these portfolios include:
Most portfolio responsibilities are delivered through the formation of subcommittees, normally chaired by the relevant Director. Suitably experienced and motivated members volunteer to serve on subcommittees, and the Chamber is always interested in talking to prospective volunteers. The Board and its members are supported by a Secretariat with a staff of six, one of whom is an expatriate Executive Director. There is also an internship rotating on a six month cycle. Affiliations Close relations are maintained with other Chambers of Commerce in Thailand and AustCham Thailand has an active involvement in the Foreign Chamber of Commerce Coordinating Committee (FCCCC). The FCCCC handles multilateral issues of general concern to the foreign business community in Thailand. Close links also exist with the Australian Embassy in Thailand and the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade). The Australian Ambassador is the Patron of the Chamber and an honorary member, and the Senior Trade Commissioner is an ex-officio member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Events AustCham Thailand organises many events for both business and social purposes each year. The AustCham Thailand Business Awards is held annually as a black-tie gala dinner to recognise both Australian and Thai business excellence. The two main social events of the year are the Australia Day Ball and the Australian Rules Football Grand Final. Both celebrate unique Australian traditions and are also used to help raise funds for the Chamber’s community services projects. The Chamber holds its Sundowners networking functions regularly along with various lunch and breakfast meetings. Australian and Thai Government officials, as well as businesspeople are invited to speak at Chamber functions whenever possible. Publications AustCham Thailand produces a number of publications each year both for members and for the general public. Members’ only publications include the annual AustCham Thailand Handbook and Member Directory, and the Compensation and Benefits Survey Report published in conjunction with the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand and the American Chamber. Advance is the Chamber’s monthly magazine, outlining the Chamber’s activities and providing information on pertinent business issues to both members and friends of the Chamber. Over 3000 copies are distributed monthly. Sponsorship AustCham Thailand provides many opportunities for companies to promote their products and/or services. In addition to annual sponsorship of the Chamber, there are opportunities to sponsor individual Sundowners events and to obtain naming rights for the Chamber’s major events. Business Links As well as the FCCCC and other foreign chambers of commerce, the Chamber maintains contact with institutions such as the Board of Trade and the Board of Investment in Thailand. The Chamber also works closely with the Australian Embassy in Bangkok and the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) on policy and promotional issues. The Chamber has links with various business organisations in Australia and works closely with its Australian partner, the Australia Thailand Business Council (ATBC), on matters affecting bilateral trade and relations. Services AustCham Thailand undertakes a range of services and promotional activities including:
Membership The Chamber’s membership comprises companies, businesses, and individuals across a broad spectrum of industries and services. The Chamber is committed to the development of new investment in Thailand. Membership of the Chamber is open to individuals or organisations wishing to develop and promote business relationships between Thailand and Australia. |