APCAC Overview
The Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) was formed in 1968 . Through 25 independent member AmChams located in 19 economies of the Asia-Pacific Region, APCAC represents the growing interests of over 10,000 business entities and over 50,000 business executives in the region. The APCAC membership manages trade volumes in excess of US$400 billion and direct investments (FDI) of over US$200 billion.
APCAC’s counterpart organizations in other regions of the world include:
Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America (AACCLA)
The 23 AmChams in 21 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean provide a wide variety of services to their members and to the citizens of the countries in which they operate. The AmChams work diligently to contribute to the growth of trade and investment between their host countries and the United States. They represent companies and industry sectors involved in trade and promote the development of open markets and ethical business practices.
European Council of American Chambers of Commerce (ECACC)
Founded in 1965, the European Council of American Chambers of Commerce (ECACC) today represents the corporate interests of some 17.000 American and European companies, in 32 countries with some 20 million employees. Member Chambers of the Council are voluntary associations supported entirely by membership dues. In addition, all Member Chambers are members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and work closely with its International Division to coordinate policy and strategy.
Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America® International Division
The Chamber of Commerce of the USA improves the ability of U.S. businesses to compete in the global marketplace by providing its members valuable tools and resources, as well as cutting-edge events that bring world leaders to its members. The U.S. Chamber’s experts, policy specialists, lobbyists, and lawyers, make up the world’s largest not-for-profit business federation, representing:
- 3,000,000 businesses
- 2,800 state and local chambers
- 830 business associations
- 102 American Chambers of Commerce abroad
Members include businesses of all sizes and sectors—from large Fortune 500 companies to home-based, one-person operations. In fact, 96% of our membership encompasses businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
APCAC Events & Meetings
Washington Doorknock
Every year, AmCham leaders from the Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) met with Executive Branch and Congressional leaders in Washington, DC to advocate on behalf of Americans abroad during APCAC's annual Washington meeting, known as the APCAC Washington Doorknock.
APCAC Mission Statement
APCAC's mission is to improve the competitiveness of U.S. business in the Asia-Pacific region.
APCAC members combine their resources and knowledge to develop a common understanding of regional issues, problems and concerns facing the American business community in Asia-Pacific. Member chambers communicate on an ongoing basis and gather annually, in March, to discuss and adopt positions on priority issues. A strategy is developed for expressing and giving effect to our opinions on each issue. APCAC identifies organizations with mutual interests and pursues a course of action to disseminate and communicate our positions to relevant governments and other organizations.
APCAC meets annually with U.S. Government decision-makers during a "Washington Doorknock" in June, when APCAC's chairman leads a delegation to the Nation's Capital. Meetings are held with leaders of Congress and senior members of the Administration. APCAC's annual trip increases the U.S. Government's awareness of American business activities and concerns in the region. Mutually beneficial relationships are established, and areas of cooperation are identified. APCAC is well-received at the highest levels.
In addition, during the course of the year, APCAC delegations meet with U.S. government and business leaders visiting the Asia-Pacific region to discuss trade and investment issues that affect the competitiveness of American business. APCAC also maintains regular communication with high-level host country government officials through its member AmChams.APCAC issues include: support for Trade Promotion Authority and free trade agreements; taxation of U.S. citizens working abroad (section 911 tax exclusion); removal of technical and administrative barriers to trade; opposition to unilateral sanctions and other trade and investment issues.