History
ICC
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) was founded in the aftermath of the First World War, when no global system of rules governed trade, investment, finance or commercial relations.
Without waiting for governments to fill the gap, ICC’s founders acted on their conviction that the private sector is best qualified to set global standards for business. They called themselves “merchants of peace”.
After the First World War ended, a group of European and American businessmen convened in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and decided to “continue in peace” the cooperation that the war had brought about between the Allies.
Etienne Clémentel, French Minister of Commerce since 1915, led the European delegation, which was composed of French, British, Belgian and Italian representatives. His initiative, along with the determination of the business leaders who were gathered in Atlantic City on 20–24 October 1919, led to the creation of the International Chamber of Commerce.
ICC Switzerland
Throughout its history, economiesuisse (formerly Vorort) has maintained close relations with several international organisations. In 1922, in collaboration with the Swiss Bankers’ Association and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in France, it played a key role in the establishment of the Swiss National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), now known as ICC Switzerland.
On 26 May 1922, at the meeting of the ICC World Council (General Assembly), Switzerland was officially admitted as a new National Committee. Vorort and the Swiss Bankers’ Association were accepted as active members alongside the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in France, thereby opening the way for the creation of the Swiss National Committee.
ICC Switzerland held its first meeting on 7 July 1922. Within its governing board, economiesuisse was allocated four delegates, the Swiss Bankers Association three delegates, and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in France one delegate. The Secretariat was entrusted to economiesuisse.
In 2022, ICC Switzerland celebrated its centenary. The anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the origins of both the ICC and its Swiss National Committee, as well as on a century of Swiss engagement within the organisation.
John Denton message to ICC Switzerland
Celebrations on 27th June 2022 with Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin
