The ICC: A Century of Making Global Trade Possible

The ICC aimed to promote global free trade by eliminating trade barriers and bolstering the economies of developing countries.

Today, the ICC is widely regarded as a major contributor to the establishment of the current framework of international cooperation. For over a century, the organization has championed businesses and played a pioneering role in developing trade models through the creation of regulations governing international trade and providing trusted and impartial dispute resolution services.

Prior to the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the ICC established the International Court of Arbitration, a leading global arbitral institution. To date, the court has resolved over 24,000 commercial disputes with great efficiency.

In 1927, the ICC also proposed reducing tariff barriers, which formed the basis for the World Trade Organization. The ICC's work in 1936 led to the creation of the internationally recognized INCOTERMS rules, which have greatly facilitated global trade worth trillions of dollars.

The ICC has also made a significant contribution to global cooperation, playing a key role in the formation of the United Nations in 1945. The organization addressed important issues such as removing legal barriers to trade, combating corruption, and promoting human rights.

The ICC World Chambers Federation was established in 1950 to empower small and medium-sized businesses through a range of practical tools. The organization also helps to promote trade internationally by supporting global chamber networks.

The ICC Academy, established in 2015, provides development opportunities aimed at bridging skills gaps worldwide. In 2016, the ICC was granted observer status, giving businesses a direct voice in United Nations decision-making for the first time.

Despite the dramatic changes in the world since its inception in 1919, the ICC remains committed to its core mission of making business work for everyone, everywhere. With a network reaching over 45 million businesses in more than 100 countries, the ICC is the world's largest business organization.