Chambers of Commerce: 150 years of networking, including abroad

In 2025, the Belgian Chambers of Commerce celebrate their 150th anniversary. There are also 38 Chambers located abroad. As they are an extremely useful tool for our economic diplomacy, they receive support from the FPS Foreign Affairs.

In 2025, the Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce – also known as Belgian Chambers – will mark no less than 150 years of existence. In fact, their history goes back much further (see box). The federation includes 13 local Chambers of Commerce, better known in Belgium as Voka in Flanders, AKT in Wallonia, and Beci in Brussels.

38 Chambers abroad

These Belgian Chambers connect entrepreneurs through networking events. Members have access to training, guidance, and advice. The Chambers also provide an independent sounding board and promote business interests at local, regional, national, and international levels.

But did you know there are also 38 so-called ‘bilateral’ Chambers abroad? These are Chambers of Commerce that connect Belgian and local business communities in countries such as Canada, China, or Brazil.

These bilateral Chambers are a valuable support for our embassies and consulates abroad. So much so that our FPS provides them with financial support. We had the opportunity to ask Maxime Ramon from our Directorate of Economic Interests a few questions about this.
 

Grand ball

Ramon sees two major advantages. “First of all, there is the networking aspect. The Chambers bring people together and offer advice and support to entrepreneurs. Secondly, they represent the Belgian economic system in a country. In doing so, they help promote a positive image of Belgium.”

Networking opportunities can take various forms. “It could be a reception, but often it is a lunch or an afterwork event where a speaker is invited. I was posted in Ottawa (Canada) for four years. There, the Belgian Chamber organised a grand ball every year, in addition to monthly, smaller events. All members would gather, often joined by a senior politician such as a minister. As the embassy, we co-organised the event and also invited prominent figures. A grand ball calls for a prestigious venue, and we managed to host one in one of Toronto’s most beautiful museums.”
 

Big names and small SMEs

The members can also be quite diverse. “On the one hand, they are Belgian companies operating in a particular country. In Canada, for example, UCB, Umicore, and Solvay were members. Such big names give the Chamber added clout and prestige. But small SMEs are just as welcome, as are banks like Degroof Petercam.”

Even individuals can join. “Take a Belgian working for a Canadian company that is not a member — they are perfectly free to join in a personal capacity. On the Canadian side, there are companies with an interest in Belgium, such as Air Canada. They may be looking for markets, want to import products from Belgium or invest in our country.”

The added value for an embassy is obvious, says Ramon. “In Canada, for instance, the embassy is located in Ottawa, which is purely an administrative city. Most Belgian companies, however, are based in Montréal and Toronto. We have a consulate general in Montréal, but we are not officially represented in Toronto. That is why it is particularly useful for us to have a Belgian Chamber of Commerce in Toronto. It can promote our country’s image on our behalf. After all, Toronto is still a 4.5-hour drive from the embassy.”
 

Increased import tariffs

In addition, the networking events offer a unique opportunity to connect with the local business community. “In Toronto, an event took place just after US President Trump had announced increased import tariffs for Canada. In a single evening, we were able to speak with numerous Canadian and Belgian companies to explore how we could support them.”

The countries where a bilateral Chamber of Commerce is present are not insignificant. We have already mentioned Canada, China, and Brazil, but there are also South Africa, France, Spain, Chile, Thailand, the US, Hong Kong, Japan, India, and many others. In large countries such as the US and China, a Chamber may have multiple branches.

The Belgian Chambers of Commerce abroad are therefore an extremely important tool of our economic diplomacy. And this economic diplomacy is an absolute priority for the policy of Foreign Minister Prévot. Because in uncertain times, we need new, strong alliances more than ever.