The entire private sector, and especially its intermediary institutions such as chambers of commerce, are deeply concerned about the social, economic and political consequences of the pandemic. It is a huge, unexpected and tragic shock to public life, health, social welfare and economic activity worldwide, especially in Mediterranean countries.

We do not know if everything will be as before. COVID-19 has broken into our lives, worldwide, without preserving human species, and even less organisations. Whether public or private, the consequences will be long-lasting and must be treated with a different vision in the post-COVID-19 world.

At a macroeconomic level, it is obvious that globalisation is seriously wounded. However, a relativism will be established and the actors will review the priorities in light of the economic destabilisation that we are currently experiencing worldwide. Economic sovereignty will be imposed on States and, in particular, on so-called sensitive industries. China’s dependence has led all countries to question the reintegration of certain industries into their soil or, at least, some decrease in this dependency. The economy is systemic. All sectors of activity have been affected at the same time as never before.

For centuries, chambers of commerce have been a key driver in the development of millions of companies and have worked with governments and institutions to find solutions to local, regional and global challenges and to support the private sector.

The essence of the chambers of commerce and industry has been questioned in recent years. Even in several countries its role has been reduced, forgetting its importance for economic development, internationalisation, training and the promotion of the territory.

Chambers promote the opening of international trade and investment, as well as market economy. Due to their international and supra-sectoral nature, they speak with the authority that emanates from companies in all sectors and from all parts of the world. They are necessary actors to play a key role as institutions in charge of promoting economic activity and fostering business cooperation.

Today companies operate in a new, volatile, technological business environment where innovation and adaptation are key. The structure of the company, the workforce, the products or the customer are constantly changing and new solutions are required. Chambers should be in a position to assist, seize opportunities, and unite synergies that aid development and economic prosperity.

Why are chambers of commerce so important now? Because they are funded and run by entrepreneurs. And these are the ones with the broadest knowledge about what the real needs are. Due to their international and supra-sectoral nature, they have the advantage of speaking with the authority that comes from companies in all sectors and from all parts of the world. They are key actors as institutions in charge of promoting economic activity and promoting business cooperation and investment, which transforms them into agents of cohesion and peace. However, they need the participation of all actors in society and the public powers.

Therefore, the chambers cover the entire territory, meet business needs, act as intermediaries with administrations, are structured in associations that can be coordinated to reinforce the interests of a wide territory, and have close contact with companies. They are useful corporations in a global world.

The chambers of commerce, working together with supranational organisations, are key instruments for successful coordination of north-south business activities and promote three levels of cooperation: development aid cooperation, business cooperation through fairs and missions, and regional cooperation as interlocutors with multilateral organisations.

The challenge is to continue being a reference in the national, regional and international business world with the addition of quality service provision and the exercise of representation in front of public institutions. In this sense, its role in achieving trade openness in certain areas of the world is sometimes more useful than diplomacy itself.

Trade is a powerful force for peace and prosperity, and cameras are the best network for doing business. Their role is essential. However, a new approach is required to meet new challenges.

Chambers of commerce and the private sector must focus on the challenges of the current state and events related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and on its effects on the business sector and the economy. A review of efforts has to be made at all levels to support business continuity and economic stability.

The public and private sectors have joint forces to manage the crisis, in particular to persevere in the health and safety of citizens and residents and ensure business continuity. In addition to combating the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the private sector needs government-initiated incentive packages to support the economy and organisations, as well as measures to partially open businesses and ensure economic stability.

Not all companies, including start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have found themselves in a position to switch to digital products and services overnight. In response to the challenge, chambers of commerce and industry have to launch support initiatives to help start-ups stay and grow while navigating exceptional market challenges. Virtual training workshops are also necessary to share guidance and ideas on how entrepreneurs can build or improve their web presence in a short period of time.

Technology entrepreneurs who want to evolve the region’s position as a global hub for innovation, should also be supported. A training programme is the first innovative model of this type that takes into account the exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves and how to improve the capacities and abilities of entrepreneurs and new companies to sustain and grow in such situations.

Internationalisation and globalisation are new challenges, but so is the regionalisation of sectors that benefit from geographic proximity and economic complementarity. In an evolving business environment, chambers provide voluntary rules, guidelines, and codes designed to facilitate flows, balance cross-border transactions, and help governments manage global developments collaboratively. The chambers must not only protect the interests of their members, but their work must benefit the national and world economy as a whole and, therefore, promote the Sustainable Development Goals and help guarantee global peace and prosperity by promoting a more open and inclusive international trade system and creating a sustainable mechanism that measures and evaluates the needs, aspirations and challenges of the companies in its environment.

Its characteristic of representing all business sectors worldwide via the International Chamber of Commerce, or at the regional level, comes from the particular organisation in the form of a dense network of chambers of commerce, especially in Europe, the Mediterranean, Latin America, Africa or Pacific Asia. In this sense, the regional associations of chambers of commerce, such as ASCAME, AICO or Eurochambres among others, which encompass entities at different levels of development, are a first-rate instrument for cooperation.

Chambers of commerce around the world share common goals, such as facilitating trade, removing existing barriers, promoting economic development and improving the business environment. These goals have evolved to create a strategic partnership that facilitates trade finance.

Over the years, chambers have evolved and expanded their online offerings with the rapid growth and changing needs of the business community. They provide services to facilitate trade, training or support to explore international markets, but they must always strive to provide their members with the tools and knowledge they need to prosper and grow, both locally and globally, to develop smart solutions and innovative services for companies, and to adopt future strategies with frameworks to improve competitiveness.

The reconstruction of an increasingly agile cameral organisation, remote work, collaborative work, collective intelligence, where autonomy is based on trust and accountability, will be a great challenge, but also the ingredients of a culture credible corporate and strategic thinking leadership. Events show that sailing in uncertain times is not for everyone.

Integrating a purpose of social responsibility becomes an imperative of sustainable performance. Public policies have helped safeguard the cash flow of companies and the resources of those who work there. This was necessary, but not sufficient. Strong stimulus measures must now be taken.

Digitisation, e-commerce, innovation and R&D are the main growth levers that must be activated in order to better negotiate the sharp turn that international trade is taking. In any case, recommendations from the chambers should help solve the logistical problems found by exporters during this pandemic period and to reflect on the post-crisis.

Faced with the interruptions undergone by international trade and the activity experienced by various production lines in the Mediterranean region and throughout the world, Mediterranean and global exporters face an unprecedented situation and the results are alarming. Air, land and sea supply chains are being shaken by the spread of the new coronavirus and the measures taken by governments to fight against the pandemic. At an industrial and exporter level, this translates into shortages and closure of production lines, due to the lack of supplies, suspended contracts, payment deficits, etc.

Companies must establish real roadmaps that include new safety and health measures, but also new commercial and logistical approaches. Furthermore, they have to be vigilant during international transactions due to the insolvency of certain clients and increased risks. They must develop a certain capacity for agility and planning in the face of uncertainties and have a flexible business model to be able to change products, target markets and diversify supply sources.

Regarding the key for success, exporters must bet on digital and electronic commerce for the post-crisis period. Efforts should be made to promote the products manufactured in the region and make them competitive internationally, and to ensure and strengthen production chains as much as possible and reduce their external dependence.

In the post-COVID-19 world, having a voice in the international business scene to reflect national or regional interests is essential for growth. By working together, sharing knowledge, and using combined experience, chambers of commerce can achieve common goals, improve competitiveness, and advance companies by pursuing future strategies that pave the way for sustainable growth. Partnerships to achieve goals and progress are the right way.

Anwar Zibaoui, General Coordinator of ASCAME