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26 chambers’ review Susan Haird, acting CEO of UK Trade & Investment, with John J Law, BCCI President Susan Haird, explained how UKTI aims to help British business, and presented the opportunities created by the London 2012 Olympics and Expo 2015. Shelly Sandall, Corporate Partners & Sponsors Director of Expo 2015, concluded the talks by highlighting the opportunities for company involvement in the Expo and taking questions from the floor. Diana Bracco, President of Expo Milano 2015, addresses a BCCI business lunch British Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania www.bccl.lt Promoting the chamber and Lithuanian businesses The chamber elected 11 board members at its 12th AGM, held at the Novotel Vilnius Centre in March. Chris Butler, Managing Partner PwC, was re-elected chairman. A business reception followed and this year’s keynote speaker was Simon Butt, then British Ambassador to Lithuania, making the last speech of his long and distinguished diplomatic career. After a standing ovation from more than 100 members and guests, Mr Butler presented the Ambassador with a painting by the Lithuanian artist, Antanas Kmieliauskas, as a token of the chamber’s appreciation of the Ambassador’s support. To celebrate the wedding of HRH Prince William, the chamber held a reception at the British Ambassador’s residence in Vilnius in partnership with the British Embassy, which attracted the interest of the local press. Around 100 BCCL members, diplomats and other members of the British community gathered to watch the royal wedding and enjoy refreshments provided by local restaurants. Newly elected BCCL board 2011-2013 A business day out to Klaipėda, the third largest city in Lithuania and an ice-free Baltic port, was organised in May to familiarise members with the city and its advantages. Around 50 BCCL members and diplomats visited key companies there, including the Klaipėda Free Economic Zone, Klaipėda Seaport, Klaipėdos Nafta (oil company) and new BCCL member, Glassbel Baltic, a processor of architectural and facade glass. The day ended with a networking reception at the Old Port Hotel with members of the Klaipėda International Business Club and other senior representatives of the city’s business community, arranged by Klaipėda Free Economic Zone and BNTP (Baltic Real Estate Developments). The mayor, Vytautas Grubliauskas, spoke about the city and brought the day to a resounding close with an impressive jazz trumpet performance. BCCL team celebrates the royal wedding
British Chamber of Commerce for Luxembourg www.bcc.lu Focusing on topical issues To reflect growing public interest in sustainable development, the spring business forum looked at sustainable technology in buildings. Held next to a new hangar at Cargolux, a leading cargo airline, the presentation and discussion focused on how the design, construction and operation of the building ensured maximum sustainability. Another business forum looked at employee engagement and how to secure commitment. This was led by human resources managers from Kremer & Clifford Chance, KPMG and Lombard. As taxation law is fundamental to Luxembourg’s status as a financial centre, another forum topic was “Tax Information Exchange and the EU Savings Directive: How will this affect you and your banker?” with speakers from HSBC and Allen & Overy. BCCL has a policy of cooperating with other organisations and this event was held in association with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Topics at BCCL lunches included economics, law, general interest and history. Olli Rehn, EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs, spoke on “Overcoming the Economic Crisis”, while another lunch was addressed on the pitfalls of drafting international transactions. A session on how Luxembourg’s eaux-de-vie brandy is awarded the marque nationale, with tasting samples, also generated a high level of interest. Another lunch looked at the German invasion of May 1940. The chamber also helped to raise awareness within the international community of the right to vote in local elections. At a meeting organised with AMCHAM and other chambers, guests heard speakers from all the main political parties. A key social and networking event, the annual golf day and dinner, was as well attended as ever. Upcoming events include the members’ trade fair, now in its fourth year, combined with a business forum where the General Manager of Business Operations at Skype will speak on the commercial impact of social networks. This will be held jointly with the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies and will also feature the popular annual talk on personal income tax before the end of the tax year. Jeannot Krecké, Minister for the Economy and Foreign Trade, at a BCCL session on Luxembourg’s economy British Romanian Chamber of Commerce www.brcconline.eu chambers’ review Active in Bucharest and London A highlight of our recent activities was the British Days party and awards ceremony at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest, at the end of June. This year’s celebration was also a farewell to Brian Davies, who has been chairman for the past four years. He was thanked for his hard work in making the chamber such an outstanding organisation as he handed over to his successor, Ray Breden, who will lead the chamber for the next three years. The winners of this year’s photography competition, entitled ‘Romania – Design and Innovation,’ were also announced at the British Days party. Entries for the competition, which showcases Romanian and British talent, had been exhibited in Bucharest during June. Outgoing chairman, Brian Davies, hands over to new chairman, Ray Breden More formal events included a Business Breakfast with Tony Lybeck, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Regional Resident Representative in Romania and Bulgaria, with a discussion on the IMF’s approach to Romania. In April, the chamber held a business breakfast in Bucharest at which the British Ambassador to Romania, Martin Harris OBE, spoke about future relations between Britain and Romania. Later that month, members celebrated the British royal wedding at a reception in London. Guests included Their Royal Highnesses Crown Princess Margarita of Romania and Prince Radu of Romania, and other members of the Romanian royal family. Romania’s renewable energy industry was the topic for the CityLink panel discussion in June. This networking opportunity looked at this sector’s potential to become a major driver of foreign direct investment in future. Lord Lamont, Honorary President of the BRCC, with HMA Martin Harris with guests at the 2011 British Days party 27
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Page 5 and 6: COBCOE Events COBCOE networking eve
Page 7 and 8: Other awards: The award for Excelle
Page 9 and 10: More professional partners for onli
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Page 13 and 14: Cities of the Future With over half
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Page 19 and 20: T he EU institutions took another s
Page 21 and 22: Looking at flows of capital into Ja
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Page 25: British Chamber of Commerce in Hung
Page 29 and 30: British Chamber of Commerce in Spai
Page 31: COBCOE Executive President and Chai

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