Functions of a Bilateral Chamber of Commerce

Md. Joynal Abdin
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB)
Executive Director, Online Training Academy (OTA)
Secretary General, Brazil Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BBCCI)

 

Chambers of commerce are long-standing institutions that represent the collective interests of the business community, provide services to their members, and act as intermediaries between business and government. Among their different forms, bilateral chambers of commerce occupy a distinctive niche: they focus on economic relations between two specific countries and are especially relevant in an era of globalization, supply-chain diversification, and geo-economic competition.

 

In the Brazil–Bangladesh context, the Brazil Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BBCCI) has emerged as a key platform to strengthen trade ties, promote export diversification, and encourage investment flows between Latin America’s largest economy and one of South Asia’s fastest-growing manufacturing hubs.

 

2. Conceptual Framework: What Is a Bilateral Chamber of Commerce?

2.1 Chambers of commerce in general

A chamber of commerce is typically a non-profit association of businesses whose primary purpose is to promote and protect members’ interests, support local and international business development, and advocate for pro-business policies. Chambers generate revenue mainly through membership dues, events, services, and sponsorships, and they may operate at local, national, or international levels.

 

2.2 Defining a bilateral chamber

A bilateral chamber of commerce is a specialized chamber that focuses on trade and investment between two specific countries (for example, Brazil–Bangladesh, US–Bangladesh, Swiss–Nigeria, etc.). It usually:

• Brings together companies and individuals with a business interest in both markets.
• Facilitates two-way trade (export and import) and cross-border investment.
• Acts as a bridge between public and private stakeholders, including ministries, embassies, trade agencies, and business associations in both countries.

 

Organizations like the Bilateral Chamber of Commerce in the US describe their role as “bridging” public and private sectors, organizing trade delegations, and connecting decision-makers across key industries to drive strategic partnerships. Swiss and Luxembourg models emphasize that bilateral chambers provide local market knowledge, promote exports, and form part of accredited networks of professional business organizations.

 

2.3 BBCCI as an example

The Brazil Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BBCCI) is a bilateral chamber devoted to enhancing economic cooperation between Brazil and Bangladesh. Public information highlights that BBCCI:

• Promotes export diversification and market entry into Brazil for Bangladeshi products (e.g., RMG, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing).
• Advocates for a “Made in Bangladesh Exhibition 2025” in São Paulo, hosting press conferences and engaging Brazilian authorities and business leaders.
• Positions itself as a “bridge” for entrepreneurs from both countries to explore trade, joint ventures, and investment opportunities.

 

BBCCI thus fits the typical profile of a bilateral chamber focused on trade promotion, advocacy, and business matchmaking.

3. Core Functions of a Bilateral Chamber of Commerce

While each bilateral chamber has its own mandate and resources, global practice shows a fairly consistent set of functions.

 

3.1 Trade and market development

1. a) Trade promotion and export support

Bilateral chambers support companies to enter and expand in the counterpart market by:

• Organizing trade missions, business delegations, and B2B matchmaking.
• Hosting or co-hosting trade fairs, “country weeks,” sectoral exhibitions, and buyer–seller meetings.
• Providing market intelligence: sector briefs, opportunity reports, tariff and regulatory updates, and information on logistics and payment systems.

 

For example, in the Bangladesh–Brazil context, BBCCI is actively promoting the “Made in Bangladesh Exhibition 2025” in São Paulo to showcase exportable goods, build networks, and diversify markets beyond traditional destinations.

 

1. b) Import facilitation and sourcing

Bilateral chambers also help members identify reliable suppliers in the partner country particularly relevant in sectors such as agriculture, food, industrial machinery, chemicals, and services. Chambers in Switzerland and Nigeria, for instance, cooperate to connect exporters with importers using bilateral chambers as trusted intermediaries.

 

3.2 Investment promotion and facilitation

Many bilateral chambers complement official investment promotion agencies by:

• Identifying investment opportunities (e.g., industrial zones, PPP projects, agro-industrial ventures).
• Hosting investment forums, roadshows, and sector-specific roundtables.
• Connecting potential investors with local partners, legal advisors, and regulators.

 

The British Chambers of Commerce note that strong bilateral trade and investment relationships can lead to trillions of dollars in bilateral investment stock for example, the UK–US investment relationship is estimated at around £1.4 trillion in bilateral stock across finance, tech, and pharmaceuticals. While this figure reflects macro-level ties, bilateral chambers contribute by facilitating investment dialogues, resolving practical issues, and promoting investor confidence.

 

In Bangladesh’s case, a recently discussed Bangladesh–Saudi joint chamber was explicitly framed as a tool to boost trade and investment, with bilateral trade already reaching USD 2 billion and Bangladeshi exports of USD 310 million in FY 2024–25.

 

3.3 Advocacy and policy dialogue

Bilateral chambers occupy a unique position in policy advocacy because they:

• Represent the combined voice of foreign and domestic companies doing cross-border business.
• Provide feedback on trade, customs, taxation, and investment regulations to both governments.
• Participate in consultations on trade agreements, FDI policies, and regulatory reforms.

 

Global studies show that chambers of commerce are increasingly involved in promoting responsible business conduct, corporate governance, and compliance with trade-related standards and regulations. This enhances the quality and sustainability of trade and investment flows, not merely their volume.

 

3.4 Information, advisory and capacity-building services

Bilateral chambers offer:

• Business advisory services: market entry strategies, partner search, legal and tax referrals.
• Training and capacity building: workshops on export documentation, trade finance, customs procedures, and cross-cultural negotiation.
• Information dissemination: newsletters, alerts, and research briefs on economic trends and regulatory changes.

 

The OECD highlights that chambers can play an important role in building future-fit skills systems, linking training providers with business needs and helping companies adapt to new technologies and standards.

 

3.5 Networking, trust-building and dispute resolution

Another core function is relationship-building:

• High-level networking events with ambassadors, ministers, and visiting delegations.
• Sector-specific forums bringing together exporters, importers, logistics providers, and financial institutions.
• Informal problem-solving: chambers often help resolve disputes, miscommunication, or cultural misunderstandings before they escalate.

 

Traditional descriptions of chambers emphasize their role as arbitrators, watchdogs, and mediators in commercial disputes and regulatory issues affecting members.

 

4. Global Best Practices of Bilateral Chambers

Drawing on international experience, several best practices stand out.

4.1 Clear mandate and professional governance

High-performing bilateral chambers tend to have:

• A clear mission statement (e.g., promoting two-way trade & investment, skills, and innovation).
• Transparent governance structures: elected boards, defined term limits, conflict-of-interest rules, and audited accounts.
• Accreditation or affiliation with national chambers or international bodies, which reinforces credibility.

 

4.2 Strong partnership with embassies and trade agencies

Best-practice bilateral chambers:

• Work closely with embassies, consulates, and trade promotion organizations in both countries.
• Co-organize trade missions, exhibitions, and policy dialogues.
• Support diplomatic initiatives by mobilizing private-sector participation.

 

In Bangladesh, the Brazil–Bangladesh relationship illustrates this model, where BBCCI collaborates with the Embassy of Brazil in Dhaka to promote trade and encourage companies to join the chamber as a route to Brazilian markets.

 

4.3 Evidence-based advocacy and research

Leading chambers increasingly rely on data and research:

• Regular economic surveys and business confidence indices (as done by various national chambers)
• Sectoral reports on export opportunities and investment trends, similar to recent analyses of Brazil–Bangladesh trade prospects that highlight emerging sectors for bilateral cooperation.
• Policy papers recommending specific reforms (tariff rationalization, customs facilitation, visa regimes, etc.).

 

4.4 Diversified revenue and member-centric services

To remain sustainable and impactful, bilateral chambers:

• Diversify income across membership dues, sponsorships, paid services, training programs, and events.
• Measure performance by member satisfaction and business outcomes, not just the number of events.
• Offer tiered membership categories (e.g., corporate, SME, associate, institutional) with defined benefits.

 

4.5 Emphasis on responsible and inclusive business

Modern best practice goes beyond pure deal-making:

• Chambers promote responsible business conduct, ESG standards, and compliance with international norms.
• They encourage inclusive participation of SMEs, women-owned businesses, and regional enterprises, helping to distribute the benefits of globalization more widely.

 

5. Importance of Bilateral Chambers for Trade and Investment

5.1 Reducing information and transaction costs

Empirical trade research repeatedly shows that trade facilitation simplifying procedures, improving information flows, and reducing uncertainty has a significant positive effect on bilateral trade volumes. Bilateral chambers operationalize trade facilitation by:

• Providing trusted information about regulations, tariffs, logistics, and partners.
• Offering a neutral space to clarify rules and expectations.
• Coordinating with customs, investment boards, and regulators to resolve bottlenecks.

 

This reduces transaction costs, particularly for SMEs that lack in-house trade specialists.

 

5.2 Supporting export diversification and market access

For emerging economies like Bangladesh, export concentration in a few markets and products (e.g., RMG to the US and EU) creates vulnerability. Bilateral chambers help:

• Identify new geographic markets (e.g., Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe).
• Promote non-traditional exports such as processed foods, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, IT services, and light engineering products.
• Organize targeted roadshows and exhibitions to connect local firms with niche buyers.

 

The growing interest in Latin America as a diversification destination for Bangladeshi exports has been highlighted in recent analysis, with BBCCI actively advocating for broader engagement with Brazilian and regional buyers.

 

5.3 Encouraging FDI and joint ventures

Bilateral chambers can:

• Match foreign investors with credible local partners.
• Provide early-stage advisory and introductions to banks, law firms, and consultants.
• Support public–private dialogues on investment climate reforms.

 

The experience of deep investment ties (e.g., UK–US bilateral investment stock of roughly £1.4 trillion) illustrates the scale of FDI that can develop where business networks, institutions, and agreements reinforce one another. Bilateral chambers do not create these flows by themselves, but they are important connectors and problem-solvers within these ecosystems.

 

5.4 Strengthening trust and resilience in uncertain times

In periods of geopolitical tension, supply-chain disruptions, or policy uncertainty, bilateral chambers:

• Provide a stable institutional anchor for ongoing dialogue.
• Help members adapt to new sanctions, tariffs, standards, or logistics constraints.
• Support diversification strategies by opening alternative sourcing and export channels.

 

This “institutional resilience” is particularly valuable for companies with cross-border exposure.

6. Who Should Be Members and Why?

6.1 Target member groups

A well-designed bilateral chamber typically aims to attract the following categories of members:

1. Exporters and Importers

• Companies exporting to, or importing from, the partner country.
• Trading houses, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers with cross-border operations.

 

2. Investors and Joint-Venture Partners

• Firms seeking greenfield or brownfield investments in manufacturing, services, or infrastructure.
• Companies exploring joint ventures in areas such as agro-processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, ICT, logistics, and renewable energy.

 

3. SMEs and Emerging Entrepreneurs

• Small and medium enterprises looking for their first international market, who need structured guidance and risk mitigation.

 

4. Multinational Corporations (MNCs)

• Global firms with operations in both countries that benefit from advocacy, policy dialogue, and reputational support.

 

5. Service Providers

• Banks, insurance companies, law firms, consultants, logistics providers, training institutes, and universities engaged in international business.

 

6. Institutions and Ecosystem Partners

• Industry associations, sectoral business councils, export promotion bureaus, and regional chambers that want a specialized Brazil–Bangladesh (or similar) platform within their broader portfolio.

 

6.2 Why join? Key value propositions for business leaders

For business leaders, membership in a bilateral chamber offers several strategic benefits:

1. Market Access and Deal Flow

• Priority access to delegations, B2B matchmaking, and curated introductions to buyers, suppliers, and potential partners.

2. Influence and Voice in Policy

• A collective platform to raise issues about customs, taxation, non-tariff barriers, visas, and investment regulations.

3. Brand Visibility and Reputation

• Visibility at high-level events, exhibitions, and publications enhances a company’s standing in both markets.

4. Risk Management and Compliance

• Guidance on responsible business conduct, ESG standards, and regulatory compliance reduces reputational and legal risks.

5. Knowledge and Skills

• Access to seminars, training, and research reports helps management teams understand new sectors, technologies, and frameworks (e.g., trade facilitation, digital trade, sustainability).

6. Network Effects and Trust

• Membership signals credibility and commitment to long-term engagement in the partner market, which can be decisive in winning tenders, forming JVs, or attracting investors.

 

7. The Role of BBCCI in the Brazil–Bangladesh Corridor (Illustrative Case)

In the specific case of Brazil–Bangladesh:

• BBCCI acts as a bridge between Brazilian and Bangladeshi business communities.
• It promotes Brazil as a destination for Bangladeshi exports (RMG, leather goods, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, processed foods) and Bangladesh as a location for Brazilian investments in sectors such as agro-processing, light engineering, and services.
• Through events like the “Made in Bangladesh Exhibition 2025” in São Paulo, BBCCI seeks to create direct contact between exporters and Brazilian buyers, municipal authorities, and investors.

 

This aligns closely with the global best practices described above: trade promotion, advocacy, research-based positioning of opportunities, and structured networking.

 

8. Conclusion and Strategic Implications for Business Leaders

Bilateral chambers of commerce such as the Brazil Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BBCCI) are not merely ceremonial bodies. They are strategic platforms that:

• Reduce market-entry risk by providing information, networks, and problem-solving capacity.
• Support export diversification and FDI by linking firms to new opportunities and partners.
• Offer a collective voice in policy discussions that shape the trade and investment environment.
• Help firms upgrade skills, adopt responsible business practices, and meet global standards.

 

For business leaders in both developed and emerging economies, joining and actively engaging in a bilateral chamber should be seen as a strategic investment, not just a symbolic affiliation. The most successful companies tend to use these platforms proactively shaping agendas, co-creating initiatives, leading delegations, and leveraging the chamber’s convening power to achieve concrete commercial outcomes.