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FBCCI (Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry) the apex organisation for trade and industry in Bangladesh. It was established in 1973 under the Trade Organisations Ordinance 1961 (amended in 1994) and companies act 1913 (amended in 1994). The main objective of the FBCCI is to safeguard interests of private sector trade bodies and industry in Bangladesh through promoting the interests of its member units, both chambers and association bodies. FBCCI also deploys its efforts in developing agriculture, human resources and communication sectors of the country. The Federation has two types of members, namely, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Trade and Industrial Associations. At present, there are 234 members, of whom 67 belong to the former category and the remaining to the latter category. A 32-member executive committee or board of directors, elected for a term of 2 years by direct vote of members of both categories conducts the activities of FBCCI. The Chambers of Commerce and Industry elects the president and vice-president, as well as 15 members of the executive committee. The other 15 members are elected from the category of Trade and Industry Associations. FBCCI represents the private sector in 94 permanent committees of the government and autonomous bodies. It sends representatives to different committees and task forces on specific issues constituted by the government. The foreign investors' chamber of commerce and industry (FICC&I) in Bangladesh is a member of FBCCI. FBCCI assists in the organisation of chambers and associations throughout the country. It collects and disseminates statistical and other information for advancement of trade and industry. It organises training, seminars and workshops on trade, commerce and industry, conducts research on major policy issues, and co-operates in settlement of trade disputes through conciliation, negotiation and arbitration. FBCCI consults and advises the government in formulating the commercial, industrial and fiscal policies of the country. It maintains close relations with overseas national chambers of commerce and other trade and industrial associations. It is a member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The FBCCI has joint chamber/co-operation agreements with the national trade organisations of Australia, Belgium, Egypt, Finland, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Romania, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Peru and Vietnam. The Federation has also collaboration agreements with the national chambers of 16 countries and the General Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Agriculture of Arab countries. [Abul Kalam Azad]
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