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History of the Chambers
The Belgian Chambers of Commerce have a rich history dating back to the year 1665. Let’s take a journey through time.
Establishment of the Caemere van de Negotie en Commercie in Bruges.
The origin of Chambers of Commerce
The first Chamber of Commerce was established in Marseille in 1599. Chambers of Commerce and Industry developed throughout Europe from the 17th century onwards, with the aim of bringing together merchants’ knowledge in an organisation capable of defending and promoting the economic interests of their city and region without self-interest and without distinction. This origin and the specificity of their mission allowed the Chambers of Commerce to survive and develop through political, social and economic turbulence. Local and regional circumstances have led some Chamber networks to have a status under public law and others under private law.
A worldwide network
Today, the Chambers of Commerce form a worldwide network of 10,000 Chambers that share the same mission and philosophy. Through this global presence, and by adapting their activities to the ever-changing socio-economic context, Chambers of Commerce continue to play a crucial role in local, national and international economic development, both today and tomorrow, as service organisations and as advocates of global business.
1665
17th - 18th centuries
Creation of Chambers of Commerce in several Belgian cities.
17th - 18th centuries
1791
Abolition of Chambers of Commerce and guilds under French rule over the Belgian territory.
1802
Napoleon restores the Chambers of Commerce.
1802
1815
Chambers of Commerce become public organisations under the authority of the Dutch government.
1841
A royal decree defines the activities, rights and duties of the Chambers.
1841
1875
The Belgian government abolishes public Chambers of Commerce, but traders and businessmen all over the country react quickly and set up commercial associations which are often called Chambers of Commerce.
August 1, 1875
The local Chambers create the National Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
August 1, 1875
1998
Launch of the accreditation programme for local Chambers of Commerce. Beginning of merger movement among Chambers.
1999
The Federation takes over activities from the Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce abroad.
1999
2004
Launch of the accreditation programme for Belgian Chambers of Commerce abroad.
2004
Creation of the Voka alliance: a cooperation between Flemish Chambers of Commerce and the Flemish Economic Alliance.
2004
2006
Creation of Beci: alliance between the Brussels Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Enterprises in Brussels.
More about the Federation and Chambers
The Chambers of Commerce form a worldwide network of 10,000 chambers that share the same mission and philosophy. Through this global presence and by constantly updating the answer they provide to the ever-changing socio-economic context, Chambers of Commerce continue to play a crucial role in local, national and international economic development.
