Presentation

The UCCIFE - Union of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abroad – regroups and leads the 86 French Chambers of Commerce and Industry established abroad. The UCCIFE is the guarantor of the “Chamber of Commerce” mark, and plays several roles as an organization:

The UCCIFE is the official representative and entity, with regard to the French authorities, of companies and professionals established abroad;

It coordinates and organises the activities of the Chambers of Commerce and proposes subsidy allocations;

It leads the worldwide network to inform Chambers, to foster cooperation, and to share and capitalise on each other's experience;

It promotes the Chambers' services to businesses and so fosters partnerships.

Supports

As it contributes to meeting the general interest, and increasing exchange between France and foreign countries, the UCCIFE is financially supported by: - French authorities, such as the Secretary of State for External Trade (DREE), the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Secretary of State for industry; - French Chambers of Commerce in France.

The network

Through a network of 24 500 companies, members and a staff of 600, the UCCIFE is committed to fostering the exports, imports and overseas investments of companies.

The Overseas Network is at your service in 74 countries, through 86 Chambers:

- 32 in Europe
- 21 in South and North America
- 16 in Africa and the Middle East
- 17 in Asia-Pacific

As private organisations of French and foreign businesspeople and companies, the role of these chambers is three-fold:

To create a forum for contact and communication, and to represent business interests;
To foster mutual understanding, and to promote the image of France abroad;
To provide companies with relevant assistance and services.

The unique feature of this "bridge between the French and foreign business environments" is its market knowledge and experience of the 24 500 member companies. Clearly, the CCIFE is solidly anchored in its respective communities, and is thus well equipped to provide a wide range of specialist customised services.

Despite being based abroad, at times far from the head offices of companies in France, the CCIFE maintains close contact with French companies through the network of 183 Chambers of Commerce and Industry in France with which it has a long-standing working relationship focused on strengthening French presence in overseas markets.