The Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) was formed in 1968. Through 29 member chambers, APCAC represents the growing interests of over 50,000 business executives and over 10,000 business entities in 21 economies of the Asia-Pacific region. The APCAC membership manages trade volume of over US$400 billion and direct investments (FDI) of over US$300 billion.

APCAC’s mission is to improve the competitiveness of U.S. business in the Asia- Pacific region. APCAC members combine their resources and knowledge to develop a common understanding of regional issues, problems and concerns facing the American business community in Asia-Pacific. Member chambers communicate on an ongoing basis and gather annually to discuss and adopt positions on priority issues. A strategy is developed for expressing and giving effect to our opinions on each issue. APCAC identifies organizations with mutual interests and pursues a course of action to disseminate and communicate our positions to relevant governments and other organizations.

APCAC meets annually with Washington decision-makers. Each year APCAC’s Chairman leads a delegation to Washington, D.C. Meetings are held with influential members of Congress and senior members of the Administration. APCAC’s annual trip increases the U.S. Government’s awareness of American business activities and concerns in the region. Mutually beneficial relationships are established, and areas of cooperation are identified. APCAC is well-received at the highest levels.

In addition, APCAC delegations meet with U.S. dignitaries visiting the Asia-Pacific region to discuss trade and investment issues that affect the competitiveness of American business in the region. APCAC also maintains regular communication with high-level host country government officials through its member AmChams.

APCAC issues include: support for Trade Promotion Authority and free trade agreements; taxation of U.S. citizens working abroad (section 911 tax exclusion); removal of technical and administrative barriers to trade; opposition to unilateral sanctions and other trade and investment issues.

Summit Website: www.amcham.org.hk/apcac