Belgian Chambers, the Belgian federation of chambers of commerce, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Like the businesses they serve, chambers of commerce owe their resilience to constant reinvention.
Created in 1703, dissolved in 1795 and then re-established by Bonaparte in 1802. Abolished by the government in 1875 and then re-founded by Brussels entrepreneurs... Since its foundation more than three centuries ago, and despite the vicissitudes of history, the Brussels Chamber of Commerce is still going strong!
This is the result of its ability to effectively fulfil the missions that businesses – but also public authorities – have wanted it to take on. ‘I am very aware of this heritage. Even though Beci remains completely neutral, we are involved in politics in the noblest sense of the term, insofar as we work to ensure the smooth socio-economic functioning of Brussels,’ explains Thierry Geerts, CEO for just over a year.
Peer-to-peer exchanges
Chambers of Commerce have already survived three industrial revolutions, but are digital technology and AI now threatening their very existence, with professional networks interacting online, digital platforms accelerating exchanges and knowledge spreading instantly?
"Chambers remain unrivalled venues for peer-to-peer exchanges of specialist expertise. They are also partners in development abroad, particularly through bilateral chambers. In the face of crises and regulatory developments, their advocacy activities have also intensified significantly over the last six years," explains René Branders, President of the Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce and the FEB. Comprising 13 regional chambers and 40 bilateral chambers abroad, the latter is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
‘Technology simplifies the lives of members and increases interactions, but it does not make us any less relevant,’ agrees Thierry Geerts. ‘In the face of uncertainty, what could be better than people supporting each other, sharing and acquiring skills, and feeling represented? That is why we are increasing the number of in-person events.’
Technology does not make us any less relevant - Thierry Geerts, CEO of Beci
In a region that brings together multinationals, self-employed professionals, retailers and SMEs of all kinds, the CEO also emphasises Beci's representative strength. ‘We spend as much time as necessary to depolarise our members' points of view in order to arrive at a solid common position. This really helps to advance discussions with politicians and associations.’
For René Branders, this quest for consistency is also what partly motivated the Walloon chambers of commerce to come together under the AKT banner, in order, he explains, to better convey the realities on the ground to politicians.
What future?
What will the Belgian Chambers look like in 10 years' time and how can we secure the future? ‘We need to be agile, adapt to the acceleration of business models and the expectations of young people, who are seeking quick wins and club-style events around specific themes,’ says René Branders.
Thierry Geerts smiles... ‘Technology is evolving at such a rapid pace... It's impossible to predict everything. But we should be able to further refine our responses to individual expectations by fully exploiting the potential of digital technology and AI, while fostering high value-added human connections. We are in the springtime of chambers of commerce!’