ANZCCK - Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea

On 4th May 2001 a new chapter in Australia and New Zealand's business relationship with Korea was started with the launch of the Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ANZCCK), combining the previous Australian Business Group in Korea and the New Zealand Business Group in Korea. Today, the Chamber boasts over 250 members.

Australia, New Zealand and Korea over the past 30 to 40 years have developed increasingly strong trading and business relationships. Traditionally commodities such as crude petroleum, mineral ores, agricultural and forestry products made up most of the trade. In recent years the nature of trade with Korea has broadened considerably to the point where Australian and New Zealand interests are now represented in a diverse range of industries. It now also includes high quality and value added produce, knowledge based industries including sophisticated manufactures, ICT, Film, TV Commercials and multi media, a large variety of consumer goods, as well as a broad range of service providers such as banking, insurance, management consulting, construction, education and tourism.

In 2006 Korea was Australia's 3rd largest export market and New Zealand's 6th largest export market.

The core objectives of the ANZCCK are to:
-promote trade, technology transfer and investment between Australia, New Zealand and Korea through a better understanding of business practices in the 3 countries;
-provide an effective mechanism for informing the Korean Government of the views and interests of Australian and New Zealand business' located in or trading with Korea;
-provide a forum for Australian and New Zealand business interests in Korea to exchange views, experiences and extend contacts;
-provide information and assistance to Australian and New Zealand business people seeking to do business in Korea; and
-provide a network of contacts for Korean companies seeking to do business with Australian and New Zealand companies

Mission Statement:
We facilitate business opportunities for Australian and New Zealand companies and individuals by proactively creating networks that advance their commercial interests in Korea.

Patronship:
The Chamber is proud to have the joint patronship of Their Excellencies the Australian and New Zealand Ambassadors. Embassy liaison is provided by inclusion of Senior Trade Commissioners from Australia and New Zealand, as standing members of the committee.

The History of ANZCCK:
Early suggestions of forming an Australia / New Zealand / Korea group date back to July 1989. By May 1990 the Australian Business Group in Korea (ABGIK) was formed. The ABGIK ran from 1990 - 2001 with much success but it lacked any real recognition from the Koreans, government or business, and as a result it was very difficult to attract high profile guest speakers. In fact, ABGIK were told very plainly that they would need to be a Chamber of Commerce to have any sort of credibility at all.

Early in 2001, a pitch was made to the New Zealand Business Group to join forces as a combined Chamber of Commerce - the vote to go ahead was unanimous. Since this time ANZCCK's role and importance in Korea has continued to grow as reflected in NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark choosing the Chamber as the forum for her sole business address when visiting in July 2003.

Today, the Chamber continues to thrive and grow in Korea.