The congress in its 14th edition as themed “Business, Chambers, Government: Partners for Prosperity,” emphasizing the vital collaboration needed to drive economic growth and innovation.
During the Congress, Al Khaja participated in several key sessions, including the opening ceremony, which set the tone for the event, and the session titled “Global Challenges and Business Sentiment in 2025.” He engaged in discussions on the impact of geopolitical disruptions on trade and entrepreneurship, highlighting the unique resilience strategies employed by SMEs.
Al Khaja also took part in the Chamber Leadership Round Table, where presidents and CEOs from chambers around the world engaged in strategic dialogue on navigating current complex global trading environment. He emphasized the importance of digital transformation and AI integration.
The Bahrain Chamber was officially announced as the 40th member of the International Chamber of Commerce World Chambers Federation (ICC WCF) International Certificate of Origin (CO) Accreditation Chain, a membership that enhances the credibility of Bahrain-issued Certificates of Origin, ensuring they are recognized as trusted documents compliant with international standards.
Al Khaja highlighted the significance of this accreditation, stating, “With this recognition, we are enhancing the business landscape in Bahrain. Our Certificates of Origin are now positioned as reliable documents, facilitating smoother customs clearance and enabling exporters to leverage trade agreements, thereby providing a competitive edge in the global marketplace.”
He further emphasized that the accreditation safeguards against fraud and reduces trade risks, reinforcing the Bahrain Chamber’s reputation as a reliable partner in global trade. Julie Sonladuangchanh, Lead for Origin Certification of the ICC WCF, remarked, “The addition of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce to the CO Accreditation Chain strengthens our mission to uphold excellence in trade certification and support the evolving needs of the global trading community.”
This accreditation is not only a major milestone for the Bahrain Chamber but also enhances the overall business environment in Bahrain. It allows the Chamber access to the internationally recognized ICC Certificate of Origin label and the ability to directly link its certificates to the official ICC verification platform. Established in 2012, the CO Accreditation Chain now unites 821 chambers across 40 countries, collectively issuing over nine million Certificates of Origin annually.
During the Congress, Al Khaja also highlighted the importance of digital transformation and AI integration in driving economic growth. His participation in the World Chambers Federation (WCF) General Council provided a platform for sharing insights and best practices with senior leaders from chambers worldwide.