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The ICC WCF Americas Summit is a two‑day gathering that brings together chambers of commerce, MSME leaders, policymakers and partners to strengthen MSME competitiveness and advance practical regional cooperation. Held in Santa Cruz, the Summit positions MSMEs as drivers of inclusive, innovation‑led and sustainable growth across the Americas.
The programme will focus on three core dimensions of MSME development: access to regional and global markets, digital transformation, and sustainable and inclusive growth. Through high‑level dialogues, interactive sessions and regional exchanges, participants will benchmark their programmes, compare impact, and explore concrete solutions to shared challenges.
A signature feature of the Summit, the Chamber Benchmark Labs, offers a structured space for chambers to present, discuss and challenge their approaches, KPIs and business models—enabling practical, peer‑driven learning. Every session is designed to reflect Latin America as a single MSME powerhouse, encouraging cross‑border insight‑sharing and collaboration.
Across the two days, the Summit will reinforce ICC and WCF’s objectives in the region: elevating chamber effectiveness, supporting MSME internationalisation and digitalisation, promoting sustainability and women’s economic empowerment, and strengthening regional engagement. Participants will leave with actionable insights, new relationships and practical tools to enhance their impact within their own ecosystems.
La Cumbre de las Américas de la ICC WCF es un encuentro de dos días que reúne a cámaras de comercio, líderes de MIPYMES, responsables de políticas públicas y socios para fortalecer la competitividad de las MIPYMES y avanzar en una cooperación regional práctica. Celebrada en Santa Cruz de la Sierra, el principal centro económico de Bolivia, la Cumbre tiene lugar en un momento en que Bolivia se está abriendo económicamente y profundizando su integración en los mercados regionales y globales, creando oportunidades oportunas para que las cámaras y las comunidades empresariales se conecten y hagan negocios.
El programa se centra en tres dimensiones clave del desarrollo de las MIPYMES: acceso a mercados regionales y globales, transformación digital y crecimiento sostenible e inclusivo. A través de diálogos de alto nivel, sesiones interactivas e intercambios regionales, los participantes comparan sus programas, analizan su impacto y exploran soluciones concretas a desafíos compartidos relacionados con el comercio, la inversión y la cooperación transfronteriza.
Un elemento distintivo de la Cumbre son los Chamber Benchmark Labs, que ofrecen un espacio estructurado para que las cámaras presenten, debatan y cuestionen sus enfoques, KPIs y modelos de implementación, promoviendo un aprendizaje práctico impulsado entre pares. La realización de estos intercambios en Santa Cruz permite una exposición directa al ecosistema empresarial de Bolivia, reforzando el posicionamiento empresarial de la Cumbre.
A lo largo de los dos días, la Cumbre refuerza las prioridades de la ICC y la WCF en la región: fortalecer la eficacia de las cámaras, apoyar la internacionalización y digitalización de las MIPYMES, promover la sostenibilidad y el empoderamiento económico de las mujeres, y profundizar la participación regional. Los participantes se llevan aprendizajes aplicables, nuevas alianzas y herramientas prácticas para ampliar su impacto en sus propios ecosistemas.
8:00 – 08:30 | Registration
8:30 – 9:00 | Opening Plenary
The official opening of the Summit, bringing together international chamber leaders, government authorities and global partners to set the stage for dialogue, cooperation and business leadership across the Americas.
8:30 – 8:40 | Welcome Remarks – Fernando Aramayo Carrasco – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia (Bolivia)
Opening remarks from the Government of Bolivia welcoming international delegations and highlighting the importance of regional collaboration for economic growth.
8:40 – 8:50 | Welcome Remarks – Jean‑Pierre Antelo – President, Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Services and Tourism of Santa Cruz – CAINCO (Bolivia)
A perspective from the host institution on the role of chambers of commerce in strengthening private sector leadership and regional cooperation.
8:50 – 8:55 | Keynote – Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu – Chair, ICC World Chambers Federation (Turkey)
Global insights on the role of chambers in supporting businesses and fostering international economic integration.
8:55 – 9:00 | Keynote – Marie‑Christine Oghly – Vice Chair, ICC World Chambers Federation (France)
A forward-looking message on the evolving role of chambers in empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening inclusive business ecosystems.
9:00 – 9:30 | Keynote Adress ¨Geopolitical Situation and Integration Opportunities in the Americas¨ - Enrique García Rodríguez – Economist; Former Executive President, CAF – Development Bank of Latin America (Venezuela) is a leading voice for development in Latin America.
A strategic overview of the geopolitical dynamics shaping the Americas and the opportunities they create for deeper regional integration, trade collaboration and economic resilience.
9:30 – 09:40 | Q&A Session, Moderator - Eduardo Paz – Former President, Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Services and Tourism of Santa Cruz – CAINCO (Bolivia)
9:40 – 10:40 | Benchmark Lab: Beyond Trade Missions. Next Generation MSMEs Internationalization Services
A collaborative session among chamber leaders from across the Americas to share best practices and explore innovative services that help MSMEs expand internationally and compete in global markets.
- Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services (Argentina)
- National Confederation of Industry of Brazil (CNI) (Brazil)
- Chamber of Commerce of Mexico City (Mexico)
Moderator – Julian Kassum - ICC Deputy Secretary General, Network and Director, World Chambers Federation (France)
10:40 – 11:10 | Coffee Break
A networking pause designed to foster informal conversations and new connections among chamber leaders, business representatives and international partners.
11:10 – 11:40 | Keynote – Future Business Trends
Where is the world going? Are businesses prepared for the next steps? – Marco Urarte – Strategist and Management Consultant, Independent (Spain)
An expert perspective on the global forces transforming industries and markets, and how companies can anticipate the next wave of economic and technological change.
11:40 – 11:50 | Q&A Session
11:50 – 12:20 | Inspirational Keynote “Values from sport to the business sector”- Óscar Córdoba – Former Professional Footballer, Colombia National Team & Boca Juniors (Colombia / Argentina)
An inspiring talk on how leadership in sport can impact the business journey.
12:20– 12:30 | Q&A Session
Moderator – Orlando Vaca – Chair, ICC Bolivia (Bolivia)
12:30 – 14:30 I Lunch Break
14:30 – 15:15 | Panel – Green and inclusive growth: What it means for the business sector
Opportunities for companies in green sectors, sustainable value chains and inclusive business models. Comparative discussion on approaches, tools and potential areas for regional collaboration.
- IDB Invest – Inter‑American Development Bank Group (United States)
- Empacar S.A. (Bolivia)
- Repsol S.A. (Spain)
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris Île‑de‑France (France)
- United States Chamber of Commerce (United States)
Moderator - Enrique de Loma – Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Bolivia (Bolivia)
15:15 – 16:00 | Panel – Women and youth-led MSMEs:Building the next wave of regional champions
A conversation focused on empowering women and young entrepreneurs, strengthening inclusive networks and fostering the next generation of business leaders across the region.
- Marie‑Christine Oghly – Vice Chair, ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF) (France)
- Alejandra Castillo – President, Junior Chamber International (JCI) (United States)
- International Chamber of Commerce – Centre of Entrepreneurship (ICC CoE) (France)
- Pablo Bedoya – Chair, American Chamber of Commerce in Bolivia – AmCham Bolivia (Bolivia)
Moderator: Denise Hurtado – Chair, Women CAINCO (Bolivia)
16:00 – 16:30 | Coffee Break
A second networking interval allowing participants to continue conversations and strengthen partnerships formed throughout the day.
16:30 – 17:00 | Keynote - Digital transformation: The future of technologies to enhance business productivity- Karim Antonio Lesina – Vice President, Millicom International Cellular S.A. (Luxembourg)
17:00 – 17:10 | Q&A Session
17:10 – 17:40 | Inspirational Talk - “From local Hero to Regional Champion. Scaling MSMEs Across Borders”- Claudio José Rodríguez Huaco – Executive, Gloria Group (Peru)
17:40 – 17:50 | Q&A Session
Closing Session
17:50 – 18:00 | Closing Remarks
John W.H. Denton AO – Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) (France)
Reflections on the Summit and the global role of chambers in strengthening economic cooperation.
18:00 – 18:10 | Closing Remarks
Jean Pierre Antelo, CAINCO Presidente
Final message from the host institution highlighting the value of regional collaboration and business leadership.
18:10 – 18:20 | Closing Remarks
Rodrigo Paz Pereira – President, Plurinational State of Bolivia (Bolivia)
8:30 – 12:00 | Business Roundtable - Regional Opportunities for MSME Cooperation
A structured matchmaking format designed to facilitate concrete partnerships among chambers, development agencies, companies and strategic partners across the Americas.
14:30 – 17:00 I Afternoon Sessions
Details to follow
20:00 – 23:00 | Gala Dinner: Strategic Networking and Summit Closing
A formal evening gathering bringing together chamber presidents, MSME leaders, partners and distinguished guests to celebrate the Summit and strengthen strategic relationships.
Program highlights include
• Final reflections by ICC WCF leadership and CAINCO
• Presentation of special recognitions
• Musical Show
Optional Experience for International Participants
Friday, May 22 – Saturday, May 23
Uyuni Salt Flats Experience
An exclusive post-Summit journey to the world’s largest salt flats, offering international participants a unique opportunity to experience one of Bolivia’s most extraordinary natural landscapes.
For more information regarding this experience contact: luis.strauss@cainco.org.bo
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Alejandra Castillo |
President, Junior Chamber International (United States) |
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Claudio José Rodríguez Huaco |
Executive, Gloria Group (Peru) |
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Denise Hurtado |
Chair, Women CAINCO (Bolivia) |
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Eduardo Paz |
Former President, Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Services and Tourism of Santa Cruz – CAINCO (Bolivia) |
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Enrique de Loma |
Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Bolivia (Bolivia) |
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Enrique García Rodríguez |
Economist; Former Executive President, CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (Venezuela) |
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Fernando Aramayo Carrasco |
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia (Bolivia) |
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Jean‑Pierre Antelo |
President, Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Services and Tourism of Santa Cruz – CAINCO (Bolivia) |
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John W.H. Denton AO |
Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) (France) |
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Julian Kassum |
ICC Deputy Secretary General, Network and Director, World Chambers Federation (France) |
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Karim Antonio Lesina |
Vice President, Millicom International Cellular S.A. (Luxembourg) |
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Marco Urarte |
Strategist and Management Consultant, Independent (Spain) |
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Marie‑Christine Oghly |
Vice Chair, ICC World Chambers Federation (France) |
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Orlando Vaca |
Chair, ICC Bolivia (Bolivia) |
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Óscar Córdoba |
Former Professional Footballer, Colombia National Team & Boca Juniors (Argentina) |
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Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu |
Chair, ICC World Chambers Federation and President, Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (Turkey) |
|
Rodrigo Paz Pereira |
President, Plurinational State of Bolivia (Bolivia) |
| Venue |
Summit event: Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Services and Tourism of Santa Cruz (CAINCO), Av. Las Americas 7, Santa Cruz de la Sierra Gala Dinner: FEXPOCRUZ – Santa Cruz Exhibition & Convention Centre, Avenida Roca y Coronado, Santa Cruz de la Sierra |
| Time |
Summit event time: Start : Local time (Santa Cruz, Bolivia – BOT): 20 May 2026 at 09:00 [CEST: 20 May 2026 at 14:00] End: Local time (Santa Cruz, Bolivia – BOT): 21 May 2026 at 23:30 [CEST: 22 May 2026 at 04:30] *Coordinated tourism activities will take place on the afternoon of 21 May 2026
Gala Dinner event time:
Start : Local time (Santa Cruz, Bolivia – BOT): 21 May 2026 at 20:00 [CEST: 22 May 2026 at 01:00] End: Local time (Santa Cruz, Bolivia – BOT): 21 May 2026 at 23:30 [CEST: 22 May 2026 at 04:30] |
| Working languages |
The working language of the Summit will be Spanish and English. |
| Travel and connectivity | Santa Cruz is served by Viru Viru International Airport (VVI), located approximately 20–25 minutes from the venue by taxi or private transport. The city is well connected via major regional and global hubs, ensuring smooth access for international participants. |
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Accommodation |
Recommended hotels are located in the Equipetrol district, offering convenient access to the venue (approximately 7–15 minutes by car). |
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Accessibility |
The venue provides accessible facilities. Participants requiring additional support (e.g., mobility access or interpretation services) are invited to contact the organisers in advance. |
|
Onsite services |
A staffed information desk, badge pick‑up, venue signage and delegate support services will be available throughout the Summit. |
An opportunity for every marketing goal.
ICC offers your company many ways to sponsor this conference. Tailor-made packages are available to suit your firm's needs. For more information, contact sponsorship@iccwbo.org.
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Benefits |
Premium $US. 10.000 |
Gold $US. 5.000 |
Silver $US. 3.500 |
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Private meeting room to host specific 1-hour meetings (*) |
X |
- |
- |
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Company logo featured in global promotional campaigns, electronic newsletters and social media platforms, reaching the extensive international ICC network. |
X |
- |
- |
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Testimonial quote on the event website |
X |
- |
- |
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Opportunity to submit a candidate for a speaking opportunity |
X |
- |
- |
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Exposure of a corporative video during the event (max. 1 minute) |
X |
- |
- |
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Participant List |
X |
X |
- |
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Seat at one of the official ICC World Chambers tables (Main Event) |
2 |
1 |
- |
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Exhibition booth (**) |
2x4 m2 |
2x3 m2 |
- |
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Seat at one of the official ICC World Chambers tables (Gala Dinner) |
5 |
3 |
- |
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Distribution of corporate souvenirs |
X |
X |
X |
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Company logo on all event promotional materials as of its category. |
X |
X |
X |
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Company logo displayed on screens at the main event and parallel events. |
X |
X |
X |
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Event guest tickets with reserved seating in a preferential area |
5 |
3 |
2 |
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Option to purchase 5 additional gala dinner tickets with special discount on the ticket price. |
50% |
30% |
10% |
(*) Includes refreshment and coffee service, a meeting table with internet access, and a television equipped with Bluetooth connectivity.
(**) The fees associated with the construction of the exhibition booth are estimated to range between $us. 600 and $us. 1.000.
|
Aimee Welsh |
WCF Events Manager |
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Luis Fernando Strauss |
Manager of Strategic Relations and Corporate Affairs |
Visa requirements
Bolivia uses a nationality‑based visa system:
- Group 1: Visa‑free entry for up to 90 days.
- Group 2: Visa on arrival or consular visa (depending on nationality).
- Group 3: Visa must be obtained in advance.
All travellers must hold a passport valid for at least six months, and may be asked for proof of accommodation, onward travel, and a yellow‑fever vaccination certificate depending on travel history.
Arrival procedures
Travellers may need to complete Bolivia’s online SIGEMIG registration. If not completed in advance, immigration officers may register passengers on arrival.
Local climate
Santa Cruz is a tropical lowland city with warm and humid weather. Participants are advised to bring light clothing, sun protection, and a light jacket for air‑conditioned indoor spaces.
Tourist information
Santa Cruz offers diverse cultural and natural attractions for pre‑ or post‑Summit visits, including:
- Amboró National Park
- Samaipata & El Fuerte (UNESCO site)
- Lomas de Arena dunes
- Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos
Safety guidance
Santa Cruz is generally safe for business travellers when exercising normal precautions. Participants should avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis or hotel transport, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Roadblocks may occasionally occur elsewhere in Bolivia.
Emergency numbers: 110 / 911, ambulance 165 / 119.
Currency & payments
The local currency is the Boliviano (BOB). ATMs and card payments are widely available in hotel and commercial districts. Travellers may carry up to USD 10,000 into the country without declaration.