Our Story
Built on strong foundations.
The International South Chamber of Commerce began as the India & Southeast Asia – Romania Chamber of Commerce, established to strengthen commercial and institutional relations between Romania, India and Southeast Asia. As its relationships, membership and international activities expanded, the Chamber evolved into a broader platform capable of representing and connecting countries across Latin America, Africa, South and Southeast Asia, the Gulf and other Southern markets.
From a regional council to an international chamber
The Chamber’s original India and Southeast Asia relationships remain an important part of its institutional foundation. This includes the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in New Delhi, in the presence of senior Romanian and Indian representatives, and senior-level engagement with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in Hanoi.
That work established the model the Chamber still uses today: institutional relationships first, then delegations, market intelligence and practical member services on top of them.
Existing partnerships, commitments, posts, events and institutional history are preserved and presented as part of ISCC’s continuing development — carried by the same founders, the same statutes and the same partners.
India and Southeast Asia remain foundational pillars of the Chamber, not historical footnotes.
Institutional timeline
Milestones
- 2026
Founded as ISEARCC / ISEARBC
The organisation was established in Bucharest as the India & Southeast Asia – Romania Chamber of Commerce / Business Council, created to connect Romania and the European Union with India and Southeast Asia.
- 2026
Memorandum of Understanding with FICCI
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, India's largest apex business organisation, establishing a formal framework for cooperation.
- 2026
Engagement with VCCI in Hanoi
Senior-level meetings with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hanoi opened a channel for cooperation on trade promotion, delegations and market access.
- 2026
Romania as a gateway
The Chamber developed its core narrative positioning Romania as a gateway to the European Union and the Black Sea region for partners from the South.
- 2026
Regional outreach in Romania
Outreach meetings with the regional business community, including in Cluj, extended the Chamber's network beyond Bucharest.
- 2026
Evolution into the International South Chamber of Commerce
As relationships expanded into Brazil, Latin America, Africa and other regions, the founders evolved the organisation into the International South Chamber of Commerce, preserving India and Southeast Asia as foundational pillars.
Continuity, not reinvention
Archived material published under the ISEARCC / ISEARBC identity remains available in the Chamber’s news archive and is clearly marked as such.