A chamber of commerce is a voluntary association of businessmen belonging to different trades and industries.
It may be defined as a voluntary association of manufacturers, merchants, financiers and others engaged in business in a particular locality, regions or country. Therefore, it does not represent any particular trade or industry.
Even professional experts like chartered accountants can become members of chambers of commerce. The main objective of a chamber of commerce is to promote the general business interests of all the members and to foster the growth of commerce and industry in a particular locality, region or country.
Chambers of commerce is non-profit making organisations. They serve as spokesmen and representatives of business community.
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The organisation of chambers of commerce differs from country to country. In Russia, Poland, Rumania and other communist nations, chambers of commerce work as government departments.
In West-Germany, France, Italy, Japan, etc., chambers of commerce are constituted by public law and are subject to government control.
In India, chambers of commerce are registered as societies and companies and function as voluntary organisations.