The Association’s primary objective is to encourage governments in the region to put into place policies and legislative instruments that are conducive to doing business in the region.

ASCCI is committed to working with all national governments in all the 14 countries in the region, as well as the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, to develop mechanisms that will increase the flow of capital in the region, and foreign direct investment. This will increase enterprise, SMME and Industrial development.

ASCCI is further committed to facilitate processes that enhance economic productivity and efficiencies and reduce the cost of doing business in the region. As a result, ASCCI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the SADC Secretariat in 2002 as the secretariat private sector partner.

This partnership ensures benefits to ASCCI members, the private sector in the region as well as all governments and related public sector stakeholders who are committed to the development of our region.

ASCCI has set up the following commissions in order to increase and enhance dialogue between private sector organisations and governments in the region:

• Trade, Investment and Industrial Development Commission.
• Taxation, Customs, Monetary and Fiscal Affairs Commission.
• Infrastructure and Services (includes Road, Rail, Air Transport
  and Water Services Commissions).
• Human Resources, Science and Technology Development
  Commission.
• Agriculture and Food Security Commission.
• Environment and Natural Resources Management Commission.
• Tourism and Wildlife Management Commission.
• Health, Social and Cultural Activities Commission.
• 2010 – World Cup Opportunities for SADC Commission.
• Public - Private Sector Partnership and NEPAD Initiatives
  Commission.
• Economics Commission.
• Immigration, Visa and related matters Commission.
• ICT Commission.
• International Trade and Business Commission.

All ASCCI members, and affiliated organisations are allowed appointment of 2 representatives to serve in each commission. Each commission meets four times per year to prepare position papers and reports for members and stakeholders who will present
these position papers to ASCCI Council, Council of Ministers of Trade and Summit of the Heads of States through SADC Secretariat with a view to influencing policy and legislation in the region and within respective countries.

ASCCI Regional Business Climate Survey
One of the tools used by ASCCI to influence policy and advocacy in the regions is the ASCCI Regional Business Climate Survey which ASCCI conducts in all the countries of the region together with its associated chamber members. At present the survey is published
in conjunction and in partnership with the German Technical Corporations Agency (GTZ/ASPB) see attached information regarding Regional Business Climate Survey.