Over the past few months, I have noticed a theme in conversations with friends and partners as I introduce my new job. Many assume that all American Chambers of Commerce across Asia are part of a single, centrally managed network. Some imagine that we all report to a headquarters in Washington, or that AmCham Taiwan is a chapter of AmCham Asia.
Life might be simpler if we were one giant Chamber, but the truth is far more interesting. So let me set the record straight about who we are, how we relate to one another, and how we fit into the broader world of business associations.
The first point to emphasize is that every AmCham in the Asia-Pacific region is independent. We are distinct legal entities, each established under the laws of our respective host economies and with our own boards of governors, staff, finances, and advocacy priorities.
We are peers rather than subordinates, cousins rather than siblings. If you join AmCham Taiwan, you are not automatically a member of AmCham Thailand or Australia.
That said, independence does not mean isolation. There are platforms for us to coordinate and share experiences. One of these is AmChams of Asia Pacific, often referred to by its acronym AAP, which brings together roughly 25 Chambers across the region. This umbrella grouping allows us to compare notes on issues and sometimes speak collectively to policymakers in D.C.
Another area of confusion involves our relationship with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. We are members of the U.S. Chamber, but it doesn’t appoint our board, oversee our staff, or dictate our budget.
Think of us more like allies than subordinates. The U.S. Chamber is the largest business federation in the United States, representing millions of companies and associations, and our relationship with it allows us to ensure that the concerns of American business overseas are heard in the policymaking circles that matter most.
The independence of each Chamber is not a weakness — it’s what allows us to stay effective and focused. Also, if we really were a single regional organization, I would have to coordinate staffing and advocacy issues in Manila, Tokyo, and Jakarta — not to mention Beijing and Shanghai — every month, and that prospect alone is enough to remind me that independence has its advantages. At the same time, because we belong to the larger AmCham family, we can draw on regional experience when useful.
So where does this leave us? With a simple but essential truth. All AmChams run independently. We share history, best practices, and sometimes platforms, but we stand on our own.
The next time someone asks you whether AmCham Taiwan is part of “AmCham Asia,” or whether we report to Washington, you can assure them that the answer is no. What unites us is not hierarchy but shared purpose: to promote American business abroad, strengthen commercial ties, and serve as partners in building resilient, prosperous economies.
It’s a model that has stood the test of time. And while I may not have the pleasure of approving overtime for my colleagues in other countries, I do have the privilege of leading an institution that is both proudly local and deeply connected to this global network.
