The definition of a chamber of commerce is an “association of businesses of a city, region or country formed to protect and promote the economic interests of members through legislative and other means.” Essentially, chambers of commerce are government sponsored groups of business who work together to improve the economics of their particular area.

India has several different organisations of this type; most are non-profit associations set up with the intent of expanding Indian business into countries worldwide, as well as bringing business into India. There are associations set up to deal with most countries, including China, the EU and the United States, to name just a few. The jobs of these organisations include advertising the area as a good place for new business, as well as approaching companies about bringing business into the area.

The federal Department of Commerce is not exactly the same as a chamber of commerce, but the two have similar purposes. The main difference is that chambers of commerce, though they work closely with local governments, are not under government control. Because the Department of Commerce is a federal department, they have the legal right to regulate and control industry. They also have the impetus of controlling the import and export industries of the nation.

Though these two types of business regulating organisations should work in concert, there are often conflicts between the Department of Commerce and local chambers of commerce. If all involved would remember that they are working for the same purpose, to bring business into India.