Frequently asked questions
The questions the Secretariat is asked most often, answered directly and in full.
About the Council
What is CIBET International Council?
CIBET International Council is a global business, innovation, education, investment and trade organisation that connects entrepreneurs, corporations, investors, universities, governments and innovators through membership, councils, country chapters, summits, programmes and an international digital platform.
The Council works across five pillars — business growth, innovation and technology, education and talent, investment and capital, and global expansion — with fifteen global councils beneath them, country chapters, fifteen annual global programmes and an integrated digital platform.
Is CIBET a chamber of commerce?
No. CIBET is an international membership council rather than a statutory chamber of commerce.
The practical difference matters. Chambers authorised by their national customs administration can issue trade documents such as Certificates of Origin and ATA Carnets. CIBET does not hold that authority and does not issue those documents. What the Council provides is advisory support: guidance on documentation requirements, market research, introductions and referral to the authorised body in the relevant country.
Does CIBET have international chapters?
Yes. The Council operates through chapters and regional representation, and publishes the current status of each chapter.
A chapter listed as active has a named chapter lead and a contact route. A chapter listed as in formation is being established and is not yet chartered. Groups wishing to establish a chapter apply under International Chapter Membership.
Joining
Who can become a CIBET member?
Business owners, corporate leaders, professionals, founders, investors, exporters and importers can join in a personal capacity. Companies, start-ups, universities, colleges, chambers, associations and public bodies can join as organisations.
Each category has its own published eligibility criteria. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee admission, because every application is assessed on its merits by the Membership Committee.
What membership categories are available?
There are eight: Student, Start-up, SME, Corporate, Investor, University, Government and Public Institution, and Country Chapter.
Student is for those enrolled at a recognised institution. Start-up is a reduced-rate category for early-stage companies. SME and Corporate are for established businesses at different scales. Investor is for angel investors, funds and family offices. University is for academic and research institutions. Government is for departments, agencies and public bodies. Country Chapter is for groups establishing a CIBET chapter.
Charter Member is a status rather than a category: it recognises those who joined during the establishment phase of the Council or of a new country chapter, and can be held alongside any category.
How do I apply for CIBET membership?
Complete the online application on the Apply for Membership page. It is free to submit.
You will be asked for your professional or business details, your membership category, your reasons for joining and supporting documents where the category requires them. You will receive an acknowledgement with a reference number, and the Membership Committee will then assess the application.
How are membership applications reviewed?
Applications are assessed by the Membership Committee against the published criteria for the chosen category, and a decision is issued within [Insert number] working days.
The Committee looks at eligibility, the accuracy of the information supplied, and the applicant's standing in their field. It may request additional information. If an application is approved, the applicant is invited to pay the membership fee; membership is activated once payment is received. Fees are not taken before a decision.
Membership value
What are the benefits of joining CIBET?
Membership provides access to the international member network, member rates or complimentary places at Council events, structured mentoring, trade and investment advisory support, participation in committees and industry forums, and a listing in the member directory.
Benefits vary by category. The Membership Benefits page sets out what each category includes.
Does CIBET support start-ups?
Yes. Start-ups can join under a reduced-rate Start-up Membership and take part in the Council's start-up and entrepreneurship programmes.
That includes structured mentoring with experienced members, investor-readiness sessions, market entry guidance, and visibility through the member directory and founder forums.
Can companies and institutions become members?
Yes. Companies join under Corporate Membership and institutions under Institutional Membership; both are organisational categories with named representatives.
Corporate Membership suits registered companies seeking international networks and trade support. Institutional Membership suits universities, colleges, chambers, associations and public bodies, particularly those working with the Council on education and innovation.
Working with CIBET
How can organisations partner with CIBET?
Organisations can partner with the Council on joint programmes, events, delegations, research and publications. Enquiries go to the partnerships team through the Partner With CIBET page.
Partnership is separate from membership. A partner does not need to be a member, and partnership arrangements are set out in a written agreement covering scope, use of names and logos, and duration.
Does CIBET organise international trade missions?
Yes. The Council organises outbound and inbound business delegations and trade missions for members, subject to demand and to arrangements with partners in the destination market.
A mission typically includes a business programme, meetings arranged with counterpart organisations, and matchmaking with potential partners or buyers. Participation costs and eligibility are published for each mission.
Still not answered?
Write to the Secretariat through the contact form, choosing the subject closest to your question so it reaches the right team directly.
Enquiries are answered within [Insert number] working days.
Join the Council
Applications are free to submit and are assessed by the Membership Committee. Fees are payable only if your application is approved.
Work with CIBET
Chambers, institutions, associations, corporates and public bodies can partner with the Council on programmes, events and delegations.