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Chinese Business Association of IrelandCBAIIreland · China Business
Effective from 17 March 2025

Constitution

The constitution of the Chinese Business Association of Ireland, as adopted.

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Chapter 1

General Provisions

Article 1Name

The name of this Chamber is theChinese Business Association of Ireland” (abbreviated as IChina).

Article 2Purpose

The purpose of this Chamber is to promote economic, trade and cultural exchange between China and Ireland; to provide members with services such as business support, information sharing and legal advice; to advance bilateral trade and investment; and to enhance cooperation and understanding between enterprises in the two countries. It aims to serve Chinese-invested enterprises, Chinese-owned businesses and Irish local institutions, to deepen ChinaIreland economic, trade and cultural exchange, and to promote the coordinated development of enterprises on both sides in the context of globalisation.

Article 3Nature

The Chinese Business Association of Ireland is a non-profit, independently operated non-governmental chamber of commerce established with the approval of the Companies Registration Office (CRO) of Ireland. It is registered in Ireland in accordance with the law, is responsible for its own finances, and bears legal liability independently.

Article 4Registered Office

The registered address of this Chamber is:

508b Mitchelstown Rd, NW Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15, D15 A276

Chapter 2

Membership

Article 5Membership Categories and Eligibility

Membership of this Chamber is divided into the following four categories:

  • 1.Corporate Members:
    Legal representatives of enterprises, or enterprises, lawfully registered in Ireland and China.
    Irish enterprises that have operated in China for more than 5 years, or that have actual business in the field of ChinaIreland trade and investment.
  • 2.Individual Members:
    • Individuals interested in ChinaIreland economic and trade cooperation, with no criminal record and no adverse political record, who may become individual members upon application and approval.
  • 3.Honorary Members:
    Individuals or institutions that have made outstanding contributions to the Chamber may, upon review and approval by the Council, be grantedHonorary Memberstatus.
  • 4.Strategic Partners:
    • Institutions, government departments, trade associations and the like that have a long-term cooperative relationship with the Chamber, subject to special approval by the Council.

Article 6Members' Rights

  • 1.To take part in the various activities organised by the Chamber (business forums, exhibitions, matchmaking meetings, etc.).
  • 2.To enjoy the services provided by the Chamber, such as business information, legal advice and investment guidance.
  • 3.To hold the rights to vote, to stand for election and to vote on resolutions.
  • 4.To offer suggestions and criticism regarding the Chamber's work and direction of development.
  • 5.To use the Chamber's resources (such as meeting venues and media platforms) where consistent with the rules.

Article 7Members' Obligations

  • 1.To abide by this Chamber's constitution and to implement the Chamber's resolutions.
  • 2.To pay membership fees on time and to fulfil financial obligations.
  • 3.To uphold the reputation and lawful rights and interests of the Chamber, and not to use the Chamber's platform for unlawful or improper conduct.
  • 4.To take an active part in the Chamber's activities and to promote interaction and cooperation among members.
  • 5.Members shall not represent the Chamber at any activity without the Chamber's approval.

Article 8Withdrawal and Removal of Members

  • 1.Voluntary Withdrawal:
    A member may apply to withdraw of their own accord, but must give the Chamber Secretariat advance written notice and settle any related fees.
  • 2.Compulsory Removal:
    Where a member engages in any of the following conduct, the Chamber Council has the right to revoke their membership:
    • Seriously violating this constitution, or harming the reputation and interests of the Chamber.
    • Engaging in unlawful activities, or harming the ChinaIreland trade and cooperation relationship.
    • Failing to pay membership fees for two consecutive years without providing any explanation.
Chapter 3

Organisational Structure

Article 9Organisational Structure

The principal bodies of the Chamber comprise:

  • 1.The General Assembly (the supreme authority)
  • 2.The Council (the decision-making and management body)
  • 3.The President (the legal representative)
  • 4.The Executive Committee (the day-to-day operating body)
  • 5.The Supervisory Board (the oversight body)

Article 10The General Assembly (the supreme authority)

  • 1.The General Assembly is the supreme authority of this Chamber and is convened once each year.
  • 2.The principal functions of the General Assembly:
    • To deliberate on the Chamber's development plans, major decisions and financial reports.
    • To elect and remove members of the Council.
    • To deliberate on amendments to the constitution.

Article 11The Council (the decision-making and management body)

  • 1.The Council is elected by the General Assembly, and its members include the President, the Executive Vice President, the Secretary-General, the Vice Presidents and the Directors.
  • 2.Members of the Council serve a term of 3 years and may be re-elected.
  • 3.Principal responsibilities:
    • To formulate the Chamber's development strategy and annual plans.
    • To oversee the day-to-day work of the executive team.
    • To review and approve membership applications.
    • To decide on major financial expenditure.

Article 12The President (the legal representative)

  • 1.The President is the legal representative of the Chamber, is elected by the Council, serves a term of 3 years, and may be re-elected once.
  • 2.Principal responsibilities:
    • To represent the Chamber in domestic and international business exchange.
    • To chair meetings of the Council and to advance the development of the Chamber.
    • To oversee financial management and to ensure the reasonable use of funds.

Article 13The Executive Committee (the day-to-day operating body)

  • 1.Led by the Secretary-General, it establishes departments such as finance, member services, event planning and marketing.
  • 2.It is responsible for day-to-day operations, membership management, the execution of activities and related work.

Article 14The Supervisory Board (the oversight body)

  • 1.Elected by the General Assembly, it is responsible for overseeing the Chamber's finances, its elections and its day-to-day operations.
  • 2.A supervisor may not concurrently serve as a member of the Council, so as to ensure independence.
Chapter 4

Financial Management

Article 15Sources of Funds

The Chamber's funds are derived principally from:

  • 1.Membership fees.
  • 2.Corporate sponsorship and donations.
  • 3.Government grants and project funding.
  • 4.The Chamber's lawful operating income.

Article 16Financial Oversight

  • 1.Financial management is subject to oversight by the Council and the Supervisory Board.
  • 2.It undergoes an independent audit each year and discloses its financial position to the General Assembly.
Chapter 5

Chamber Activities

Article 17Principal Activities

  • 1.Holding business forums, investment negotiation meetings and exhibitions to promote cooperation between Chinese and Irish enterprises.
  • 2.Organising legal training, market analysis and policy interpretation to help members adapt to the market.
  • 3.Taking part in cooperation projects between the Chinese and Irish governments and chambers of commerce to advance the development of commercial and trade relations.
  • 4.Holding cultural exchange activities to promote friendly relations between the peoples of the two countries.
Chapter 6

Amendment of the Constitution

Article 18Procedure for Amending the Constitution

  • 1.The Council shall propose amendments and submit them to the General Assembly for deliberation.
  • 2.Amendments take effect only with the agreement of more than two-thirds of the members.
Chapter 7

Dissolution of the Chamber

Article 19Dissolution Procedure

  • 1.It requires the agreement of more than two-thirds of the members of the General Assembly.
  • 2.The Council shall establish a liquidation group to settle assets and liabilities.
  • 3.Any remaining assets may be used for charitable causes or donated to a similar organisation.
Chapter 8

Supplementary Provisions

Article 20Effective Date

This constitution comes into force on 17 March 2025.

Founding members:

Person in charge: Xia Juntao

Principal members: Chen Huade, Yu Yongqiang, Yu Teng, Sun Xiaodan, Zhou Zunhe