In a time when we hear so much negativity about global markets, difficulties facing businesses etc. , it was a refreshing change to attend a meeting of La Jeune Chambre Economique de Monaco (J.C.I.)

This vibrant group of young business people are not only holding and expanding their individual place in the market, they are encouraging others to do likewise. Under the current presidency of Kevin Hin, they are making huge efforts to help start-ups, enterprise and growth in Monaco.

Kevin presides over a group comprising around 100 active members, 60% of whom  are female. Kevin is a 'let's do' president and has already made an impact. In his early thirties, Kevin has a background in business, having studied at the London School of Economics and worked for companies in Brussels and China. Having been schooled in Monaco then leaving to continue his studies and gain experience, he has been back in the principality of six years and is admirably suited and experienced to take the J.C.I forward in this new decade.

The evening, the second of its kind was designed to give young would-be entrepreneurs a chance, firstly to listen to previous success stories, followed by some sound advice from amongst others, Mm. Sophie Thevenoux,  Director for Finance in Monaco and M. Svante Kumlin, Vice-President of Monaco Venture Capital. After an interval with champagne and canapés, there was an opportunity for prospective business people to sit at any of the round tables to meet and discuss aspects of setting up in Monaco. Represented were finance, computing, fiscal, estate agency and communications. It was a marvellous opportunity to speak to experts who could help and guide all under one roof.

I was surprised just how many females attended. Last year's winners of the young enterprise award were sisters Laurie & Sandie Giacobi whose business 'My Marketing Manager' has been able to develop and expand through the J.C.I. mentoring service and the help and advice given. Women from all sectors are represented in Jeunes Chambre Economique: property, import & export, finance, accountancy, event management and hospitality.

Given that equality in the workplace is the theme of this year's International Women's Day, I was interested to find out if Kevin felt a level playing field existed here. "I think it is, I never heard any issues about discrimination due to the sex of the person, especially at the level of our members. The situation is for me quite similar to the rest of France."

The group are busy throughout the year with many events, a most interesting one...

'Monaco's image abroad: the Ambassadors' point of view'
will take place on the 21th of June.

Guest speakers:
H.E. Mr Henri FISSORE, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Japan, Australia and Portugal ; Ambassador on mission to the Minister of State and
H.E. Mr Claude GIORDAN, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Germany, Austria, Poland and Russia,will provide attendees with a business-related perspective on the image that foreign countries have of Monaco. Come and learn more about their precise roles and the various initiatives that the Ambassadors are leading and coordinating in order to enhance Monaco's attractivity in their countries. An open question and answer session will follow each speech.

For booking please contact:
Jeune Chambre Economique de Monaco
1, avenue des Castelans - MC 98000 Monaco
Telephone: +377 92 05 20 19 - Fax: +377 92 05 31 29
www.jcemonaco.mc - e-mail: jcemonaco@jcemonaco.mc