As its name indicates, Le Club French Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines started as a social group composed of four members. That was in 1988. Today, there are over 120 members from some hundred different companies - which is rather a big leap in a span of 17 years.

The founders, Philippe GAUTHIER (Euroasia and Asiatype), Jean-Michel GIOVANNETI (Crédit Lyonnais), and Hugues de TISSOT (Rhone Poulenc), felt the need to meet regularly, the political and economic environment at the time being particularly difficult. Jean-François BONNET (Agence France Presse), had been at hand to provide information. This small group was joined in by Louis Paul HEUSSAFF (Supply Oilfield Services) and Vincent RUAIS (Air France). Many others must have shared this feeling because the number of people who started attending the monthly lunch meetings rapidly increased in the months that followed

All of them were convinced that they could benefit from this informal friendly gathering organized to revolve around a theme of special interest. These meetings were primarily devoted to two fundamental functions of the Club: listening to the experiences of others, on one hand, and exchange of information, on the other. From this informal gathering of friends Le Club was born. As the business environment of the Philippines became more promising, the growth of Le Club continued.

The 17-year journey of Le Club FCC made several stops at two name changes. In 2002, the original Le Club des Hommes d'Affaires Français and Francophones (French and French-speaking businessmen) formally became Le Club French Business Association. While it retained its convivial character, it also took on the responsibilities of a business association for both French and non-French businessmen and women. As a non-profit organization, Le Club FBA tasked itself with the promotion of French business in the Philippines and likewise, the Philippines in France.

From the Frenchmen's Club to Le Club FBA to Le Club FCC

The name had recently been changed to Le Club French Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, and as in the past, is steered by an Executive committee elected for a two-year period. The change of name retains and enhances a principle of openness that disregards exclusivity to French and French speakers and thus, Le Club FCC opens its arms to any businessman or woman in the country.

Its officers and members participate in every effort that will contribute in projecting a better image of the Philippines to the world, and by the same token, in developing their enterprises.

Le Club FCC has affiliated with the Union of French Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abroad (UCCIFE) since 1997.