The International Pepper Community is an intergovernmental organization of pepper producing countries. The Community now includes India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam as permanent members and Papua New Guinea, Philippines as an associate member.

The IPC was established in 1972 under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP). The IPC Secretariat is located in Jakarta, Indonesia and is headed by an executive director.

Membership to the Community is open to all pepper producing countries, with the unanimous consent of the existing members and by acceding to the agreement establishing the Pepper Community.

CHAIRMANSHIP

The representatives of member countries hold the office of the chairman. Each chairman holds the office for one year.

THE SECRETARIAT

The Community carries out its functions through its Secretariat based in Jakarta, Indonesia. The IPC secretariat is regulated by the government of Indonesia and is headed by the executive director appointed for a stipulated period at the session of the Community.

LIAISON OFFICERS AND IPC FOCAL POINTS

For executing its functions the IPC Secretariat coordinates with member countries through a network of liaison Officers. Their responsibilities include the development of the pepper industry and national focal points that deal with pepper in their respective countries.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES

The International Pepper Community maintains close contacts with the United Nations Organization and its special agencies. For carrying out its functions smoothly and effectively, the Community consults and seeks assistance from these experts.