The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce  was started in 1917 as a Chamber of Commerce representing the entire old State of Hyderabad. That State included parts of present Karnataka, Maharashtra as well as all the Telugu speaking Districts of the old Nizam’s dominions. The year 1956 saw the formation of Andhra Pradesh and in 1958, its name was changed to 'The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry'. It started functioning with representation from the entire state.  It gradually evolved into an organization representing large, medium and small scale industries. It also represented wholesale, retail and small trade organizations. It consists of public, private, joint and corporate sectors. With about 150 other Chambers and Associations at State, District, Mandal levels affiliated to it. FAPCCI has 2,940 members on its rolls. Its indirect membership through its affiliates covers a broad spectrum of industries and trade organizations.

The main function is to promote and protect the interests of trade, commerce and industry.
The Federation has also been actively engaged in building up rapport with the Government at the Local, State and Central levels.

To promote and protect the interests of trade, commerce and industry in Andhra Pradesh.

• To consider all questions related to trade, commerce industry and initiate or support necessary action in connection thereof.
• To collect, disseminate statistical and other information. This promotes awareness about commercial and economic knowledge.
• To keep members updated on economic issues, deal with commercial queries or establish contracts with specialists, act as a turntable for supply and demand and pave the way for new business connections.

The Managing Committee and Past-Presidents (mentioned below) give over-all direction in the activities of the Federation. Their opinions are put forward before the Government and the public on matters affecting trade and industry through conferences, meetings and representations.
The work of the Federation is carried out by a Secretariat consisting of a Secretary, Joint Secretary, Deputy Secretaries, Senior Asst. Secy., Asst. Secy., Junior Officers in various Departments.

Presently the Chamber lends its support to the Government in its effort to promote economic growth of the country through planned programme of economic development. FAPCCI has oriented its organization set up and approach so that it could render better and greater services to its members:
The Chamber invites Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of different States, Ambassadors/High Commissioners of various countries in India and high level dignitaries. Secretaries of important Ministries and Heads of various departments are invited for a dialogue with our members on current issues.

The Chamber receives several business delegations both from developed and developing countries as well as high level Government officials from various countries every year, thus contributing significantly to India’s International business relations. It also sponsors business missions abroad and participates in international exhibitions.

Federation provides basic information services in the following areas:

• Industry
• Banking, Insurance & Finance
• Energy
• Direct Taxes
• Indirect Taxes
• Industrial Relations
• Commercial taxes
• Foreign Trade
• Agriculture
• Arbitration Services.

It has a category for Honorary members who have attained eminent position and distinguished themselves in the cause of Commerce, Industry or Finance.

As on 20th March 2009  FAPCCI has 2,940 members on its rolls.