Promoting, defending and representing the interest of the chewing gum and gum base industry ("the Industry") operating in the European Union and its Member States: (a) Protect and promote the trade and welfare of the Industry with due regard for the public interest; (b) Foster, promote and defend the common business interests of its Members by facilitating proper and lawful consideration and exchange of information upon common questions affecting the Industry; (c) Represent the Industry in Europe including the European Union and all its Member States, in all relevant forums, to identify relevant local, regional and European issues for the Industry and to coordinate appropriate responses and their submission to the competent audience; and (d) Do all such acts and things necessary to promote the general welfare of the Industry and for the accomplishment of the objects hereinabove set forth or which shall be recognized as proper objectives of a trade association