國際潮團總會於1980年春夏由香港及東南亞潮團倡議成立，作為集潮商最高人脈及眾多泰斗級人物的國際組織，正日益受到矚目。國際潮團總會是世界潮人大團結、大發展的標誌。潮人的祖居地為中國廣東省潮汕地區，據不完全統計，全球之潮籍人士約五千萬人，其中，旅居海外者有約二千多萬人之多。總會的宗旨是敦睦鄉誼、弘揚文化、促進工商、服務社會。
國際潮團總會在香港設立常設秘書處，處理日常事務，協調全球數十國家、地區潮團活動。總會有嚴謹的章程及工作規範，有自己的網站、會訊及會刊。總會的會員逾百個，來自全球數十個國家和地區，大都是所在地有實力及影響力之社團，透過自己的網絡，聯繫全球近五千萬潮籍鄉親。
國際潮團聯誼年會是國際潮團總會最主要的活動之一，自1981年起每兩年一次於世界各地舉行，首屆年會於1981年由香港潮州總會主辦，第二屆至第二十屆依次由泰國潮州會館、馬來西亞潮州公會聯合會、新加坡潮州八邑會館、澳門潮州同鄉會、法國潮州會館、全美國潮團、香港潮州同鄉、汕頭海外交流協會、泰國潮州會館、北京潮人海外聯誼會、新加坡潮州八邑會館及義安公司、澳門潮州同鄉會、澳州潮州同鄉會、廣東潮人海外聯誼會、馬來西亞潮州公會聯合會、湖北省潮人海外聯誼會、加拿大潮商會、印尼潮州總會、新西蘭潮屬總會、海南省潮商經濟促進會等潮團主辦。國際潮團總會第二十二屆國際潮團聯誼年會定於2024於中國汕頭市舉辦。
歷屆年會期間，各國政要甚為重視，總統、總理或首相親臨主禮，或題辭祝賀，極一時之盛。在中國舉行的四次年會，其中兩次由李瑞環政協主席主禮，一次由李長春政治局常委主禮。這一在世界上有重大影響的國際性盛會，對於全球潮人敦睦鄉誼，加強經濟文化交流，促進中國和海外潮人所在地區經濟貿易的發展，提高海外潮人及華人的地位，都起著重要的作用。國際潮團總會為東西方文化交流融合及經濟交流架起了一道金橋。
國際潮團總會之直屬單位有國際潮學研究會、國際潮商經濟合作組織、國際潮籍博士聯合會、國際潮青聯合會等，涵蓋青年、文化、商務及學術研究等多個範疇。
A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO TEOCHEW INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION
Teochew International Federation, previously known as Teochew International Convention was established in 1980 founded by the Teochew associations from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. The ancestral hometown of Teochew people lies in the Chaoshan region of Guangdong Province. According to incomplete statistics, there are about 50 million Chiu Chow people in the world, of which nearly 20 million are living outside China. The mission of the Federation is to enhance clan ties, promote cultural exchanges, develop industry and business relationships, and serve the community.
The Secretariat of the Federation is located in Hong Kong to handle daily affairs and coordinate the activities of Teochew Associations around the world. The Federation has a well-defined charter, manages a website and publishes newsletter and journal for better communication. The Federation has over one hundred member associations from dozens of countries and regions of the world. Most of these member associations are influential in their local communities. Through such a broad network, Teochew people around the world are well connected with each other.
Teochew International Convention is one of the major events of Teochew International Federation. Since 1981, Teochew International Convention has convened every two years in different locations around the world. The 1st Convention, held in 1981, was hosted in Hong Kong by Hong Kong Chiu Chow Federation. From the 2nd to the 17th Convention, it was successively hosted by The Tio Chew Associaton of Thailand, Federated Teochew Associations of Malaysia, Singapore Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan, Macau Chiu Chow Association, Amicale des Teochew en Fance, the US Teochow Associations, Hong Kong Chiu Chou Association, Shantou Overseas Exchange Association, The Tio Chew Associaton of Thailand, Chao Zhou Natives of Overseas Association Beijing, Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and Yi An Company in Singapore, Chao Zhao Natives Association Macau, The Australian Chinese Teochew Association Inc., Guangdong Chao Ren Overseas Friendship Union, Federated Teochew Associations of Malaysia, Hubei Chao Zhou Natives Overseas Friendship Association and Canada Chaoshan Business Association, Perkumpulan Teo Chew Nusantara and Chao Shan General Association of New Zealand. The 21st Convention of Teochew International Federation hosted by Chaoshan Economic Promotion Associasion of Hainan Province will be held in 2021 in Hainan of China.
The Convention has gained the attention of leaders of the host countries and they attended in person or sent congratulatory messages to the Convention. As a demonstration, the Convention was held four times in mainland China, two of which were officiated by Li Ruihuan, then the Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee and one was officiated by Li Changchun, member of Politburo’s Standing Committee. Taking advantage of its close international ties, the Federation has been successful in playing its role as the bridge for exchange for Teochew people in all comers of the world.
There are four major affiliated organizations:International Society of Teochew Studies, Organization for Economic Cooperation of International Teochew Commerce, Industry and International Teochew Doctors Association& International Teochew Youth Federation, covering youth, culture, business and academic research.
