WTCA TRADE SERVICES MAC ON GLOBAL TRADE CLIMATE

Since their inception in 2018, WTCA's Member Advisory Councils (MACs) have evolved into a vital platform for engagement and collaboration, and serve as an inclusive space for sharing ideas and exploring opportunities.

MACs are exclusive Working Groups formed around WTCA's four core pillars: Business Club (BC), Conferences & Exhibitions (C&E), Real Estate (RE), and Trade Services (TS). These groups provide strategic guidance, develop best practices, and create tools and programming that support the Association's mission.

During the April 2025 WTCA Global Business Forum, hosted by WTC Marseille Provence, WTCA Chair John E. Drew unveiled a statement on the Association's stance in response to the current geopolitical climate and global trade issues:

WTCA is committed to promoting free and fair trade, open markets, and healthy competition. We believe these principles foster an environment that attracts investment, drives prosperity, and fuels economic growth. Through our global network of independent World Trade Center operations – built on trust and collaboration – we actively support these principles by facilitating international business connections and trade opportunities worldwide.

We asked the WTCA Trade Services MAC for their initial thoughts on the statement and the state of global trade in the years ahead. Read on for responses from some of the MAC's members:

🌍  Niraj/WTC Pune: "The statement is a timely reminder that trust, open markets, and fair competition remain the cornerstones of global trade. In a world facing rising uncertainty and fragmentation, these principles are not optional; they are essential. The WTCA network, present in over 300 cities across nearly 100 countries/territories, offers a unique global platform for fostering meaningful business partnerships. Through our Trade Reciprocity Desk, we connect businesses, governments, and institutions to enable high-impact B2B engagement. Our Trade Services program helps companies scale, build resilient supply chains, and navigate the complexities of international trade. In an era where fragmentation threatens progress, WTCA remains committed to building bridges — not walls — and creating opportunities that transcend borders."

🌍  Gavin/WTC Saskatoon: "It was my pleasure to see a statement from the WTCA Chair and Board reiterating the commitment to free and fair trade, and the many benefits it has delivered worldwide. I come from a trade-dependent country, situated in one of Canada’s most trade-dependent regions and one of Canada’s most trade-dependent cities. If ever there was a need for a global trade network capable of making the necessary connections to adjust to a new reality and ensure continued prosperity through trade, that time is now. As the global trading system is retooled, it is important not to forget that free, fair trade, and open markets deliver prosperity. Saskatoon (Canada) is going to thrive regardless, as we trust that most countries want a better quality of life, and trade plays an integral role in that quest. Marcus Aurelius once said, 'What we do now echoes in eternity,' and Mr. Aurelius was right. Let's 'Connect Businesses, Globally.'"

🌍  Andrea/WTC Cartagena: "In times of growing geopolitical uncertainty, regions cannot remain mere spectators — they must take an active role in shaping a fairer, more resilient and sustainable global trade system. It is the territories, with their productive vocations, local talent, and strategic connections, that are called to drive economic growth and contribute to a more balanced and collaborative trade architecture. Our commitment remains firm — to continue positioning the region as a key player in building a new vision of global competitiveness grounded in trust, collaboration and sustainability." 

🌍  Carissa/WTC Toronto: "The remarks strike a timely chord. These aren’t just values; they are imperatives in today’s global landscape. Fortunately, the WTCA network is uniquely positioned to build resilience by developing country-specific trade pathways, establishing soft landing zones for firms expanding globally, co-creating solutions through innovation, and strengthening the people-to-people connections that power long-term trust. World Trade Month (celebrated annually each May) is more than recognition — it's a recommitment to shaping a dynamic, inclusive and secure global trade future. Together, we must lead with collaboration, adaptability and purpose."

🌍  Carla/WTC Delaware: "For people around the world, the current U.S. tariff policies, and the actions in response by their own countries, are making them aware of just how dependent on international trade we are. At World Trade Centers Association, 'trade' is our middle name, and we know something about this. During times like this, the WTCA network is especially valuable.It provides individual Centers with unique resources to assist companies navigate the new economic situation brought about by the changing trade policies. We collaborate to offer the most accurate and timely information to allow companies to anticipate, prepare, and react to a changing trade landscape. We do this by providing education, outgoing and inbound trade missions, individual company counseling, forums with high level policymakers, listening sessions about tariffs and other critical policy matters, and by connecting local companies to experts at other Centers around the world and to over a million companies in the global WTCA network. We believe in the power of trade to fuel global prosperity."

🌍  David/WTC Abuja: “In an increasingly fragmented global trade landscape, trust, collaboration, and open markets are not just ideals — they are strategic necessities. Across Africa, the African Continental Free Trade Area [AfCFTA] offers a historic path toward deeper economic integration, and the WTCA network stands ready to serve as a dynamic conduit connecting local opportunities to global markets. As businesses navigate rising uncertainties, WTC businesses are stepping up as vital enablers, facilitating investment, strengthening regional value chains, and driving cross-border partnerships. Looking ahead, global commerce will be increasingly defined by digital innovation, sustainability, and regional integration, especially in emerging markets like Africa. By actively building cross-continental linkages and synchronizing its global network, WTCA is not just responding to the moment — it is helping shape the future of global trade."

🌍  Leonardo/WTC Trieste: "WTCA's statement is a reaffirmation of the values that have long supported global economic collaboration. By promoting free and fair trade, open markets, and healthy competition, the association reinforces its role as a facilitator of international business in a time of uncertainty. The focus on trust and collaboration through its global network highlights WTCA’s commitment to build resilient and inclusive economic relationships. As the global landscape shifts, this steady support for open exchange and investment-friendly environments is both timely and necessary. The statement reflects a forward-looking approach that prioritizes connectivity and opportunity across borders. In today’s dynamic environment, such networks are vital in supporting the exchange of knowledge, innovation, and sustainable growth."

🌍  Nicholas/WTC Rennes Bretagne: "In a world increasingly shaped by regional tensions, shifting alliances, and protectionist pressures, the WTCA’s global network plays a vital role in keeping international business dialogue open and constructive. By promoting collaboration over competition and connection over isolation, WTC businesses help ensure that businesses — especially SMEs — have access to new markets, reliable partners, and long-term opportunities for growth. Looking ahead, global trade will demand both agility and solidarity. With the combined expertise of our network, I believe we are well-positioned to navigate the challenges ahead and continue delivering real value to the businesses and communities we serve."

🌍  Peter/WTC Yangon: “In recognition of World Trade Month, WTC Yangon reaffirms its belief in the importance of free and fair trade, open markets, and healthy competition as essential drivers of sustainable growth. Amid ongoing global uncertainties and shifting economic conditions, we continue to view these principles as the foundation for building trust, encouraging innovation, and attracting long-term investment. As part of the WTCA network, we actively support initiatives that connect local enterprises with international partners and opportunities. Our commitment remains focused on fostering inclusive, innovation-led global trade that benefits all.”

🌍  Serge/WTC Abidjan: "The statement is a powerful reaffirmation of the principles that should continue to guide global trade: free and fair trade, open markets, and healthy competition. These ideals are not only timely but essential, particularly for emerging economies like Côte d’Ivoire — the 9th largest economy in Africa, 2nd in West Africa, and 1st in Francophone Africa — which has established itself as a dynamic gateway to business in the region. As Africa moves closer to operationalizing the AfCFTA, these principles gain renewed relevance. Côte d’Ivoire stands ready to leverage this continental framework to attract investment, drive industrial transformation, and facilitate trade across borders. Within this landscape, the WTCA network plays a catalytic role by offering trusted international connections and enabling business ecosystems to thrive beyond national borders. This is how the WTCA vision truly comes to life — when global principles meet regional ambition and local action." 

🌍  Xiaolan/WTC Haikou: "In an era of increasing geopolitical tensions, reaffirming the commitment to free and fair trade, open markets, and healthy competition principles is the bedrock of global economic growth and stability. By facilitating international trade and business, the WTCA Trades Service MAC will play a vital role in transforming the spirit and trust of WTCA into tangible collaboration. We will continuously break down barriers and create opportunities to support WTC businesses worldwide to become a stabilizing force in the midst of uncertainty."

Our interviewees:

• Niraj Khinvasara, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer - International Trade Network & Events, WTC Pune; Chair, WTCA Trade Services MAC 
• Gavin Conacher, General Manager/Vice President Operations, WTC Saskatoon; Vice Chair, WTCA Trade Services MAC
• Andrea Piña, Executive President, WTC Cartagena
• Carissa Consoli, Senior Manager, Business Development, WTC Toronto 
• Carla Stone, President, WTC Delaware
• David Opeyemi Oke, Head of Trade Services, WTC Abuja
• Leonardo Monniello, Head of Member Services, WTC Trieste
• Nicholas Beaty, Manager, WTC Rennes Bretagne
• Peter Yap, CEO, WTC Yangon
• Serge Konan, Business Companies Support Director, WTC Abidjan
• Xiaolan Zhu, CEO, WTC Haikou