2021 WTCA Chinese-speaking Regional Meeting

The 2021 WTCA Chinese-speaking Regional Meeting was successfully held online on July 28. Hosted by the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), the meeting brought together nearly 60 delegates from more than 20 WTCs in the Chinese-speaking region, WTCA HQs and its Asia Pacific Regional Office.

Mr. Robin van Puyenbroeck, WTCA Executive Director of Business Development delivered opening remarks. He briefed progress of WTCA over the past year and the partnerships established with other organizations, stressed the trend of "digital globalization" and the importance of staying connected in a trusted global environment.

Mr. Scott Wang, WTCA Vice President for Asia Pacific summarized the regional work since last year's annual meeting and shared the work plan in the coming year. Mr. Zhe Gu, Secretary General of World Trade Center (WTC) Shanghai, and Mr. Zhiping Yan, Vice Chairman of WTC Xiamen, introduced their cooperation with WTCA at CIIE and CIFIT respectively. Ms. Christina Shen, Vice Chair of the Asia Pacific Trade Services Member Advisory Council (MAC) and Chairwoman of WTC Shenyang, reported the progress and plans of the MAC. Seven participating WTCs updated other WTC colleagues of their work over the past year during COVID-19.

The Keynote session featured three speakers: Mr. Simon Wang, Executive Vice President, WTC Taipei; Ms. Hai Du, Director of Operation, China-ASEAN SEMs Service Center; General Manager, Guangxi HuiMaoTong Trade Co., Ltd ; and Mr. Leon Lian, Head of Project & Occupier Services, North China – Executive Director, Cushman & Wakefield. They shared insights on the trends of conference & exhibition, trade services and commercial facilities under the new normal of COVID-19, and answered questions from delegates at the Q&A, offering a valuable learning opportunity for all delegates.