Q&A WITH WTCA's NEWEST MEMBERS - October 2025

The WTCA Editorial Team sat down with a few of WTCA’s newest Members to learn more about their plans for their WTC licenses and how they envision bringing new opportunities to the global WTCA network.

Our interviewees:

• Mr. Ajil Muhammed, CEO, WTC Kozhikode (joined March 2025)
• Mr. Anshul Singhal, Managing Director, WTC Nhava Sheva (joined April 2025)

What is your vision for your WTC business and why did you decide to obtain a WTC license? 

Mr. Ajil Muhammed (WTC Kozhikode): We have always strived to be pioneers of change, particularly in shaping the growth story of Kozhikode. Today, we believe it is time to unlock greater opportunities for this city of immense potential. With this vision, we are building the world’s largest WTC business, a landmark development of 12.5 million square feet, representing an investment of US $600 million.

Our association with WTCA is envisioned as a strategic stepping stone, one that connects Kozhikode with a globally reputed network of trade and commerce. Through this initiative, we aim not only to revive and build upon Kozhikode’s historic legacy as a global center of trade, but also to firmly position both Kozhikode and Kerala on the world map as a hub for international business.

Mr. Anshul Singhal (WTC Nhava Sheva): Our vision for WTC Nhava Sheva is to create India’s most connected and future-ready global trade and logistics hub, seamlessly integrating industrial infrastructure, port-led logistics, and international business services under one ecosystem. At Welspun One, we recognized the potential of the WTC brand as more than just a name, it represents a shared commitment to facilitating global commerce. Nhava Sheva, being India’s largest container port and a gateway handling over 35% of the nation’s containerized trade, presents a unique opportunity to develop a world-class ecosystem that bridges manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and trade services.

This is the first port-based WTC business in India, a landmark development that brings the global WTC brand to the heart of India’s maritime trade network. Unlike a typical WTC business that primarily focuses on commercial or office infrastructure, WTC Nhava Sheva goes beyond, creating an integrated business ecosystem that combines trade, logistics, and industrial development under one platform.

This is our second WTC license, following the success of our first, WTC Thane, which underscored the strong synergy between the Welspun One philosophy and the WTC mission. The expansion into Nhava Sheva marks not only our continued confidence in the WTC brand, but also the depth of our partnership with WTCA. We deeply value this collaboration, as it brings together global credibility and local expertise, enabling us to amplify our shared purpose of driving international trade, investment, and industrial growth. With an investment commitment of over US $300 million and a development potential of approximately 4.5 million square feet, WTC Nhava Sheva is envisioned as a transformative catalyst for global trade, job creation, and sustainable industrial growth in the region.

By obtaining the WTC license for Nhava Sheva, we aim to leverage this global brand equity to position the development as a strategic gateway for international investors, exporters, and enterprises seeking a presence in India’s most vital trade corridor. This aligns perfectly with our purpose of building high-quality infrastructure that empowers global supply chains and drives economic growth.

What are you looking forward to most about joining this global network?

Mr. Ajil Muhammed (WTC Kozhikode): What excites us most about joining WTCA is the chance to connect Kozhikode with a truly global network. This partnership is more than just about business or infrastructure; it’s about creating a bridge between our city’s rich trading heritage and the limitless possibilities of the future. We are especially looking forward to learning from international peers, sharing ideas, and fostering collaborations that bring global expertise and opportunities to Kozhikode.

Mr. Anshul Singhal (WTC Nhava Sheva): We are most excited about the collaborative potential that comes with being part of a trusted global ecosystem of WTC businesses. The WTCA network offers a powerful platform for knowledge exchange, trade facilitation, investment partnerships, and policy advocacy , all of which align with our long-term vision for the WTC Nhava Sheva development.

Through this association, we look forward to connecting Indian businesses and global enterprises, enabling two-way trade, technology partnerships, and sustainable development. The opportunity to host delegations, trade missions, and cross-border collaborations through the WTCA platform will help us accelerate Nhava Sheva’s emergence as a premier global business destination.

How will our global WTCA community benefit from your local business network?

Mr. Anshul Singhal (WTC Nhava Sheva): WTC Nhava Sheva will serve as a gateway for global companies seeking access to one of the world’s fastest-growing consumption markets — India. Backed by Welspun One’s deep understanding of the real estate sector, our network includes leading global e-commerce players, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, and industrial occupiers , providing an immediate base for international business partnerships.

Through our strong relationships with government bodies, port authorities, and trade associations, we can facilitate faster market entry, policy navigation, and trade linkages for WTCA members worldwide. In essence, the global community will gain a reliable partner and on-ground enabler in India’s most strategic logistics corridor, offering not just space, but seamless access to India’s infrastructure, markets, and talent.

How will the WTC brand benefit your local community?

Mr. Ajil Muhammed (WTC Kozhikode): Kozhikode is a city on the rise, blessed with a vast pool of talent and an entrepreneurial spirit that is waiting to be unlocked. The arrival of the World Trade Center brand will not only elevate this talent, but also inspire the younger generation to think beyond boundaries by connecting them with global partners, including leading multinational companies (MNCs). With MNCs now entering Kozhikode, the city is fast becoming a magnet for global business activity, and WTC Kozhikode will serve as a gateway to this new era of growth.

For startups and growing businesses, it will open doors to resources, networks, and visibility that were previously hard to access. In doing so, WTC Kozhikode will help transform the city into a vibrant hub of international business, innovation, and opportunity.

Interested in connecting with one of our interviewees? Contact WTCA at info@wtca.org for assistance.