New York, NY (March 12, 2024) — World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®) — an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations in nearly 100 countries — announced the winners of the 3rd Biennial Champions Awards during its 54th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF) hosted by WTC Bengaluru in Bengaluru, India, honoring exceptional contributions from member businesses within its global network. Nominees were awarded in four key categories: local connectivity, reciprocity/network support, sustainability and innovation. Additionally, outstanding members were honored through the ‘Regional Member of the Year’ awards across the five regions where the WTCA is active, as well as the 'Global Member of the Year’ award.
The Champions Awards recognize WTCA members across a global network of highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations who exemplify the association’s core values and mission. Each category highlights the efforts of WTCA members in driving positive impact both locally and globally. This year’s edition received a total of 45 nominations, recognizing 23 Members across the global network. A judging panel consisting of previous Champions Awards winners, and chairs of WTCA’s Member Advisory Councils and Regional Advisory Councils selected the winners of the 10 categories.
“The Biennial Champions Awards not only recognizes our WTCA Members’ achievements, but also serves as a catalyst for continued innovation and collaboration within the network. In this year’s edition, we introduced several new categories to showcase our global members and the work they do on a daily basis to drive real change that impacts our association’s global footprint. As a result, we witnessed a great number of nominations from our members – nearly tripling the number of nominees from the previous edition,” said John E. Drew, Chair, WTCA Board of Directors.
The 3rd Biennial WTCA Champions Awards winners are as follows:
“WTC Bengaluru is honored to be named both WTCA’s ‘Global Member of the Year’ as well as ‘Regional Member of the Year (Asia Pacific).’ Receiving these distinguished awards recognizes our international efforts and our region’s position as a rising investment destination around the world. The recognition was a very welcome surprise as we concluded hosting this year’s GBF with our colleagues and friends around the WTCA network,” said Vineet Verma, Managing Director of WTC Bengaluru, Chennai and Kochi; and newly-appointed WTCA Board Member. “With this great honor, we are committed to bolster international trade and B2B opportunities that positively impacts Karnataka and beyond, with WTCA’s mission at the forefront of our work.”
Winners were announced and awarded on March 6 during the WTCA’s GBF hosted by WTC Bengaluru in Bengaluru, India. Over 245 participants from nearly 110 WTC locations across 36 countries/territories representing 52 different industry sectors came together for the association's premier annual event.
"On behalf of the WTCA, I'm delighted to extend our congratulations to this year's winners and nominees — each of these WTC businesses truly demonstrate how our global network has been driven by the imperative to 'connect locally and prosper globally,’" said John E. Drew. "This year’s winners now join an elite group of past Champions Awards winners who have set the standard for global excellence around the network. They are leaders at the forefront of change and innovation, spearheading initiatives that have reshaped industries, forged valuable partnerships, and positively impacted the global landscape for trade and investment. We are proud of the work they do for their local and global communities, and look forward to what they accomplish in the years to come."
To learn more, please visit the Champions Awards website. Also, follow along on social media via #WTCAChampion.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
Chanelle Dimalanta
Phone: +1 212 432 2644
Email: cdimalanta@wtca.org
Violet PR
Kate Traina
Phone: +1 908 967 2117
Email: kate@violetpr.com
About World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 300 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in 91 countries. As the owner of the “World Trade Center” and “WTC” trademarks, WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for Members to use in conjunction with their independently owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its Members, the goal of WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe through Member engagement. To learn more, visit www.wtca.org.
Winners of the 3rd Biennial WTCA Champions Awards. Pictured (left to right): Luciano Menezes (WTC Lisboa), Jan-Willem Kos (WTC Rotterdam), Leigh Ryan (WTC Savannah), Nimeshika Natarajan (WTC Bhubaneswar), John E. Drew (WTCA Chair, Board of Directors), Jasmine Teng (WTC Taipei), Vineet Verma (WTC Bengaluru), Ahmed Tibaoui (WTC Algiers), and Vivek George (WTC Bengaluru). Not Pictured: Eugenio José Reyes Guzmán (WTC Monterrey). Photo Credit: WTC Bengaluru.
New York, NY (February 5, 2024 ) — World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®) — an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations in nearly 100 countries — and World Trade Center Bengaluru will host the 54th annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF) in Bengaluru, India from March 3-6.
This will be the first time WTCA presents its newly rebranded Global Business Forum (formerly called the “General Assembly”) in India to focus on the B2B aspect of the event. The rebrand further accentuates WTCA's core mission, “Connecting Businesses Globally,” by shifting focus to the expansion of Members’ international trade presence and integration into various global supply chains.
The association’s premier annual event will bring together WTCA Members and their global networks consisting of leaders in business, government, academia, media and international organizations — reflecting WTCA's diverse global footprint. Over 80 WTC businesses from 30 countries/territories have already confirmed their participation with more to follow. This includes representations from: Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China Mainland, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany, Ghana, Guyana, Iraq, Ireland, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Palestine, Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Syria, Taiwan, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam and Yemen, with several WTC businesses bringing delegations to participate in the B2B matchmaking aspect of the event.
With the theme of “EPIC: Empowering Progress through Innovation & Collaboration,” the Forum will feature an engaging keynote address and panel discussions, including a special address from the Honorable Chief Minister of Karnataka Sri. Siddaramaiah and felicitations from the Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka Sri. D.K. Shivakumar on Monday, March 4. Romal Shetty, CEO of Deloitte South Asia, will provide the keynote address to set the theme of this year’s GBF and unveil the new Deloitte research report ''India as an Investment Destination.'' Other notable speakers include M.R. Jaishankar, Executive Chairman, Brigade Enterprises Limited who will provide the opening address alongside John E. Drew, Chair, WTCA Board of Directors. A robust agenda of panel discussions on AI & tech start-ups, exporting overseas, agritech, and real estate will include moderators and panelists: Nirupa Shankar, Joint Managing Director, Brigade Enterprises Limited and Brigade REAP; Remy Swaab, Vice-Chair, WTCA (WTC Panama); Uma Reddy, Vice President, Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI); Prashanth Gokhale, President, Bühler Group India Private Limited; Pavitra Shankar, Managing Director, Brigade Enterprises Limited; Mr. Naresh V. Narasimhan, Managing Partner & Principal Architect, Venkataramanan and Associates (VA); Dr. R. Srinivas, Subject Matter Expert on Smart Cities; and Dr. Tuan Anh, CIO/CXO, Becamex (WTC Binh Duong New City).
“This year’s GBF will not only showcase India, specifically Karnataka, as a rising investment destination of the world, but also serve to strengthen relationships between industry leaders,” said Vineet Verma, Managing Director of World Trade Center Bengaluru, Chennai and Kochi; and newly-appointed WTCA Board Member. “This will be an invaluable opportunity to interact with leading innovators and invest in India’s growing economy — backed by our dynamic and skilled workforce.”
The Forum will demonstrate the strength of the global WTCA network, facilitate business relationships and focus on investment opportunities in Karnataka across 12 diverse industry sectors including: Agriculture & Food Processing; Automotive; Aviation & Aerospace; Biotech; Education; Heavy Engineering; IT, ITeS & Electronics; Manufacturing; Real Estate & Construction; Tech Startups; Textile & Garments; and Travel & Tourism. In partnership with the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC), the event will offer onsite B2B matchmaking services, connecting international delegates with business opportunities in the state of Karnataka. The full GBF program agenda is available here.
India stands as the world’s fifth largest economy by nominal GDP, and the third largest by purchasing power parity. Bengaluru, often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India,” is renowned for its cutting-edge advancements and innovation hub status. The GBF’s strategic location in Bengaluru will afford WTCA Members and attending delegates with the opportunity to tap into the region’s dynamic and rapidly growing business landscape.
“India is experiencing rapid economic growth, coupled with a surging demand for commercial infrastructure and global business connectivity. As a result, our network has grown phenomenally in the country during the past decade. Today, we have our second largest membership cluster here with 40 Members representing most of India’s major cities and contributing to India’s sustainable development,” said John E. Drew, Chair, WTCA Board of Directors. “Bengaluru's entrepreneurial spirit makes it an ideal setting for fostering synergies and exploring lucrative business opportunities in one of the world's most promising economic regions.”
For more information about the 2024 WTCA Global Business Forum, please visit https://wtca.swoogo.com/2024gbf/4132448. Also, follow along on social media via #WTCAEvents.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
Chanelle Dimalanta
Phone: +1 212 432 2644
Email: cdimalanta@wtca.org
Violet PR
Kate Traina
Phone: +1 908 967 2117
Email: kate@violetpr.com
About World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 300 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in 91 countries. As the owner of the “World Trade Center” and “WTC” trademarks, WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for Members to use in conjunction with their independently owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its Members, the goal of WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe through Member engagement. To learn more, visit www.wtca.org.
About World Trade Center (WTC) Bengaluru
World Trade Center (WTC) Bengaluru is a licensed member of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), headquartered in New York. Promoted by the Brigade Group, it was set up in 2010 to help develop an international business platform specific to the region of Bengaluru and Karnataka as a whole. WTC Bengaluru meets specific needs of its clients & partner organizations by providing international market research, business matchmaking and connections to valuable public and private resources, as well as through the planning of strategic trade missions, trade educational programs and networking events. In addition to Bengaluru, the Brigade Group has operational WTC businesses in Chennai & Kochi along with upcoming locations in Hyderabad, Devanahalli and Thiruvananthapuram. To learn more, visit www.wtcbengaluru.org.
New York, NY (October 30, 2023) - The World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®), an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations in nearly 100 countries, fueled its ambitious “Road to 500” initiative at its 2023 WTCA Member Forum, held October 15-17 in New York City. With the theme of “Drivers of Progress,” this year’s Member Forum focused on the unique ways WTC businesses drive progress within their local and global communities, and the Association’s plans to revitalize for the future and expand its current global Membership base to 500 WTCA Members over the next decade. Through the “Road to 500” initiative, the WTCA aims to leverage its global network to illuminate the organization’s value proposition, captivate global audiences and amplify its presence around the world, propelling the organization to the future. The three-day business meeting attracted more than 120 WTC businesses representing 37 countries around the world who gathered in-person and virtually to participate, a testament to the Association’s commitment to innovation and revitalization.
Highlights from this year’s Member Forum included the launch of the WTCA Francophone initiative, binding French-speaking WTCA Members worldwide; the relaunch of the Biennial WTCA Champions Awards; riveting panel discussions on the future of global trade and the transformative potential of AI; best practices on how WTCA Members can expand their businesses and how they can play an active role within the Association via the Member Advisory Councils and Regional Advisory Councils; and charted priorities for the WTCA’s North American region.
Some of the WTCA’s newest Members — WTC Austin, WTC Haikou, WTC Mazatlán, WTC Sinop and WTC Uberlândia — unveiled their new projects that aim to boost economic development within their regions through the power of the WTCA’s global network. Additionally, showcasing this year’s theme of “Drivers of Progress,” WTC Shenyang, WTC Saskatoon and WTC Toronto also presented, a few takeaways from each are listed below:
The Member Forum also marked the official countdown to the highly anticipated 54th annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF), which will be hosted by WTC Bengaluru on March 3-6, 2024. With the theme of “Empowering Progress through Innovation & Collaboration,” next year’s event aims to showcase the economic potential in India, particularly Karnataka, which has been called the “Silicon Valley of India.”
“Under the banner of ‘Drivers of Progress,’ the 2023 WTCA Member Forum was an astounding showcase of ambition, innovation and the unwavering commitment to progress to shape the Association’s future,” said John E. Drew, WTCA Chair, Board of Directors. “This is evident in the way we bring together diverse cultures, all sharing a belief in global trade and prosperity. Together, we are charting an inspiring course and we look forward to reconnecting with our global network in Bengaluru to experience all the business opportunities that India has to offer.”
MEDIA CONTACTS:
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
Chanelle Dimalanta
Phone: +1 212 432 2644
Email: cdimalanta@wtca.org
Violet PR
Grace Sanford
Phone: +1 201 290 3543
Email: grace@violetpr.com
About World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 300 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in 91 countries. As the owner of the “World Trade Center” and “WTC” trademarks, the WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for Members to use in conjunction with their independently owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its Members, the goal of the WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe through Member engagement. To learn more, visit www.wtca.org.
Attendees at the 2023 WTCA Member Forum Held in NYC and virtually October 15-17, 2023. Photo Credit: April Renae Photography.
New York, NY (October 3, 2023) — The World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®), an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations in nearly 100 countries, announced today that it will host its 2023 WTCA Member Forum from October 15-17 in New York City, with limited live streaming available. With the theme of “Drivers of Progress,” this year’s event will focus on the unique ways WTC businesses drive progress within their local communities and the Association’s plans to modernize and revitalize for the future by clearly identifying its brand narrative and expanding its current global Membership base to 500 WTCA Members within the next decade.
The three-day WTCA Member Forum is one of the Association’s flagship events. Attended by world-renowned experts and representatives from Member WTC businesses, the annual WTCA Member Forum provides countless opportunities for attendees to tap into the global WTCA network and reconnect with fellow WTCA Members. This year, the forum will unite the collective expertise of the WTCA community, and actively engage in shaping the organization’s future, with the goal to strengthen and modernize the WTCA brand.
“We are thrilled to host the 2023 WTCA Member Forum again in New York City,” said John E. Drew, Chair, Board of Directors of the WTCA. “This year’s program showcases our new branding strategy, a crucial element of our 2023-2025 WTCA Strategic Plan. Members can learn about our short- and long-term plans to establish a strong foundation for the WTCA brand, which includes a new cohesive narrative, corporate assets for Members and the business development team, a refreshed WTCA website and new forms of Member-to-Member communication. We will also introduce the newly-elected and diverse group of the WTCA’s Board of Directors, discuss our ‘Road to 500’ initiative, and offer networking, workshops and more to help attendees expand their businesses.”
In addition to the new branding strategy and other events, this year’s forum marks the launch of the Francophone Initiative, which invites WTCA Members from French-speaking business communities around the world to collaborate and expand the presence of French-speaking delegations from WTC Member companies. It will kick off the official countdown to the highly anticipated 54th annual WTCA Global Business Forum, which will be hosted March 3-6, 2024 by WTC Bengaluru in Bengaluru, India.
Drawing upon this opportunity to shape the global trade and investment landscape for the future, Crystal Edn, WTCA Executive Director of Member Services, echoed the enthusiasm and ambitious goals set for the upcoming forum. “We are looking forward to great results from this year’s Member Forum,” she said. “We aim to carve out bold new directions for our initiatives and lay the groundwork for an even stronger Association. Thanks to all our attending members, together, we are poised for a year of unparalleled success and deep insights.”
This year’s event is open only to WTCA Members, including license holders and staff of WTC businesses. WTCA Members can register here.
For more information about the 2023 WTCA Member Forum and to view the agenda, please click here. Also, follow #WTCAEvents on social media.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
Chanelle Dimalanta
Phone: +1 212 432 2644
Email: cdimalanta@wtca.org
Violet PR
Grace Sanford
Phone: +1 201 290 3543
Email: grace@violetpr.com
About World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 300 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in 91 countries. As the owner of the “World Trade Center” and “WTC” trademarks, the WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for Members to use in conjunction with their independently owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its Members, the goal of the WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe through Member engagement. To learn more, visit www.wtca.org.
New York, NY (May 11, 2023) - The World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®) — an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations in nearly 100 countries —and World Trade Center (WTC) Accra have successfully concluded the 53rd annual WTCA General Assembly (GA) in Accra, Ghana. The five-day event, which took place April 23-27, brought together leaders and members of the global network of World Trade Center locations and their business networks — consisting of leaders from business, government, academia, media and international organizations — to hear insights from chief dignitaries representing Ghana, Namibia and the United States, and key experts; engage in roundtables and conversations; and explore new opportunities for growth and development across Africa. Themed “Towards African Economic Integration and Enhanced Global Presence,” the event built on the WTCA’s ongoing commitment to Africa.
The business gathering in Accra featured notable keynote speakers, panel discussions, and a series of networking events that focused on Africa’s unique trade and investment opportunity. H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, emphasized how Ghana is at the forefront to promote Africa’s potential to attract foreign investment, the Global Legal Entity Identification for businesses in Ghana, and the need for Africa to invest in innovative technology to advance its competitiveness in the global market. H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Secretariat, spoke passionately about the concrete steps Africa has taken towards economic integration including through the establishment of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which ensures seamless trade between African countries using a digital payment system.
"With the outlook of demographic growth to double in the next 25 years, the opportunities are there in Africa. As the WTCA, we want to support this growth through our business network and positively affect wealth and prosperity to enhance peace and harmony on the Continent," said John E. Drew, Chair, Board of Directors of the WTCA. "With 15 World Trade Center licenses established across Africa — including a new location set to open in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — the WTCA is committed to promoting investment and trade opportunities throughout the Continent. There is a real desire for our network to do business there."
H.R.H. Togbe Afede XIV, Executive Chairman of WTC Accra, summarized with clarity the opportunities available throughout Africa stating that “we believe Africa can help solve some of the problems that the world is facing today, especially in food production and energy transition. With 20% of the world’s landmass and 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, we believe Africa is the answer to food security across the globe. We believe in the promise of Africa to move the world forward – the time to be in Africa is now.”
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) was a key event partner and sponsor represented by Emeka Uzomba, Senior Advisor, AfCFTA, Afreximbank, who discussed financing trade and strategic investments in Africa. In the Afreximbank sponsored "Deal Room," the Bank’s experts engaged with participants who conducted business meetings, and discussed transactions between African companies and global partners.
"We are thrilled to have partnered with the WTCA at this year’s GA to drive economic growth and development in Africa. Our collaboration will leverage the strengths of both organizations to support businesses in expanding operations and accessing new markets,” said Uzomba. “Together, we are committed to unlocking the full potential of African trade and investment, and creating opportunities for businesses to thrive.”
The WTCA continues to play a critical role in establishing interconnected business networks around the world, and now, through the efforts of this year’s GA, has launched its focus on supporting the growth of African economies. GA participants focused on forging business alliances with buyers, sellers and investors across multiple sectors in Africa, such as Agriculture; Agro-Tech, Food Processing; Manufacturing; Mining, Power and Energy; and Water, among others. These strategic collaborations promise to equip WTCA members and their business networks with avant-garde resources and know-how, thereby boosting growth and expansion endeavors in Africa.
“General Assembly attendees were able to appreciate, more than ever, the importance of what our Association does best — bringing people together from all over the world to understand the host country’s business environment and opportunities, and share our WTC businesses’ best practices with each other. Our Association allows us to discover business opportunities in various parts of the world and we can attest to Africa’s potential after attending this year’s GA in Accra. All these efforts and opportunities enhance the WTC brand’s awareness and value,” said Antony Georgakis, Head of Operations, WTC Cyprus.
“This event was a once in a lifetime opportunity — coming to Sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, in Ghana, we need assistance to perfect packaging products that meet world standards and enter the world market, and also training so that what we do in Ghana can become internationally marketable. Ghana needs trade, not aid — we can do business with the world and we are waiting to work together,” said Diana Twum, a Ghanaian entrepreneur and GA B2B delegate.
The 2023 General Assembly concluded with a grand ceremonial announcement of next year’s host. The 54th annual WTCA GA is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru, India from March 3-6, 2024, and will be hosted by World Trade Center (WTC) Bengaluru.
MEDIA CONTACT:
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
Chanelle Kasik
Phone: +1 212 432 2644
Email: ckasik@wtca.org
Violet PR
David Margolis
Phone: +1 917 331 4855
Email: david@violetpr.com
About World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 300 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in 92 countries. As the owner of the "World Trade Center" and "WTC" trademarks, the WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for Members to use in conjunction with their independently-owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its Members, the goal of the WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe through Member engagement. To learn more, visit www.wtca.org.
About World Trade Center (WTC) Accra
WTC Accra, currently located on the first floor of the magnificent World Trade Center building in Accra, is a doorway to a world of global trade opportunities for companies in Ghana and the West African sub-region, as well as a soft-landing pad for international commercial interests seeking to take advantage of exciting opportunities in Africa. We connect people, products and ideas from around the globe through our year-round calendar of international trade fairs, blockbuster consumer shows and prestigious international conferences, which are complemented by our innovative free zone and award-winning real estate developments. As the region’s largest purpose-built complex for events and exhibitions, we provide a platform for unparalleled business and networking opportunities. More details on WTC Accra can be found on their website, http://www.wtcaccra.com.
Attendees at the 2023 WTCA General Assembly held April 23-28 in Accra, Ghana. Photo Credit: World Trade Center Accra.