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WTCA Presented at 2024 CIFIT and CIFTIS, Two Leading International Fairs in Trade and Investment in China

Oct 02, 2024

Xiamen and Beijing, China (October 2, 2024 ) World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®) — a global network of more than 300 highly-connected, mutually supportive businesses and organizations across nearly 100 countries/territories — recently presented at two leading international platforms in trade and investment —the 2024 China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) held in Xiamen, China from September 7-11, 2024 and the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) held in Beijing, China from September 12-16, 2024.

CIFIT focuses on connecting investors, traders, service providers and government agencies to China and the rest of the world, and is hosted annually by the China Ministry of Commerce. WTCA has also participated in CIFIT for the past 13 consecutive years via trade missions and forums to provide its global membership base and business network access to the Chinese market.

During this year’s CIFIT, WTCA co-hosted the “Gulangyu Forum 2024: World Business Leaders Roundtable for Global Investment” — with the theme of Investment Strategy in the Context of Globalization — in partnership with the Xiamen Municipal Government, CCPIT Fujian, and CCPIT Xiamen/WTC Xiamen. The Forum, previously known as the “World Business Leaders’ Roundtable,” has been successfully held annually for the past 23 editions and this year marked the 10 th consecutive year that WTCA has co-hosted the event.

Immediately following CIFIT, WTCA participated in CIFTIS — an event focusing on fast-growing and emerging areas of service trade hosted annually by the China Ministry of Commerce and Beijing Municipal Government. Since 2016, WTCA has served as an official international partner of CIFTIS to co-organize forums with the participation of WTCA members.

During this year’s CIFTIS event, WTCA co-hosted the “2024 Seminar on International B2B Cooperation” with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization's Office for Investment and Technology Promotion (Beijing, China) and the Beijing Association for Trade in Services in an effort to bring more global projects and facilitate B2B meetings at CIFTIS. WTCA also co-hosted the “International Consumption Global Trends Conference” in partnership with the China General Chamber of Commerce, Beijing Commercial Association, Beijing Association for Trade in Services, and China Federation of Economic Media, gathering an impressive lineup of experts and business leaders to discuss the momentum and trends in consumption sectors.

Scott Wang, WTCA Vice President, Asia Pacific, attended both fairs and delivered opening remarks. He was interviewed and featured by multiple Chinese media to share insights about WTCA as well as international trade and investment.

Click here to view the full media coverage report.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)

Chanelle Dimalanta

Phone: +1 212 432 2644

Email: cdimalanta@wtca.org

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 nearly 100 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, creating an ecosystem built around commerce, community and connection. To learn more, visit www.wtca.org.


2024 World Trade Centers Association Member Forum Assembles in New York City to Empower International Collaboration By ‘Connecting Businesses, Globally’

Under the theme ‘PIONEER the Global Network,’ WTCA members will gather for an immersive experience focused on AI, generational shifts and innovation-driven growth
Oct 01, 2024

New York, NY ( October 1, 2024) World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®), an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations in nearly 100 countries, will host its 2024 WTCA Member Forum from October 27-29 in New York City. With the theme P IONEER the Global Network: Pathways for Innovation, Opportunity, Networking, Empowerment, Excellence and Resilience , this year's event will highlight WTCA’s revitalized brand and the innovative tools that empower its membership. As the association progresses toward its 500-member goal, it is embracing its commitment to adapt to the changing times, foster the next generation of leadership and focus on initiatives to remain at the forefront of local and global economic development.

The three-day WTCA Member Forum is one of the association’s annual flagship events. Attended by world-renowned trade and real estate development industry experts, and WTCA member businesses, the annual event is set to engage attendees through a series of panels and interactive educational workshops. The event is aimed at equipping WTCA members with the tools needed to navigate an ever-evolving international landscape and uniting the collective members of the WTCA community to shape the organization’s future.

Particular attention, this year, will be given to the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in global trade, addressing generational differences in the workplace, practical skills development and revenue generation strategies for member companies.

“The annual Member Forum is more than just a collective gathering — it is a catalyst for growth and innovation within our expansive global network. It also helps us to envision and expand on internal initiatives that build the framework for an even stronger association in the years to come. There are tremendous efforts underway within the association such as our ‘Road to 500’ and Free Trade Zone initiatives, which will undoubtedly bolster the strength and reach of our global network,” said John E. Drew, Chair, Board of Directors of WTCA. “Additionally, as AI is reshaping the future of the global trade industry, this year’s Member Forum will provide a collective opportunity for us to embrace this technology as a valuable opportunity to enhance our collective work in economic development and streamline operations at WTC businesses around the world.”

The 2024 WTCA Member Forum will also kick off the official countdown to the highly anticipated 55th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum, which will be hosted April 6-9, 2025 by WTC Marseille Provence in Marseille, France.

Crystal Edn, WTCA’s Executive Director of Member Services, shared, "Each year, our annual Member Forum brings remarkable new partnerships, ideas and opportunities for our global WTCA members. Our goal for this year's event is to spark ongoing conversations that extend well beyond the Forum. The gathering of our members not only highlights their achievements, but also strengthens the role of our network in innovating the future of international trade by ‘Connecting Businesses, Globally.’”

The 2022 and 2023 Member Forums united over 140 WTCA member businesses from 50+ countries and territories. This year, it will continue to offer unparalleled opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration.

For more information about the 2024 WTCA Member Forum and to view the agenda, please click here . 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

For any media interested in attending the event, please contact: 

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 nearly 100 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, creating an ecosystem built around commerce, community and connection. To learn more, visit www.wtca.org.


Nearly 300 Leaders from 36 Countries/Territories Attend World Trade Centers Association and World Trade Center Bengaluru’s 54th Annual Global Business Forum

The association’s flagship event connected leaders with international business opportunities throughout Karnataka, India
Mar 25, 2024

New York, NY (March 25, 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 have successfully concluded the 54th annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF) in Bengaluru, India. The five-day event, which took place March 3-6, brought together WTCA Members, international B2B delegates and local Indian business delegates comprised of leaders in business, government, academia, media and international organizations to hear insights from chief dignitaries representing the state of Karnataka and key experts from around the world; engage in conversations on current trends across AI, agritech and real estate; and explore India’s economic development. Nearly 300 attendees across 36 countries and territories, and 105 WTC businesses gathered to learn about the business opportunities in Bengaluru, Karnataka and throughout India, and to forge new global business connections. The 2024 WTCA GBF marked the meeting’s debut in Bengaluru since its rebrand, further elevating WTCA’s core mission, “Connecting Businesses Globally,” and the highest WTCA Member turnout at the annual event since 2017.

With the theme, “EPIC: Empowering Progress through Innovation & Collaboration,” the GBF included addresses from the Hon. Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka Sri. D.K. Shivakumar and Sri. M.B. Patil, Minister of Large & Medium Industries, Infrastructure Development on India’s economic development, growth potential and business opportunities, especially in the state of Karnataka as the sixth-largest state in India aims to become a USD $1 trillion economy by 2032 by growing at a sustained growth rate of 18 percent. Sri. D.K. Shivakumar’s felicitations stressed that Bengaluru's association with the World Trade Centers Association symbolizes an enduring legacy of excellence and achievement, and how the GBF would bring attendees to work together, think together, and visit important places in Karnataka, offering them insights to bring back to strengthen their businesses. Sri. M.B. Patil also discussed that the state will drive automation and develop AI-powered subscription products or services, through partnering with technology companies to leverage Industry 4.0 technologies; and introduce a new clean mobility policy that aims to position Karnataka as the premier destination for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. Romal Shetty, CEO of Deloitte South Asia, also gave a keynote address unveiling the new Deloitte research report, "India as an Investment Destination and Scope of Karnataka." Other notable speakers included M.R. Jaishankar, Executive Chairman of Brigade Group, who gave the opening remarks with John E. Drew, Chair, Board of Directors of the WTCA, to welcome GBF attendees to the state of Karnataka, known as “One State, Many Worlds,” and to kick off this year’s premier annual event.

In partnership with the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC), the event offered onsite B2B matchmaking services, with over 300 scheduled B2B meetings, connecting delegates with business opportunities in Karnataka and across the international market.  

“This year’s GBF successfully united WTCA Members from around the world with local Indian businesses, underscoring our commitment to establish interconnected business networks around the world. We selected Bengaluru to host our first rebranded GBF as we focused more on B2B matchmaking and implemented it as a new initiative to strengthen the business connections we normally make during our annual events. Having a partner like BCIC ensured the quality of local Indian business delegates for our attendees to connect with,” said Mr. Drew. “The GBF exemplified our dedication to promote international investment opportunities in India and facilitate meaningful business relationships. We learned and witnessed firsthand, India’s strength as the third largest country in purchasing power in the world, and our members are now leveraging the new connections they made to find ways to drive prosperity and innovation between their regions and India. Following this GBF, we left with confidence that this region is right for investment for businesses as well as for our Membership growth as we further expand our Association.”

“We are honored to have hosted so many incredible leaders from around the world, introducing and sharing Bengaluru’s diverse talent pool, growing innovation sector, and world-class hospitality,” said Vineet Verma, newly-appointed WTCA Board Member and Managing Director of World Trade Center Bengaluru, Chennai and Kochi. “India aims to be a global production hub, attracting many global companies to invest here, and we look forward to nurturing new relationships and furthering strategic partnerships with those who attended this year’s GBF.”

Additionally, another indication that India is ripe for investment is the interest in establishing partnerships between India and around the world. During the GBF, a total of 12 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signings between WTCA Members in various regions, and between WTCA Members and BCIC took place – most notably, MOUs were signed between WTC Bengaluru, WTC Twente and BCIC fostering a partnership between the Netherlands and India; and between WTC Bengaluru, WTC Riyadh and BCIC fostering a partnership between Saudi Arabia and India.

The 2024 WTCA GBF concluded with a grand ceremonial announcement of next year’s host. The 55th annual WTCA GBF is scheduled to take place in Marseille, France from April 6-9, 2025, and will be hosted by WTC Marseille Provence.

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.

Reduced Size Group Plenary Photo

Attendees at the 2024 WTCA Global Business Forum held March 3-6 in Bengaluru, India. Photo Credit: World Trade Center Bengaluru.


World Trade Centers Association Reveals Global Winners of 3rd Biennial Champions Awards

The awards recognize exceptional contributions to the association's global network, celebrating local connectivity, reciprocity/network support, sustainability, and innovation
Mar 12, 2024

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:

  • Champion Award for Local Connectivity: WTC Bhubaneswar for facilitating over 35 trade promotion programs under the Export Facilitation Cell in the last nine months, and being declared as the State Export Facilitation Cell by the State Government of Odisha.
  • Champion Award for Reciprocity & Network Support: WTC Savannah for fulfilling 20 reciprocity desk requests from various WTC businesses across India in 2023, supporting WTC Atlanta in their strategic development, collaborating with WTC Accra for the 2023 WTCA General Assembly, and encouraging prospective WTC businesses to join the invaluable WTCA network.
  • Champion Award for Sustainability: WTC The Hague/Rotterdam for creating a good living and working environment within their premises, receiving significant awards in Sustainability, and supporting the United Nations’ Sustainability Goals, aiming to become Paris Proof by 2045 and making their buildings as energy efficient as possible.
  • Champion Award for Innovation: WTC Taipei for utilizing the latest technologies and innovations to enable dynamic MICE experiences for the community, and their B2B platform featuring "Sales Avatars," which will soon enable real-time translation in over 70 languages, thereby helping SMEs overcome language barriers and reach global markets.
  • Regional Member of the Year (Asia Pacific): WTC Bengaluru for operating with transparency, contributing to a culture of trust and reliability among its members and the broader business community in the Asia Pacific region.
  • Regional Member of the Year (Europe): WTC Lisboa for hosting a successful European Regional Meeting, representing the WTCA in China to further connectivity, and helping to spearhead the WTCA as a renowned organization for real estate investment and business clubs.
  • Regional Member of the Year (Latin America): WTC Monterrey for serving as a beacon of education and activity for its region in Mexico, working with more than 6,000 small businesses throughout the year, and shaping the interests of future generations.
  • Regional Member of the Year (Middle East & Africa): WTC Algiers for furthering WTCA's strength in Business Clubs, serving as a gateway to the African and Middle Eastern markets as a reliable partner, andfacilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise by organizing international trade events, conferences, and business forums to enhance economic prospects for its members and the region at large.
  • Regional Member of the Year (North America): WTC Savannah for achieving several milestones in 2023 — hosting its fourth annual signature event, attracting over 500 leaders from Southeast USA and being awarded the 2023 International Business of the Year award; leading one of the largest business delegations from North America to the WTCA General Assembly in Accra; and establishing an official city-to-city partnership between Accra and Savannah covering areas such as trade, culture, urban planning, education, environmental justice, healthcare, tourism, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
  • Global Member of the Year: WTC Bengaluru (selected by the judging panel from the winners of the five Regional “Member of the Year” categories).

“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.

Reduced Size Champs Winners Group Photo Hero

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.



World Trade Centers Association and World Trade Center Bengaluru to Bring Newly Rebranded Global Business Forum to India for the First Time

Taking place in Bengaluru — the “Silicon Valley of India” — the GBF will focus on investment opportunities in the state of Karnataka and position India as an investment destination
Feb 05, 2024

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.