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 53^rd 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.

New York, NY (April 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 — and World Trade Center Accra will host the 53^rd annual WTCA General Assembly (GA) in Accra, Ghana from April 23-28. This will be the WTCA’s first in-person GA since 2019 and the first to be held in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The WTCA GA is the association's premier annual event and will bring together WTCA members and their global business networks consisting of leaders from business, government, academia, media and international organizations, reflecting the WTCA's diverse global footprint.

This year, the GA will include engaging roundtables and conversations, including keynote remarks from H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, and special remarks from H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Secretariat on Monday, April 24. The full program agenda is available here.

“Macro trends in four key sectors – automotive; agriculture and agro-processing; pharmaceuticals; and transport and logistics – and across Africa’s growth potential as a whole reveal tremendous opportunities for business expansion as population, income and connectivity are on the rise. The AfCFTA will unlock these opportunities, but not without disruption and change in business and production dynamics, especially due to increased intra-African trade,” said H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat in the January 2023 World Economic Forum Insight Report AfCFTA: A New Era for Global Business and Investment in Africa . “The benefits to African countries and to business success under the free trade area arise from the private sector understanding, recognizing and acting on the initiative’s value.”

“This GA and the opportunities it creates for businesses to network and connect, will highlight the unique trade and investment potential presented by Africa as the world’s next economic frontier, especially in light of the new AfCFTA," said Edem Kofi Yevutsey, Executive Director of WTC Accra. "We have been working closely with the WTCA team in New York to bring the global WTCA network to Africa. We look forward to welcoming delegates worldwide to our vibrant country to take advantage of the growth opportunities across the continent."

With the theme of "Towards African Economic Integration and Enhanced Global Presence," the 2023 GA demonstrates the strength of the WTCA network and focuses on business connections on the African continent with buyers, sellers and investors in the various sectors, such as Agriculture; Agro-Tech, Food Processing; Manufacturing; Mining, Power and Energy; and Water, among others. The African continent represents a GDP of USD $12.7 trillion and its 1.4 billion people represent the fastest-growing population on the planet. It is also among the youngest, with 15.7 being the median age, and its young population is poised to make its mark economically and geopolitically.

“Africa has long been viewed as a strategic economic market for growth for countries around the world, and was, therefore, a key focus for the WTCA and its members. The time is right for this year’s GA to be held in Africa and our first in-person GA since the COVID-19 pandemic,” said John E. Drew, Chair, Board of Directors of the WTCA. “In my 30+ years of experience in organizing trade delegations with the WTCA, I trust that this year’s GA will be a great success bringing opportunities to Africa and strengthening the WTCA’s overall mission. The WTCA GA is about setting up critical infrastructures to promote global trade – creating connections and maximizing business growth and economies, and for this reason the event is open to both WTC members as well as non-members. Attendees will network with fellow professionals from around the world, exchange ideas, and explore potential business opportunities during the event's networking sessions.”

For more information about the 2023 WTCA General Assembly, please visit https://wtca.swoogo.com/2023wtcaga/2289118. Also, follow along on social media via #WTCAGeneralAssembly and #GA2023.

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.

●        At the end of 2022, the index closes at 5.4%, 3.2 percentage points above the year's first half and a growth of 4.2 percentage points compared to the same period last year.

●        Leasing projected to recover faster than the sales segment.

●        Premium office sales for the first half of 2023 show positive outcomes.

Bogotá, Colombia (December 6, 2022) – The World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®), a global network of more than 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations in nearly 100 countries, has launched its 5th edition of the WTCA Prime Office Index Latin America (LatAm) in partnership with global business publication Latin Trade. Through this index, the WTCA seeks to highlight the current situation and outlook for premium office leasing and sales in Latin America. In December 2021, the index closed with a positive result of 1.2%. One year later, the trend maintained, and in December 2022, the index closed at 5.4%, a total growth of 4.2 percentage points compared to the same period last year.

This index, which consults experts from more than 20 cities in Latin America, seeks to track the recent performance and prospects of leasing and sales of premium office space in Latin America on a semi-annual basis. For the second half of 2022, the results grew 3.2 percentage points versus the first half of 2022. The overall trend is one of stability, and the expectation is continued improvement. Overall, the results show that perceptions of the current situation and expectations for the first half of 2023 are better for leasing than for premium office sales in Latin America. 

The study identified that the performance of the premium office leasing market would maintain a positive trend as prices continue to rise. About 40% of the experts surveyed emphasized that prices increased during the semester. Towards 2023, 50% of the experts believe that vacancy times will decrease, and only 5% think they will grow.

As for the premium office sales market during the second half of 2022, the performance was slightly less favorable than that expected by experts in the year's first half. About 75% of those interviewed said sale prices remained stable, while 20% saw increases. Premium office sales for the first half of 2023 show positive outcomes, as more respondents believe that average prices will continue to increase and that the waiting time to sell will decrease. Still, some respondents again stated, as they did in the previous survey, that political uncertainty, rising inflation and interest rates present significant challenges for the sector.

Although company employees have been working remotely since the pandemic, there has been a gradual return to in-person work in Latin America. Many companies and employees see this return in a positive light. In addition, 45% of those surveyed say that companies will discourage remote work for their employees; 40% believe that they will not change their current model; and the remaining 5% believe that they will encourage remote work. Remote and hybrid models do not affect the premium office market. However, 70% of the experts consider that the permanent arrival of remote or mixed forms of work would reduce the selling price of premium offices by less than 10%.

"The responses, although varying, generally pointed to the fact that there are no major risks to the prime office building infrastructure as it has been recovering from the pandemic without interruption over the past two years. Companies have adapted to a hybrid work format and still need office space to provide employees the option to work in-person, and are reinventing the office space with post-pandemic trends including more environmentally sustainable offices, better technological infrastructure (i.e., internet connections), and better lifestyle services (i.e., gyms, training centers, child daycare, among others). For 2023, the challenge is clear — it is important to incentivize companies to rent or buy premium offices to meet the interest of companies who want to encourage employee presence in their office spaces. And, at the same time, to meet the needs of employees who also wish to return to the office, they must provide conditions that generate well-being in the work environment," stated Carlos Ronderos, WTCA Regional Director, Latin America.

For the full report, visit https://latintrade.com/2022/11/29/wtca-prime-office-index-latam-december-2022/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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.

New York, NY (November 3, 2022) – The World Trade Centers Association® Foundation (WTCAF) is proud to announce architectural shelter-tech start-up, Space Era, as the winner of its third annual “Peace Through Trade” Student Competition.

The competition program is designed to identify and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders from the 300-plus cities where a World Trade Center® (WTC®)-branded business is located. Student teams are invited to present original projects, products or other innovative ideas that exemplify and promote social innovation and sustainability through collaboration, fair trade, and ethical international business practices by addressing at least one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

New for the third annual competition, in collaboration with the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), the program was open to students around the world — including the UNAI’s vibrant and diverse network of more than 1,400 member institutions in more than 147 countries that reach over 25 million people, comprised of students, academics, scientists, researchers, think tanks, institutions of higher education, continuing education and educational associations.

“The submissions to the annual WTCAF ‘Peace Through Trade’ student competition are always inspirational, and this year’s winners are no exception,” said Andrea Garwood, Chair of the WTCAF Board of Directors. “This competition allows innovative entrepreneurial students to share their vision with a global professional network of key leaders and the WTCA community, and helps us to fulfill our mission of bringing peace through trade. We would like to thank all participants for their valuable contribution to this year’s competition.” 

The winner, Space Era, is an initiative that aims to address the global housing crisis faced by people forcibly displaced during the pandemic, climate change and other humanitarian emergencies. Founded by Kaif Ali, an architect student at Jamia Millia Islamia Central University, Space Era will use sustainable materials, technology, cradle-to-cradle strategies, and innovative approaches — such as modular prefab technology, including shipping containers and insulation panels — to provide rapid, affordable housing solutions that ensure the standard of living and humanitarian rights.

The first runner-up, Papaya, aims to improve the menstruation experience by providing quality, sustainable and empowering solutions, as well as breaking menstrual stigma and taboos. Founded by Victoire Ambeza, Shagun Maheshwari and Suhani Jalota, students at Stanford University and Anant National University, Papaya will support menstrual awareness workshops and provide access to safe and sustainable hygiene products throughout low-income communities in India. 

“Space Era is a perfect fit for what the Foundation hopes to achieve with the ‘Peace Through Trade Competition.’ The WTCA has a large number of members who are focused on real estate, so there is a natural affinity with a project that has its roots in housing solutions. The project is not just about shelter for displaced persons, but instead, it’s about providing dignity and privacy while addressing several of the UN SDGs. Calamity knows no borders, so Space Era can scale borders easily and can fully take advantage of the vast WTCA network that encompasses all the continents,” added Garwood.

Space Era received a USD $3,000 cash prize to support its foundation, while Papaya was awarded USD $1,500 as the first runner-up. Space Era also has the opportunity to be interviewed by Robin van Puyenbroeck, WTCA Executive Director-Business Development, on the “WTCA Trade Wins” podcast. 

"We are highly obliged to be selected as the winner of this prestigious competition. Space Era is a perfect B2G youth-led initiative that is contributing towards humanitarian issues with innovative approaches as well as incorporating strategies revolving around the SDGs. Space Era's core mission is to work towards the Universal declaration of human rights “Article 25” to provide a standard of living and basic necessity of a human “HOME.” We will utilize the support from the foundation for further research and development of our housing solutions. Moreover, I would like to further invite the foundation and its network to explore work together towards these triggering issues to accelerate our journey to impact society socially, economically and environmentally, and make a perfect case study towards SDG17 “Partnership for the Goals," stated Space Era Founder Kaif Ali.

The 2021-2022 WTCA Foundation “Peace Through Trade” Student Competition winners were announced during the 2022 WTCA Member Forum — held on October 23-25 in New York City — and presented their projects virtually to attendees worldwide. Over two days, nearly 300 registered attendees across more than 120 World Trade Center businesses in 49 countries around the world gathered for this year's hybrid business conference — with 80 attendees in person in New York City for the first time in three years. 

For more information about the WTCAF and its annual Peace Through Trade Competition, visit www.wtcafoundation.org. 

MEDIA CONTACTS: 

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 Centers Association Foundation (WTCAF)
The World Trade Centers Association Foundation (WTCAF) is a private, U.S. tax-exempt, charitable organization (501c) founded in 2007, the mission of which is to conduct programs that promote social welfare in the pursuit and support of activities that foster peace and social stability. The WTCAF makes a difference by encouraging a better understanding of international trade; promoting and developing sustainable farming, energy, and transportation and trading activities; elevating the standard of living in less developed countries; and promoting ethical international business practices. To learn more visit www.wtcafoundation.org.

New York, NY (November 1, 2022) — The World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®), an international trade organization that connects over 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations in nearly 100 countries, hosted its 2022 WTCA Member Forum on October 23-25 in New York City. Nearly 300 registered attendees across more than 120 World Trade Center businesses in 49 countries around the world gathered for this year's two-day hybrid event — with 80 attendees in person in New York City for the first time in three years.  

With the theme of “Innovation & Connection: Celebrating the Power of the Network,” the forum was an engaging and insightful experience that allowed members to reconnect and demonstrated the resilience and global reach of the WTCA network.  

The WTCA introduced its newest members and the WTCA Chair, New York Executive Team, Regional Advisory Councils, WTCA regional teams, and Member Advisory Councils provided important updates to attendees about what’s to come in 2023. Highlights from the forum included two media training workshops; Member Flash Presentations where WTCA members shared best practices and updates on their WTC business initiatives focused on “Connection” and “Innovation;” a discussion on how the WTCA and its membership can work together to promote sustainable measures; a brainstorm session on how to celebrate WTCA Day (June 12) moving forward; a discussion of priorities for the North American region; and fun facts about several WTCA members during "Late Night with the WTCA," featuring host Scott Center of WTC Savannah. Space Era , an initiative to address the global housing crisis, was also announced as the winner of the 2021-2022 WTCA Foundation “Peace Through Trade” Student Competition .

The forum concluded with an official kickoff from H.R.H. Togbe Afede XIV to count down to the 53rd annual General Assembly (GA) hosted by WTC Accra on April 23-28, 2023. With the theme of "Towards African Economic Integration and Enhanced Global Presence," the 2023 GA will focus on business opportunities across the continent of Africa, bringing together new and expanded opportunities not only to/from Ghana but all nations. The GA promises to be a unique and engaging event, demonstrating the strength of the WTCA network, and is the perfect opportunity to showcase African companies on a global stage.

"It was wonderful to welcome back our members to our headquarters in New York City to network, share their expertise and learn new skills at our first worldwide, in-person event since before the pandemic," said John E. Drew, WTCA Chair, Board of Directors. "This year’s forum proved how resilient our global network is and that we enjoy great success as a whole association when we can strengthen connections on a global scale – there is no substitution to the value of seeing each other in-person. We look forward to reconnecting again in a few months in Accra to explore what makes Africa an investment destination and invite African companies to share their exciting business opportunities with our global WTCA network at next year’s GA."   

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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.

Attendees at the 2022 WTCA Member Forum held in NYC and virtually October 23-25, 2022. Photo Credit: April Renae Photography