NEW YORK, NY – June 12, 2019 – Today The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) unveiled its second annual Trade and Investment Report (www.WTCAReports.org), conducted in partnership with FP Analytics. The report details the key factors that enable cities to remain resilient as dramatic shifts in trade-and-investment policies intensify economic competition. Moreover, on-the-ground insights from interviews with WTCA members around the world reveal that the damage being caused to global trade and investment may be worse than is currently captured by traditional indicators.

Global trade grew 3 percent in 2018, but tariffs and other causes of uncertainty have already led the World Trade Organization to reduce its growth forecasts for 2019 from 3.7 percent to 2.6 percent. The reality could be worse if trade and investment are being artificially buoyed by companies trying to get ahead of impending tariffs or navigate around other barriers. WTCA members reported a surge in trade over the past year as businesses sought to lock in costs before Brexit, and before the trade tensions between the United States and China escalate further.

“Economic uncertainty has created a ‘new normal’ which businesses and organizations are being forced to confront,” said FP Analytics Managing Director Claire Casey. “This year’s report illuminates the underlying causes driving this economic upheaval as well as provides successful strategies to combat this new instability.”

How can cities survive fluctuations in the global economy and foster growth? Analysis of city-level economic data from the past five years found that cities that outperform their countries during economic downturns have a consistent set of traits. Regardless of their location or size, these cities all have relatively diversified economies, strong service sectors, educated populations, high shares of foreign citizens, and robust transport infrastructure. And they have defied the odds by attracting investment under adverse circumstances: Their FDI as a percentage of GDP was twice as high on average as that of nonresilient cities. 

“The 2019 WTCA Trade and Investment Report shows that cities and businesses are being forced to consider new investment strategies and trade opportunities in a time where the global economy is in a state of near-constant flux,” said WTCA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Scott Ferguson. “However, cities are well positioned to act as centers of economic stability and growth during shifting policy changes and uncertain global economic circumstances.”

The report was launched in Metz, France, alongside a panel discussion of its findings. WTCA CEO Scott Ferguson; Rolf Alter, Senior Fellow at the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, and former Director of Public Governance at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development; Rani Dabrai, Director of World Trade Center Dublin; and Bruce Nairne of Nairne Limited, a private-sector consultancy, shared their perspectives on the report and the challenges and opportunities for business in the current environment.

“Cities are where policies and people meet,” remarked Alter. He continued, “We are living in the Metropolitan century, and this report is rich with examples of what works to ensure a city’s resiliency in what is certainly a time of fundamental change. The practitioner’s point-of-view detailed by WTCA members here is insightful and important.”

The results of the full report, including commentary from WTCA Members, are available for download at www.WTCAReports.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Eliot Marcus
Phone: +1.617.401.2277
Email: WTCA@allisonpr.com

About the WTCA 2019 Trade and Investment Report
This study, conducted in partnership with FP Analytics and the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), is a product of original city-level data analysis, as well as polling and interviews with WTCA members around the world. Cities with a WTCA member constitute more than 35% of global GDP and are home to nearly 1.24 billion people. Capturing insights from this unique global network of World Trade Centers in more than 325 cities, this analysis seeks to shed light on how global economic trends are shaping trade and investment at the local level, and the innovative ways cities and World Trade Centers are navigating this “new normal,” building global connections to drive local growth.

About World Trade Centers Association
The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 325 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 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 – April 23, 2019 – Moyo Nua, a project aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural practices of developing countries, won the first inaugural “Peace Through Trade” competition hosted by The World Trade Centers Association Foundation (WTCAF). The winner was announced at The World Trade Centers Association’s (WTCA) 50th annual General Assembly (GA) in Querétaro, Mexico.

Moyo Nua was founded by students Jack O’Connor, Catherine Hallinan, Seamus Hurley and Aoife Hand, who designed an ergonomic seed planter for smallholder farmers in Malawi. The seed planter is made from local materials and eases the physical burden on farmers, improving farmer health and boosting educational attainment for children who otherwise would be forced to forgo education while laboring for sustenance. Moyo Nua is also in the process of creating educational workshops that will boost the business skills of students in developing countries with the goal of diversifying the sector strength of businesses in countries where agriculture dominates employment.

"Winning the inaugural ‘Peace Through Trade’ competition with Moyo Nua was beyond amazing,” the students said. “Having the chance to network and collaborate with distinguished businesspeople from around the world developed the project in ways we could have never imagined. We’re excited to partner with the WTCA and progress the project together."

The Peace Through Trade competition aims to identify and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders in World Trade Center (WTC) cities. Teams were asked 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.

“With Moyo Nua, Jack and Catherine have created a project that is equal parts practical, idealist and inspiring,” said WTCAF Executive Director, Andrea Garwood, also Executive Director of WTC Trieste. “The selection committee was immediately taken with the submission and we are immensely proud to name Moyo Nua as the first winner of the ‘Peace Through Trade’ competition.”

Moyo Nua submitted through WTC Dublin and was unanimously voted as the winner. The team was given the opportunity to present onstage at the General Assembly, presenting their project to close to 500 representatives from Member World Trade Centers and their local companies.

“Through innovation, a steadfast commitment to sustainability, and hard work, the Moya Nua team has created a successful business that is changing the world for the better,” said Rani Dabrai, Director of WTC Dublin. “These bright young minds represent the future of business, one that is global in vision and sustainable in practice, and we congratulate them both on this well-deserved honor.”

About World Trade Centers Association Foundation 

Since 2008, the World Trade Centers Association Foundation (WTCAF) is a private, U.S. tax-exempt, charitable organization. (501c) whose mission 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.

About World Trade Centers Association 

The 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, 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.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Alex Brown
Phone: +1 212.432.2605
Email: abrown@wtca.org

QUERÉTARO, MX – April 3, 2019 – The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) — a network of more than 300 highly-connected, mutually supportive businesses and organizations — will host its 50th annual General Assembly (GA), drawing upwards of 500 representatives from Member World Trade Centers, foreign trade delegations and local Mexico companies. This year's event in Querétaro, Mexico, from April 7-11, will also mark the beginning of a year-long commemoration of the organization’s 50th anniversary. 

“Now, more than ever, is an important time to collaborate in international trade,” said Scott Ferguson, CEO of WTCA. “Thanks to our focus on driving trade and investment through global connectivity with each other, our Members are uniquely positioned to help local companies and investors grow in an environment that may not always seem friendly to international commerce. Over the next year we will recognize half a century of global trade connectivity for our association and its members, and we look forward to meeting in Querétaro to plan the next 50 years”

Chosen as the host of the 2019 GA, WTC Querétaro promises to execute an unparalleled event in the heart of Mexico. The program offers opportunities to make important connections in a wide range of industries both within the region, and throughout the entire WTCA ecosystem of trade. 

“Querétaro’s central location and proximity to other major cities such as Mexico City and Guadalajara make it a success destination for international trade,” remarked Carlos Uribe Menéndez, Chief Operating Officer of WTC Querétaro. “We’re honored to host this year’s GA, and excited for attendees to experience firsthand what makes Querétaro such a vibrant place to live, work and conduct business.” 

The GA will consist of a two-day “Innovation, Technology and Sustainability” (ITS) Summit, focused on key sectors in the region including healthcare research and development, agriculture and food, and aerospace manufacturing. Leading companies in each category — such as Mars, Nestlé and General Electric — will present new findings, technologies and trends. 

The remainder of the agenda promises a spectacular lineup, including speakers including Sherah Beckley, award-winning media and sustainability leadership expert from Thomson Reuters; Claire Casey, Founder and Managing Director of FP Analytics; Jesús Seade, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for North America (Mexico); and Angela Marshall Hofmann, President and Founder of World Strategies, LLC. 

Featured sponsors include AeroMexico Oficial Airline; Casa Queretana de las Artesanías; Central Studios & Media Hub; Grupo Proyectos; Producciones Nex; Media Master, El Financiero, IME, IENTC, WTC CDMX, Café Punta del Cielo; Wilson Center; Xuttle; and Zacua.

Additional commercial allies include: Querétaro Government, WTC Members across Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South America, Vórtice IT, SITRACK, SCHWARZMAN School and Tsinghua University.

For more information on the 50th General Assembly please visit https://events.bizzabo.com/WTCAGA2019. 

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About World Trade Centers Association

The 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, 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 Querétaro

Located in the bustling city of Querétaro, WTC Querétaro is a doorway for companies wishing to develop and expand their business goals through the global WTCA network. Through its alliances and development programs, WTC Querétaro provides a wide range of services such as networking and business opportunities, trainings, support and advice. The WTC Querétaro building offers unmatched amenities including a dedicated coworking area designed to encourage collaboration. Visit www.wtca.org/world-trade-center-queretaro to learn more.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sara Stephens
Phone: +1 646.428.0675
Email: WTCA@allisonpr.com

New York, NY, USA | 7 August 2018 – At its most recent meeting in London, the Board of Directors of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) voted to host its 2020 and 2021 General Assemblies at World Trade Centers (WTCs) Taipei and Accra, respectively. In a highly competitive bidding process, both WTCs presented compelling and well-conceived bids to host the event, and as a result of their exemplary efforts, both were selected.

WTC Taipei will cap off a year-long celebration of the Association’s 50th anniversary, which will begin at the 50th General Assembly in April 2019, hosted by WTC Querétaro (Mexico). WTC Taipei is a four-in-one complex located in the city's Xinyi District. The complex consists of the Exhibition Hall, International Convention Center, International Trade Building and Grand Hyatt Taipei.

“We are honored by the Board’s decision and have already begun the planning process for our GA in 2020,” said Walter Yeh, President & CEO of WTC Taipei. “This selection grants us an unrivaled opportunity to showcase the vitality and diversity of our city, as well as tremendous business opportunities to the WTCA network and the business world, allowing us to contribute in the celebration of such a historic milestone, and illustrate how Taipei is ‘open for business’.”

WTC Accra (Ghana) will follow in 2021, emphasizing the country’s standing as an engine of growth and development in Africa. Consisting of two imposing towers, WTC Accra is home to more than 20 international companies and combines public-private businesses that range from conference facilities to a variety of retail.

“Ghana’s economy—a symbol of stability on the continent—is accelerating at an ever-increasing pace and is already looked upon as an economic powerhouse in Africa,” remarked Togbe Afede XIV, Chairman for WTC Accra, and President of the National House of Chiefs. “We look forward to an outstanding event in 2021 and demonstrating all of the incredible opportunity in Africa.”

"I want to extend my warmest congratulations to both WTCs Taipei and Accra, two remarkable members," remarked Mr. Scott Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer of WTCA. "Located in two very diverse regions, they stand out for a variety of reasons, and we at the WTCA are confident that they will surpass expectations as the hosts of our next two General Assemblies."

For press inquiries, please contact Alex Brown or Andrea Mencía at media@wtca.org.

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About the World Trade Centers Association 

The 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, 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.

WASHINGTON, D.C. | 12 June 2018 – The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) unveiled its first-ever “WTCA Trade & Investment Report: Global Connections, Local Growth” at a private event at the Foreign Policy (FP) Group Offices. The report was conducted in partnership with FP Analytics and reveals that cities are positioned to lead in this time of geopolitical turmoil by focusing on stakeholder networks, human capital and connective infrastructure.

According to the study, 71 percent of WTCA members polled believe that a significant disruption in trade and investment is likely to occur this year with investments being put on hold amid global economic uncertainty. Additional key findings include:

• Urban outperformers create cities without borders: Strategic partnerships between global and local stakeholders are the critical enabling factor for cities competing for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and seeking to expand local businesses’ access to new markets. Cities with a WTCA member on average draw FDI per capita at twice the rate of their country, and export goods at 1.55 times the national level, per capita. These thriving FDI destinations are also engines of job creation, with every USD 1B in annual FDI being associated with a 1.5 percent higher workforce participation.
• Planes, brains and connectivity: Hard infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and digital connectivity constitute core building blocks differentiating and strengthening cities’ relative competitiveness. For every 1,000 passengers transiting through an airport, one can expect a USD 7.3M increase to local GDP and a USD 30K increase in FDI inflows. Additionally, adding just 1,000 people with tertiary education to a city’s population is associated with a USD 381K increase in FDI inflows by. Among cities with below average internet penetration (less than 54.5 percent), every 10-percentage-point increase in household internet penetration was associated with an acceleration in GDP growth by more than half a percentage point.
• Small companies are big business: SMEs drive local growth and employment, constituting 50-60 percent of value added, and 70 percent of jobs in the OECD. Still, the share of SMEs engaged in international trade is typically under 10 percent, underscoring the importance of trade-related support services—like those offered by WTCA Members—to unlocking their potential and making them an economic force multiplier for cities.

“These findings show that not only do our WTCA members have their fingers on the pulse of their local economies, but they can deliver great insight into the issues impacting the larger trade and investment communities,” said Scott Ferguson, chief executive officer of the WTCA. “By leveraging our global network, members help to integrate their home cities into the international marketplace, which can have a profound positive effect on the strength and resilience of the economy by drawing Foreign Direct Investment, increasing exports and generating jobs.”