Latest news with #WorldTradeCentersAssociation
Gulf Today
18-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sharjah hosts inaugural 2025 WTCA Middle East Members Conference
The Emirate of Sharjah hosted the inaugural 2025 World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Middle East Members Conference, organised by Expo Centre Sharjah, bringing together leaders and representatives from the region's growing number of 18 World Trade Center businesses. The Conference aimed to strengthen strategic cooperation, exchange expertise and best practices, and discuss ways to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies to optimize WTCA's operations and elevate its performance. Discussions also focused on empowering WTCA Members to serve as catalysts for business growth, innovation, and cross-border partnerships. Held at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)'s headquarters, the gathering was attended by Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah and Member of WTCA's Conferences and Exhibitions Advisory Council; and Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), along with several officials from the Sharjah Chamber and Expo Centre Sharjah. The Conference agenda addressed core themes, including strategies to strengthen international trade through collaborative efforts and complementary roles among WTCA Members. Participants highlighted the importance of accelerating digital transformation in the exhibitions sector, establishing a unified platform for data and expertise sharing, and activating networking frameworks among World Trade Centers in the Middle East to enhance competitiveness, attract investments, and foster innovation. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa stated that hosting the inaugural WTCA Middle East Members Conference reflects Sharjah's leading position in the global exhibitions and conferences industry. He noted that Expo Centre Sharjah is committed to enhancing regional and international cooperation to advance the exhibitions sector, optimize its operational efficiency, drive its sustainable development, and reinforce its essential role in supporting various economic sectors. During the conference, Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh presented a comprehensive overview of Sharjah's promising investment opportunities and the competitive advantages it offers to foreign investors. He highlighted the emirate's world-class infrastructure with its specialized free zones and integrated transport systems. He also pointed to Sharjah's pro-investment regulatory framework designed to support business scalability, ensure operational ease, and streamline the establishment of new ventures. Discussions during the Conference underscored the strategic importance of strengthening cooperation among WTCA Middle East Members. Speakers stressed the role of coordinated efforts in promoting international trade and supporting the region's economic development goals. Ahmed Tibaoui, General Manager and CEO of WTC Algiers, noted that regional integration is key to increasing the operational effectiveness of the exhibitions industry and reinforcing its contribution to long-term sustainable growth. For her part, Crystal Edn, WTCA Executive Director, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining WTCA's global initiatives and strategic programs aimed at supporting World Trade Centers and expanding their contribution to the global economy. Staff Reporter, Gulf Today
Zawya
04-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Expo Centre Sharjah, WTC Kentucky discuss enhancing cooperation in the exhibition industry
Sharjah: H.E Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah and member of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)'s Conferences and Exhibitions Advisory Council, affirmed Expo Sharjah's commitment to strengthening ties with various World Trade Centers. He stressed that strategic collaboration is key to reinforcing Sharjah's position as a global destination for exhibitions and conferences, noting that experience-sharing drives service quality and the adoption of globally recognized sustainable practices in the exhibition industry. These remarks were made during a meeting held at Expo Centre Sharjah between H.E Saif Mohammed Al Midfa and Omar Ayyash, President and CEO of World Trade Center (WTC) Kentucky and Member of WTCA North America Regional Advisory Council. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation and strategic partnership to support the growth and development of the exhibitions sector and empower it to play a vital role in promoting global trade. H.E Saif Mohammed Al Midfa noted that Expo Centre Sharjah holds deep expertise in organizing and managing international exhibitions and major events. He stated that the Centre remains focused on advancing its leadership, further developing its teams' capabilities in international trade, and reinforcing its connections with exhibition platforms in key markets like the United States, within the World Trade Centers Association network. Al Midfa added that the collaboration with WTC Kentucky provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise in event management best practices, promote global trade, and enhance the exhibition sector's role in attracting investments and boosting business tourism. For his part, Omar Ayyash expressed his satisfaction with the fruitful meeting, pointing out the vast potential for collaboration between WTC Kentucky and Expo Center Sharjah. He praised Expo Sharjah's successes and achievements, which have positioned the Centre as a benchmark in the management of major exhibitions and international events. 'This success fosters cooperation and joint efforts to provide an exceptional platform for Kentucky-based companies to access markets in the Middle East and the UAE, which serve as a strategic gateway to the region's markets,' Ayyash added. During the meeting, both sides discussed current global trends in trade and exhibition industries, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for companies in the evolving business landscape. They also discussed the role of World Trade Centers in empowering businesses by facilitating trade and investment opportunities, supporting participation in exhibitions hosted by both parties, and advancing companies in areas like technology and artificial intelligence. The two sides agreed to maintain ongoing communication and establish collaborative initiatives that benefit the business communities in both Sharjah and Kentucky. They emphasized the importance of strengthening the role of WTCA network as an effective platform for international trade and knowledge exchange, in support of shared economic interests. For further information, please contact: - Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications
Fashion Value Chain
30-04-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Over 400 Leaders from More Than 50 Countries/Territories Attend World Trade Centers Association's 55th Annual Global Business Forum in Marseille, France
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) – an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center (WTC) locations in nearly 100 countries and territories – and World Trade Center Marseille Provence have successfully concluded the 55th annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF) in Marseille, France. The World Trade Centers Association's 55th Annual Global Business Forum in Marseille, France, hosted by World Trade Center Marseille Provence focused on navigating global trade The four-day event, which took place April 6-9, brought together WTCA members and their global networks, including leaders from business, government, academia, and international organizations. Each gleaned new insights on shifting global trade dynamics, cross-border real estate investments, the importance of Free Trade Zones (FTZs) and sustainability efforts. Over 400 attendees across more than 50 countries and territories, and nearly 120 WTC businesses, gathered to forge new global business connections, and to learn about specific opportunities in Marseille, a popular Mediterranean port city and the oldest city in France. With the theme, 'Gateway to the Mediterranean,' the Forum helped attendees amplify their businesses' growth and international reach, further elevating WTCA's core mission, 'Connecting Businesses, Globally.' The event included more than 20 workshops, plus various keynotes, panels, local company tours and over 500 business-to-business (B2B) meetings. In addition, GBF attendees learned more about the Marseille region's business climate, including: its strategic position as a gateway to Southern Europe, North Africa, and Middle Eastern markets; the city's wide range of thriving industries, from maritime and logistics, to digital technology and biotechnology; and its ongoing infrastructure investments. Select WTC businesses also participated in the 'Connections Showcase' to formally acknowledge the meaningful connections and promising conversations initiated with those they met at the WTCA GBF. This year also marked WTCA's first dedicated Real Estate Summit during the GBF. During this portion of the event, global experts analyzed the state of commercial real estate, including its role in driving economic growth, and ways in which sustainable infrastructure and energy innovation continue to shape the future of developments. Additional topics of discussion included hyper-growth areas like data centers and logistics facilities. Amid shifting global policies and economic uncertainties, the WTCA network showcased at this year's Forum how it continues to be a vital and resilient force, fostering dialogue collaboration and trust across borders. Sessions held throughout the GBF focused on how the role of trade organizations is not only increasingly relevant, but is more indispensable than ever as businesses are actively seeking guidance, access and a global perspective. Leveraging its unparalleled global network, WTCA showcased how its members bridge market gaps and open doors to new business opportunities, while also elevating a city's global profile and connecting it to the world economy. To help in strategic business planning, WTCA's members around the world are able to provide on-the-ground information and valuable resources that can be shared throughout the network to create more cross-border connections. 'Our annual Forum stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when business leaders from around the world come together in the spirit of collaboration – and that's precisely where the WTCA network excels,' said John E. Drew, Chair, WTCA Board of Directors. 'In today's climate, WTCA remains committed to promoting free and fair trade, open markets and healthy competition. We believe these principles foster an environment that attracts investment, drives prosperity and fuels economic growth. Through our global network of independent WTC operations – built on trust and collaboration – we actively support these principles by facilitating international business connections and trade opportunities worldwide. This year's GBF showcased the real value of connection: forging strategic partnerships between our WTCA members and local/international business delegates; opening new pathways to trade; and reaffirming our shared commitment to free, fair, and open commerce. Together, we will continue to 'Keep Calm and Trade On.' We are thankful to WTC Marseille Provence for hosting such a wonderful event to demonstrate the power of our global network.' Speaking during one GBF session titled 'Global Outlook: Navigating Trade and Investment Trends in 2025,' Angela Ellard, Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), outlined the intergovernmental organization's role in navigating new trade policies, including the implementation or threat of tariffs. Her advice for GBF attendees was to remain level-headed and to consider not just the immediate effects, but the broader, long-term effects on global stakeholders. Benoit Vincent, CEO of WTC Marseille Provence, also said of the event, 'This year's GBF underscored the vital role the Marseille region plays in shaping the future of international trade – we offer a thriving environment for innovation, industry and global collaboration. In partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Internationale) Provence Alpes Cte d'Azur, we united to host a B2B matchmaking platform that resulted in over 500 B2B meetings, connecting delegates from around the world with each other as well as with local Marseillaise companies. We are proud to have hosted an event that actually goes beyond dialogue – sparking real connections to catalyze regional and international business growth.' The 2025 WTCA GBF concluded with a ceremonial announcement of next year's host during a Gala Dinner sponsored by Turkish Airlines. The 56th annual WTCA GBF is scheduled to take place in Philadelphia, USA from April 19-22, 2026, and will be hosted by WTC Greater Philadelphia.
